The dream of a career in Formula 1 is now a reality for former Bede student Sam
Hard work, dedication and the right combination of subjects has seen this successful former Bede student rise to the pinnacle of his career, securing his dream job at Red Bull Racing.
Sam, 25, studied at Bede Sixth Form College for two years before progressing on to Newcastle University, studying mechanical engineering. He then continued his studies, completing a master’s degree before securing a place on a graduate scheme at Caterpillar Articulated Trucks.
After three and a half years at Caterpillar, Sam received an offer to work as a designer in Formula 1.
“I am currently working as an electronic system design engineer at Red Bull Racing which means I am responsible for taking electrical systems and schematics and finding ways to fit them onto the Formula 1 car,” he said.
Looking back on his first impressions of Bede, Sam said: “After visiting on open days, I knew Bede was for me. I found the tutors very friendly and easy to chat to alongside them being knowledgeable and passionate about what they were teaching. The modern building and environment on campus was also a big draw for me and I thought it would be the best place for me to continue my studies.”
Sam chose a mixture of subjects, ensuring he considered his future progression and his career aspirations.
He explained: “I was still unsure what I wanted to do at university, I tried to take a mixture of subjects I enjoyed as I think you do best in those, and subjects I felt would leave the most doors open down the line. I therefore decided to take maths, physics and chemistry. I then also tried to take one subject which wasn’t like the other three subjects to break up the week and again leave options open which for me was music tech.”
When we asked Sam what advice he would give the students of Bede Sixth Form today, he said: “Make sure you do what you enjoy. You will find it easier to learn as you will be more interested, and you will be more likely to go the extra mile. It’s nice to see your job as a hobby rather than something you do to earn money. It has been said so many times before but it’s very true!”
And would he recommend Bede?
“Absolutely! The facilities are first class no matter what subject you are studying, and the quality of the teaching is excellent. For me it felt like all the tutors wanted you to succeed and gave their all to make sure this would happen, going the extra mile at every opportunity”.
Congratulations Sam, from everyone here at Bede Sixth Form!
