Last Updated: Thursday, 1st May 2025
How to Find a Motorsport Apprenticeship
Getting into motorsport is no easy feat – especially when you’re starting from scratch.
If you’re fresh out of school or college, apprenticeships can offer a head start. You’re learning on the job, gaining hands-on experience, and getting paid while you do it. Sounds like a solid route, right?
But what if you’re struggling to find an opportunity that fits? Or want something that gives you more long-term options?
That’s where the National Motorsport Academy comes in. But first, let’s take a closer look at what apprenticeships actually offer.
What Does An Apprenticeships in Motorsport Actually Offer?
Motorsport apprenticeships are often practical, hands-on roles, think mechanics, electrical systems, composites, fabrication. You’ll usually work alongside experienced engineers, gaining real-world experience and earning a wage.
The downside? They’re super competitive, and positions are limited. You also might find yourself stuck at entry-level for a while unless you continue your training.
The Problem: Why They’re Hard to Find
- Few motorsport-specific schemes – Most apprenticeships are general automotive, not motorsport-focused.
- Limited locations – Many roles require relocation, often to rural or industrial areas.
- Highly competitive – Places are limited and often snapped up quickly.
- Mostly mechanical – Most roles are hands-on, mechanical positions. You won’t often find opportunities in aerodynamics, data, or design at this level.
Where to Find Motorsport Apprenticeships
Because these roles don’t follow a traditional recruitment pattern, it’s worth checking specialist sites regularly. Here are a few we recommend:
- Race Staff – Jobs in motorsport engineering, mechanics, and support roles. Filter by “Apprentice” or “Trainee”.
- Employer Websites – Such as Williams, Red Bull Racing or McLaren.
- Motorsport jobs – One of the biggest job boards for motorsport. You’ll find apprenticeships as well as graduate roles.
- Fluid jobs – Especially good for emerging tech, creative and hybrid roles within automotive and motorsport.
- LinkedIn & Indeed – Search for “Motorsport Apprentice” or “Vehicle Technician Trainee”. Set up alerts to stay ahead.
- Colleges & Training Providers – Some colleges (like Walsall College) partner with motorsport firms for apprenticeship schemes.
Can’t Find the Right Fit? There’s Another Way
We get it, not everyone lands that dream apprenticeship straight away. What If you could earn while you learn – and still get a degree?
That’s where we come in.
At the National Motorsport Academy, we offer online motorsport engineering degrees that give you the same kind of hands-on knowledge — but with a full degree at the end of it. Study when you want, fit it around work, and keep earning while you learn.
Highlight bonus: it’s a degree – meaning more long-term career flexibility.
Our BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering is open to school and college leavers who meet the following entry requirements:
- 100 UCAS points
- At least one A-Level in Physics or Maths
- Or a Level 3 Diploma in something like Automotive, Motorsport or Software Engineering
Meet the Entry Requirements? Learn More About Our BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering Degree
Real-World Learning, Real Career Progression
NMA students work on live race projects with Team NMA, get access to real race data, and some even go on to roles in F1, GT, or high-performance road car development.
Meet Harry Adams
Harry shifted from a career in BioTechnology to Motorsport with the NMA, studying our MSc Advanced Motorsport Engineering degree.
How to Stay in the Loop
If you’re still set on finding an apprenticeship, we recommend bookmarking the job sites above and checking them often. New roles appear all the time, especially in the lead-up to race season.
35 thoughts on “Motorsport Apprenticeship Opportunities – And What to Do If You Can’t Find One”
Good morning NDA.I being Cameron Thornley age 20 I have just finished a 2 year course at Bromsgrove college Worcestershire in engineering .I passed all my exams and now looking to be employed in the Motorsport industry.I would be grateful if you could help me or point me in the. right direction.kind regards Cameron Thornley.
Hi Cameron. If you are looking to specialise in motorsport it is always best to get as much experience as you can in the industry alongside a specialist qualification. You’d potentially qualify for our degree programme based on your other course, maybe even the Top Up degree which would give your employability a boost. Otherwise you just need to apply or offer your services at as many race weekends as possible with as many teams. Getting experience under your belt also helps you to network and meet people which can also often lead to work. If you’d like any more information about our courses please just email me – niki@nda.ac.uk or contact our admissions team if it’s with regards to applying for a course – admissions@motorsport.nda.ac.uk. Best wishes, Niki
Hi. I’ve currently just finished my A-levels and am struggling to find the right path for next year (i.e. September). I studied History, Art and Psychology and I’m expected good grades in all 3 – I have always had an interest in engineering and doing practical hands on work but I feel the academic choices I’ve made have stunted any possible apprenticeship or job prospects in this area even with it being a great interest of mine, even though I would consider myself a quick learner with a real drive to learn new things. Any advice or places I could look/opportunities that could allow for my lack of Physics, Maths & engineering experience ?
