A brand-new campaign aimed at Bradford youngsters, is set to bring acclaimed Formula One racer, Lewis Hamilton to the city, in an attempt to help convert their love for motorsports and automobile into a flourishing career.
The Leap, Bradford’s Creative People and Places programme, has teamed up with Bradford College and Bradford Council, and the project is supported by Mission 44, a charitable organisation founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton. Mission 44 is focused on building a more inclusive education system, supporting progression into STEM and motorsport careers, and empowering young people to be changemakers.
On Friday, 14 July, in Centenary Square and City Hall, the campaign is holding an exciting day of FREE hands-on activity for year 9 and 10 pupils from Bradford and Keighley’s schools.
Young people will be able to try their hands at a whole host of car-themed activities and speak to people who share their passion and zeal for all things automotive.
The day’s activities will promote interest, skills and learning in the motorsport and car industries.
There’ll also be a focus on other STEM related careers, and how Bradford College can support young people’s ambitions through its apprenticeship schemes.
Speaking to Asian Standard, Sabir Musaji, Fuelling Futures project lead at The Leap, said: “What we want to do is raise awareness and increase diversity within motorsports. So, Lewis Hamilton is very passionate about increasing diversity, especially for girls and ethnic minorities in motorsports and what we are doing to help him is to bring about a celebration of Bradford’s car culture, Bradford’s passion for modifying cars and basically young people who wish to have a career into this area.
“The event is aimed at 14- to 18-year-olds, and we’re inviting those who can be our subjects. We have two types of activities going on. The activities are aimed at bringing more interest and skills about the car industry.
“One activity is called the racing crew, which is using radio-controlled cars, they are also explaining how the car is designed.
“The other activity is called the crawling crew, which will tell about how the suspension of the vehicle works.
“So, we are bringing about a host of young people and encouraging awareness in STEM courses and vehicle dynamics, and also telling them that by the way the passion that you have for these activities can be converted into a flourishing career.
South Asian representation in the world of Motor sports is really low, even though the community has a passion for cars.
Shabir says, “Currently within the motorsport industry, there is a huge underrepresentation of ethnic minorities, but we do find that young people do have a passion for vehicles and modification. They are learning the skills, but they are learning it underground. They are learning how to change bumpers and other stuff off YouTube videos or from a friend of theirs. We want to give them a high-level skill, we want them to study this officially through Bradford College and that’s why we have made them our partner.”
In preparation for the day, and as part of the Fuelling Futures campaign, one group of young people got the chance to travel to Silverstone ahead of last weekend’s British Grand Prix – and to meet Sir Lewis Hamilton himself! They toured the paddock and museum and took part in STEM and radio car activities. To coincide with British Grand Prix weekend, Fuelling Futures also held a pop-up stall at the Bradford Eid Festival.
The organisers say that the registrations are complete and all slots have been filled.
