Lewis Hamilton supports youth in Bradford to pursue career in STEM, motorsports

A new campaign has been launched in Bradford to support young people to take up careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and motorsports, a statement said.

The Fuelling Futures campaign is being organised by The Leap, Bradford’s creative people and places programme, Bradford College and Bradford Council.

Lewis Hamilton's charity Mission 44 also supports the initiative, the statement added.

As part of the campaign, a day of free hands-on activity for year 9 and 10 pupils from Bradford and Keighley’s schools will be held in Centenary Square and City Hall on Friday (14).

Students can try their hands at a whole host of car-themed activities, and speak to people who share their passion and zeal for the automotive sector.

The focus will be on other STEM related careers and details about Bradford College's apprenticeship schemes will also be discussed.

Kelly McCallister, head of apprenticeships at Bradford College, said, “We are thrilled to be working with Mission 44 on this project. We have recognised a lack of participation and representation from ethnic minority apprentices and females in male-dominated industries such as engineering and motorsports over recent years. Having the backing of such a prestigious organisation will really help us shine a light on the opportunities available”.

According to the statement, the main activity on Friday will be on radio controlled cars and taking a closer look at the fundamentals of race engineering and off-roading.

The event will culminate with Bradford’s first ever Precious Metal festival, a community-led showcase of 70 high performance cars in Centenary Square.

“The campaign brings to the Bradford district a cool and fun way of celebrating our unique car culture, whilst getting young people inspired and thinking about STEM and careers in motorsports," said Sabir Musaji, Fuelling Futures project lead at The Leap.

“That’s why this unique partnership with Bradford College apprenticeships and Mission 44 is so exciting, because I believe we can convert that passion and enthusiasm into career pathways that many young people of the Bradford district might not have thought were possible for them."

Recently, a group of students traveled to Silverstone ahead of British Grand Prix and met Lewis Hamilton. They toured the paddock and museum, and took part in STEM and radio car activities, the statement further said.