Last month we caught up with British Solider, Armed Forces Race Challenge Driver and National Motorsport Academy Student, Capt Rikki Abel who started his motorsport degree using the ELC scheme. The MOD’s Enhanced Learning Credits can be used towards higher education qualifications in any subject. Since becoming an approved learning provider on the ELC Scheme, we’ve been inundated with enquiries from servicemen and women who are looking to utilise their engineering and mechanical skills in the field of motorsport when they leave the service.
Using the ELC Scheme to Fund a Motorsport Degree
In January, we met 3rd Year BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering student Rikki at Autosport International where he talked to us about using his knowledge to build an aerodynamics package to help him ‘bring it to the Royal Air Force’ in this year’s Armed Forces Race Challenge. To find out more about how Rikki manages to fit in his studies and racing around his work at NATO HQ, watch the video –
Before applying for his BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering, Rikki studied engineering and gained a level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management. He also took part in the BTCC for five years with Power Maxes Racing, something which stood him in great stead to develop his own race team – something which will be taking up more of his limited spare time this year.
To find out more about Rikki’s race team, take a look at his website for Kiaana Motorsport – a family run team where 3 generations of the Abel family build and develop karts and cars for tracks and shows. You can also keep an eye on their progress as they compete on the professional track here on their Facebook page.
The level of discipline and focus required in the Armed Forces make service personnel ideal for a job in motorsport. Remaining calm under pressure, thinking on your feet, being able to focus after sleepless days and nights are all desirable qualities in a motorsport engineer! If you’d like to know more about the NMA courses available under the ELC scheme, you can visit the ELCAS website here.
If you’re a member of the Armed Forces with mechanical engineering or automotive experience, transferring your skills to motorsport can be a great way of continuing a career in a fast-paced, adrenaline fuelled environment. As mentioned by Rikki, our courses truly can be studied from anywhere. All you need is a laptop with access to the internet. You get full support from our team of experienced tutors who are all motorsport professionals. Modules are completed one at a time, with most people taking between 3 and 5 years to complete a course.
Our dedicated ELCAS page tells you more about applying under the ELC scheme.
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