Hi Brayden
Thanks for getting in touch.
It’s tough when it comes to making your A Level choices. I’d suggest looking at getting some additional qualifications and any experience you can in engineering or motorsport although it must feel frustrating having spent so long studying already. The Engineers Academy is an online college where you can get basic engineering qualifications alongside whatever else you’re doing. this is what we suggest for people who look to study our courses but lack the basic entry requirements. They offer Level 3, 4 and 5 qualifications which would be recognised by employers and other education establishments. This would mean you could also look to find a job at the same time as changing your career path.
There are some entry level motorsport opportunities out there but they do generally go to people with work experience of some kind. If you don’t have a local team or track where you could volunteer (marshalling and scrutineering are both great experience) you could also look at buying a car to work on yourself to learn the basics? Again, there are so many resources online to help with this.
I hope that this helps in some way. if you have any more questions please feel free to email me – niki.dupont@motosport.nda.ac.uk.
Best wishes,
Niki
Hi my name is Kevin Colonelli I have got a level 3 qualification in light vehicle maintenance and have quite a lot of industry experience in the field. I have recently started university I’m currently doing a engineering foundation year and hope to next year move onto motorsport engineering. However I’m not quite liking university but I still wanted to get into motorsport are there any degree level apprenticeship available.
Hi Kevin. Thanks for getting in touch. We are sending you an email to help you with some options. Best wishes, Team NMA
Hi
I’m due to leave school next year and will achieve all of my gcse in grade 5 and above including maths physics and engineering. I really don’t want to do a levels and am looking into the possibility of a level 3 apprenticeship
In motor sport design engineering. Please can you advise me where may have these available and any additional experience I could try to gain. Many thanks. Lewis Johnson
Hi Lewis. We have sent you an email giving you some options 🙂
Hi
I am looking fo Degree Motorsport Engineering and Design Apprenticeship at level 4/5 I,am looking for employment as well to gain both hands on experience as well as to progress on to a Meng, MSC in Automotive Motorsport Engineering.
Many thanks, William
Hi there, this is my last year at college and I’m trying to find an opportunity for next year. I’m currently studying Physics and Computer Science A Level (predicted A/B) as well as Level 3 Engineering (predicted D). I just wanted to know what options are there around for the end of this academic year.
Hi Ben. We’ve sent you an email which we hope helps.
Hello there,
I’ve just finished my service technician apprenticeship with Audi and got my NVQ level 3. I would really like to pursue a career in motorsport and especially get involved with the aerodynamic side of the sport but I’m not sure on how to go about doing this with my current qualifications. I’m 23 and I have a my own project car that I work on myself, and I do track days in, to get some good experience but would love to take this passion for cars and racing further. Any advice or pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
We have sent you an email which hopefully answers your questions.
Hello, My Name is Kristopher and I’ve just finished the level 3 in Motorsport engineering through IMI, I’m struggling with what to do next I want to become a race technician or even work on a pit crew I just have no idea where to start, I just what to know what’s out there and what I can move onto next/ what would be beneficial to me, cheers.
Hey Kristopher, it might be worth having a discussion with our student admissions team who can advise you on the best next steps for you. 🙂
Hi,
I am finishing my A levels end of next year, I am expecting A* in Design tech, B in physics and maths.
I wondered if there was any information you could give me in terms of apprenticeship degrees or apprenticeships in the motorsport sector. I am in between choosing either uni or apprenticeship and personally I would rather an apprenticeship degree due to the practical hand on approach which I love.
I know you have lots of valuable insite into this sort of process and hope you have some information to help me and some options!
Thanks a lot,
Cameran
Hello NDA, my name is Bobby and I am currently a level 3 apprentice with Porsche and I am looking to further my career and getting into the motorsport field. What would you recommend for me to take as my next steps in doing this?
Thank you,
Bobby
Hi Bobby, thanks for getting in touch. There are many steps you can take. Perhaps it’s worth a call with our admissions team to see how we can help guide your journey into motorsport? We’re here to answer any questions you may have!
Let us know if you’d be up for a chat.
Sean
Hi NDA, my name is Jonathon and I am looking for any opportunity to find my way into F1, I have no background experience within motorsport. I just want to get my foot in the door.
Hi Jonathon. Thanks for getting in touch. Just because you have no background experience doesn’t nmean you can’t make it to the top. It might be worth having a chat with our admissions team to see how we could help you with your goal! Please feel free to call us on 01159 123 456 or give us an email hello@motorsport.nda.ac.uk. Look forward to hearing from you!
Sean
Afternoon, I’m looking for a motor sport apprenticeship for my son. At the moment he is doing his level 3 in motor sport at Askern Bryan in york.
