From Brooklands to McLaren, Jack Wood shares his story

Last week, our engineering students were thrilled to welcome our special guest and alumni student – Jack Wood, who has carved an impressive career for himself as a Model Maker at McLaren Racing. His inspiring talk offered a unique opportunity for aspiring engineers and motorsport students to hear first-hand how their college journey could pave the way to exciting career opportunities.

Jack’s presentation painted a vivid picture of his day-to-day life at McLaren. He delved into the intricate world of model making, explaining how much of a crucial role he plays in the design and development at McLaren Racing.

A significant part of Jack’s presentation focused on the foundational role Brooklands Technical College played in launching his career. He fondly recalled his time in engineering, emphasising the practical skills and theoretical knowledge he gained and how they were directly transferable to his new role. Jack was also very grateful to his teacher, Richard Green, who taught Jack throughout his course and submitted his CV to Mclaren after recognising Jack’s talent and dedication to the sport. Richard went the extra mile and was instrumental in helping Jack secure his initial role, demonstrating the powerful impact of dedicated tutors and industry connections.

Jack also took the time to elaborate on his passion for motorsport and highlighted the importance of showing true commitment by attending track days and race events, which was crucial in allowing him to fully immerse himself within the motorsport community and network with others.

The talk resonated deeply with our students, offering a personal example of how their current studies could translate into a fulfilling career at their dream company. Jack’s journey highlighted the importance of hard work, education, and the significant impact of supportive mentors and their connections. His visit served as a powerful reminder of what our students can achieve and highlighted the supportive environment the college fosters. 

Check out McLaren Racing’s career path opportunities by clicking here or email stem@mclaren.com if you have any further STEM related questions.