Milton Keynes College apprentices working in Formula One visited Downing Street to celebrate 75 years of the sport. The apprentices had the opportunity to meet some of the biggest names in the sport – all as guests of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Jordan Smith, Engineering Workplace trainer at Milton Keynes College Group said it was the experience of a lifetime: “The apprentices were quite nervous at the beginning, so I asked them who they’d most like to speak to, and they said Sir Jackie Stewart, so we just walked up and said hello.”

“The apprentices are all big fans, but he was so nice to them. He told them they are the future of the motorsport industry, that they should be proud of their part in it, and he even thanked them for being involved.”

Emily Darlington, Milton Keynes Central MP, said: “What a fantastic experience for this great group of apprentices. Milton Keynes is the heart of F1 and with institutions like Milton Keynes College and the Open University in our city, it’s no surprise that so many young people in MK are making their mark. It’s also amazing to see so many more women getting involved in the sport.  I’m so glad to see everyone’s talent recognised in Downing Street.”

Miah, one of the apprentices from Milton Keynes College, was recently named as the youngest ever finalist in the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards. She said she’s it’s been a whirlwind few weeks to follow that with a visit to the Prime Minister’s home: “Visiting number 10 was an honour and a privilege. Seeing likeminded apprentices and others coming together at Downing Street to celebrate 75 years of F1 is an experience I will never forget.”

It has also been a rollercoaster ride for Jordan, who recently completed his teacher training at the College after a career in railway engineering. He said: “The College gave me the opportunity to move into teaching at just the right time, and I absolutely love it. I work with the apprentices on health and safety, electrical and fluid power, and it’s such a rewarding job.

“I’ve been able to do my own studies for my teaching qualifications alongside my work in the classroom, and it’s given me insights into different industries, visiting the apprentices at their employers in Formula One and other industries. It’s inspiring.”

Jordan says he was initially quite daunted by the idea of becoming a teacher, but he’s had brilliant support. “My Dad trained officers in the RAF, and between him and the people of the College who’ve looked after me along the way, I’ve always felt that there were people I could talk to about how to progress.

“I’ve really built my confidence in the classroom; I can put together my own lessons to make sure they’re engaging for the apprentices who are, frankly, brilliant. It’s not like school in that they’re all there because they want to be. It’s the most rewarding job you could ever do.”

The College Group is currently looking for teachers in a whole range of subjects. While we are keen to hear from experienced professionals, we are also searching for people coming from industry like Jordan, and recent graduates with up-to-date knowledge of their subjects. The right candidates will be put through their teacher training while they begin their careers.

For more information on becoming a teacher at MK College Group read more here.