We live in Barnsley,Finlay is autistic but this doesn’t stop him, he is very intelligent and smart.
Any help in getting him a apprenticeship would be much appreciated.
hi, i have just recently finished my A levels at the beginning of 2023, i studied graphics design , photography and business. ever since finishing my A levels ive done all the work needed on my cars myself. i built a 280hp mk1 fabia vrs by myself so i know the basics of modifying cars. would love to eventually find my way into a large/high profile racing team it’s always been a dream
Hi, I’m currently finishing off an apprenticeship Level 3 light vehicle repair at a multi franchise garage but I have always wanted to / dreamed of working inside motorsport weather it be rally, touring car or even single seater, I don’t have any experience in race prep but do have some decent mechanical and electrical knowledge I have picked up over the last 3 years and just curious to see what options are out there for someone like me looking to progress within the automotive industry into motorsport
Hi Ryan, It’s definitely worth a chat with our admissions team if you’re looking to get into motorsport. They can have a chat to you about our course and how this will benefit your career!
We’re just a phone or email away 🙂
Our done is currently studying A-levels in Y12 and is keen to pursue a career in motorsport as a technical race engineer (eventually F1).
He is considering either and automotive engineering degree or an apprenticeship.
However the apprenticeships seem to be more mechanical rather than technical (data analysis etc).
What would your advice be for the next steps, uni or apprenticeship?
Thanks
Hi Steve,
We would of course say University as it’s what we do! However, there are so many different ways to get into motorsport now. I will say though that due to the nature of our online degrees, student can work alongside studying meaning they get the same benefits as an apprenticeship! Food for thought! You’re more than welcome to speak to our admissions team as well who can provide clear guidance around this.
Hi everyone,
I have a LVL 3 NVQ in light vehicle maintenance as well as hybrid and electric vehicles and am looking to try and get into motorsport, would that be possible with these qualifications or would I need to study something else to get in?
Thanks, Ben
Hi Ben, all applications are considered on a case-by-case basis so i would be confident your qualifications would be enough – but this ultimately comes down to the director. Your best bet would be to call our admissions team who will be able to provide you with the best possible advice. You can give them a call on 01159 123 456 or email hello@motorsport.nda.ac.uk
Hi, I’m Sophie.
I have a Level 2 diploma in light vehicle maintenance. I’m unable to find a L3 course or apprenticeship anywhere. Are there any other courses i could take that could help me get into motorsport?
Hi Sophie, i’d advise to get in touch with our student services team who will be able to give you some guidance on this 🙂
Hello,
I’m currently in Year 13, studying maths, physics and economics. Because of my passion for cars, I’d like to pursue an automotive-related engineering career. I have completed work experience in railway vehicle engineering at Transport for London. I am currently searching for engineering degree apprenticeships and I would greatly appreciate your help in finding a suitable role.
Many thanks,
Cian
hi everyone,
I am currently in my final year at college studying a level 3 professional engineering course and wanted to know if any degree apprenticeship roles were available in motorsport which has always been my passion. I have completed car maintenance work experience at a garage in Manchester. I would truly appreciate any help.
Many thanks,
Gianni
Hi there
I am a currently Foundation year student in Automotive Engineering at UWE in Bristol with the full automotive engineering degree ahead of me. I have a (Gap) years experience of around 9 months working for a materials testing company and I have 3 A levels B chemistry C Business and C Psychology. I also have very good GCSE grades and have 7’s and 8’s and Maths, Chemistry , physics, engineering and business.
I am unsure about continuing at university as I am not keen on uni life and the work environment is more suited to me. I want to do a degree apprenticeship next ideally but unsure if they accept a foundation year. I don’t have A level maths. I would consider a lower level 4/5 apprenticeship as long as I would end up with a degree. What so you suggest I target car company wise? or should I consider completing the degree course? thanks
Hello. I’m aiming for a career in motorsport management. I’m currently doing my GCSEs on track for 7s,8s,9s and planning to take Economics, Business Studies and History at A Level. I’m not sure what to do next. Are there higher level / degree level apprentice positions available with race teams for the business / management side of things I could do after A Levels. If so where d I find them? Do teams require a degree? Can I take one of the National Motorsport Academy courses after A Levels, and if so which ones? I’m really keen to get started working and training with a team, rather than uni if I can. Thanks you, Jake
Hello, I’m currently in the leading months up to me sitting my GCSE’S. predicted 6s,7s, I plan on taking on an apprenticeship either in motorsports or aerospace engineering. I’ve been quite worried because most of the people in my year seemed to have secured a sixth-form or a college while I haven’t been able to progress on to the next stage of many of the apprenticeships I’ve applied to. Another one of my worries is that if I don’t go sixth-form to achieve A levels, can I still be able to take on a degree apprenticeship with my qualifications from my level 3 apprenticeship.