Taking the first step towards a dream career in motorsport can seem daunting. But when it comes to getting practical experience in any hands-on, technical career, internships are a great way to start. Many major motorsport teams and manufacturers offer motorsport internships as a way of training the engineers of the future and it’s a win-win for them and you. You get trained in the dark arts of engineering required at the top level of motorsport, they get candidates who are eager and enthusiastic who will become the stars of the future. Motorsport Internships and apprenticeships can also pay more than your average trainee programmes so there doesn’t have to be a huge compromise – you can get paid for doing what you love!

Most motorsport internships will require you to be qualified or working towards a relevant degree-level qualification. This is to make sure that you have learnt or are learning the theoretical knowledge needed to play an integral part in their team. Internships aren’t for the lazy or complacent – you’ll be working on components and processes which are critical to the success of teams and drivers at the very highest level.

Motorsport Internships aren’t exactly ten-a-penny but they’re also not scarce. Here are our top-picks if you’re looking to give your motorsport career a jump-start this year:

F1 – Honda Racing

Job: Test Engineer (3-12 month Internship)

Honda’s internship programmes are legendary. They offer 3-12 month positions across a range of disciplines, mostly based in Milton Keynes, the hub of their R&D operations in Europe.

Their motorsport internship requirements stipulate that you must be have or be working towards a Mechanical / Electrical / Electronic Engineering or related degree and be on-track to achieve a 2.1. It’s also a requirement to have decent results in maths or sciences at A-Level or equivalent with a strong interest in engineering principles.

You must also be curious, resilient and motivated in this immensely fast-paced environment and it’s an added bonus if you have experience in MATLAB/Python/C/C++ or any equivalent programming language.

Find out more or apply now!

The Honda Institute also offers engineering apprenticeships for both bikes and cars. You can find out more here.

Toyota Motorsport

Job: STUDENT (M/F/D) ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION

Toyota’s dedicated motorsport division, TMG, churn out some of the industry’s best engineers. Their R&D facility features some world-leading prototyping, design and testing technology which students and interns get to play with whilst learning some cutting-edge engineering skills.

Take a look at TMG’s epic facilities

Sold? To apply for their Student OBD Investigation role, based on Germany, take a look at their website.

TMG also accept ‘Unsolicited Applications’ – just email your CV to job-opportunities@toyota-motorsport.com and remember to sell yourself in your cover email!

Bosch Motorsport

Job: Powertrain Calibration Intern

Bosch are a global giant for all manner of engineered products, not in the least automotive and motorsport. Their Motorsport division develops world-leading systems and components which support vehicles and teams across the world.

Their ECP 160 (Electric Cooling Pump) won “Product Showcase Winner” in the Efficiency category at this year’s Autosport International, thanks to its innovative and lightweight brushless design.

Bosch Motorsport offer regular internships across different divisions. Current vacancies include: Powertrain Calibration Intern and Motorsport Engineering Student

Here’s a list of desirable qualities from Bosch’s recruitment team:

• You will currently be studying for a degree level qualification in one of these areas: Engineering, Automotive engineering or another similar field
• Ability to demonstrate excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• Ability to communicate concerns and identify resolutions in a clear, concise manner
• Knowledge/interest of automotive vehicles
• Knowledge in CAD, preferably SolidWorks, is preferred, on the job training will be given to individuals

You can view all of the available opportunities on the dedicated careers page here

Ducati

Job: Open Internships

If bikes are your thing, you surely can’t get better than an internship with the most disruptive innovators in the paddock – Ducati. Ducati Internships are offered on an unsolicited basis – i.e think you’ve got what it takes? Fill in an application form and attach your CV and if they see you as a good fit you’re in with a chance.

Ducati obviously like to push the boundaries of motorcycle engineering so keep this in mind as you’ll be asked to demonstrate which area of the company you are most interested in and a topic you’d wish to develop during your time with them. Their internships typically last 6 months and you’ll need to have either graduated or be working towards a degree in motorsport, automotive or engineering discipline.

You can find out more about Ducati’s Internships here

M-Sport

Job: Graduate & Apprenticeship Programme

Formed in 1979, M-Sport are relative newcomer in the world of motorsport but that hasn’t stopped them from becoming MASSIVE in the World Rally Championship. Working with one of the most successful privately-owned WRC teams is a great opportunity for any student or graduate looking to gain skills and experience in this fast-paced industry and their Graduate and Apprentice schemes are well known for providing great opportunities for the Rally Engineers of the future.

As with many of the positions above, you must be studying towards a degree in motorsport or have already graduated in one of the following:

• Motorsport Engineering
• Computer Science or IT
• Mechanical Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering

You’ll be heavily involved in the planning and preparation of documentation and car builds, assisting with R&D and testing of new systems and ideas.

M-Sport generally take on new graduates or apprentices in August and September. The application process is via an online Application Form or visit their dedicated page here.

The National Motorsport Academy offer the world’s only online motorsport qualifications. Awarded by De Montfort University, our BSc Motorsport Engineering and MSc Advanced Motorsport Engineering can both be studied part-time to fit in around your current job, motorsport internship or family commitments. Start date, study time and fees are all designed to be as flexible as possible to help you take that next step in your motorsport career!

What are you waiting for? Apply today!