For MEng Aerospace Engineering student Brendan Bourne (right), the chance to undertake a two-week placement with Red Bull Racing was an opportunity of a lifetime. 

“The work experience at Red Bull was fantastic, giving me a huge insight into how engineering principles are conducted within the motorsport industry with the particular focus on F1.” 

During the two weeks Brendan spent at Red Bull, he saw a huge amount of the business across all areas and got involved in processes and ideas that can be applied to future work. Alongside exploring the range of workshops and departments, he took part in creating some products such as scaled-down racing helmets and drinks cans.

“I got to assemble a scaled-down steering wheel – prepping the 3D printed elements, painting the components, and assembling all the parts including springs for the buttons on the steering wheel. 

Seeing the detail they go into with the surface preparation of parts and the amount of data collection done on every surface of the model was eye opening.”

Brendan worked alongside the team at Red Bull so was able to gain insight into their day-to-day roles.

“I got to speak to one of the Junior Composites Designers about what his job entails. He explained how they take a component from the aerodynamicists team all the way to a final production-ready design. 

“Just getting the chance to meet some of these people, and to build contacts for future when I’m looking for jobs.”

Upon returning to university, Brendan and other students from work placements shared their experiences, knowledge and understanding with the SHURacing team and the wider department.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better work experience, the Red Bull team looked after me and ensured that I was always kept busy and got to experience as much of the facility as possible.

I’ve come out of it with a huge amount of insight into their processes, and learned generally how they go about making things fast, reliable, and high quality. Myself and the SHURacing team can look at implementing this knowledge into our work and also carry it with us into employment.”

Whilst Brendan's time at Sheffield Hallam has come to an end, he continues to inspire the SHURacing team as a mentor.