You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in motorsport or automotive engineering.

Employers may also accept related subjects, like:

• mechanical engineering
• aeronautical engineering
• materials science
• software development
• electrical or electronic engineering

Choosing a course that includes an internship or industry placement can give you an advantage when looking for jobs. It can also help if you want to join a graduate training scheme with a motorsport engineering company, or their suppliers.

You can check if universities are involved in schemes like Formula Student and Greenpower. These provide opportunities to get hands-on experience and to make contacts within the industry.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree

You could apply to do an engineering technician apprenticeship, then go on to train on a higher or degree apprenticeship in an engineering subject.

Engineering apprenticeships include:

• Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Engineering Manufacturing Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Electro-Mechanical Engineer Level 6 Apprenticeship (on a level with incorporated engineer status)
• Manufacturing Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Volunteering at motorsport events is a good way to make contacts in the industry and to get yourself known. Motorsport UK and British Motorsports Marshals Club have lots of ways you can get involved.

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• problem-solving skills
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

As a motorsport engineer working in design or production, you would:

• design prototypes using specialist engineering software
• assess designs using simulations, virtual reality (VR) and physical models
• test parts, bodywork and performance in the lab and on the track
• build production models and run quality control and safety checks
• apply team branding and sponsorship logos to vehicles or bikes

At race events you would:

• set up vehicles to handle track and weather conditions
• analyse performance data during races, like engine speed and aerodynamics
• fine tune vehicles and send technical instructions to the driver or rider
• carry out ‘after-tests’ at the end of races to look for signs of damage

You could work at a car manufacturing plant, in a workshop or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.