Ollie, a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Warwick University, shares his journey with the Prodrive Graduate Scheme, where he’s involved in various projects from vehicle suspension and steering design to active aerodynamics. With a strong foundation in design and hands-on tasks, Ollie has quickly gained confidence and practical skills. His role as a junior engineer allows him to see projects through from conception to build, a rewarding experience that Prodrive’s collaborative and supportive culture fosters.

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What attracted you to a career in Engineering?

I’ve always been interested in designing and making things, particularly mechanical components to do with cars, so mechanical engineering seemed to be obvious choice.

What University did you study at, and what course did you study? (how does this relate to your current work/role?)

MEng Mechanical Engineering at Warwick University

Tell us in your own words about the Prodrive Graduate Scheme you’ve just joined.

The Prodrive graduate scheme has given me a large amount of exposure to different aspects of engineering and has allowed me to learn and broaden my skillset. I have been able to take on tasks that have a real impact from very early on, which has also given me confidence in my abilities.

What is your role at Prodrive and what does it involve? What’s a typical day in your job?

My role at Prodrive is a junior engineer which has involved a wide variety of tasks from design work to hands-on investigations. My working day changes depending on which tasks I’m doing, but it generally starts with checking emails and general admin tasks, before getting on with my project work for the rest of the day.

What sort of projects do you get to work on?

So far, I’ve been on a variety of different projects. I’ve been part of a team designing suspension and steering for a new vehicle, supported with an active aerodynamic system, and have designed frames and jigs used to put together an assembly. With these projects, I have been able to get involved in the design stage, and have then been able to support with the build and testing.

What’s the most exciting part of your job at Prodrive?

For me, I’ve enjoyed the variation in projects and the fact that I have been able to get involved early on and see my work through to the manufacture and build stage. It’s rewarding when you see it all come together.

What attracted you to Prodrive Advanced Technology?

For me, the diversity and challenging nature of the projects that Prodrive Advanced Technology are involved in was very appealing. After seeing the projects that had been undertaken in the past, Prodrive seemed the obvious place to be.

Describe the culture at Prodrive Advanced Technology. What do you like about it?

I have found the culture here to be very nice. Everyone has been friendly and supportive and happy to answer and discuss any questions you may have.

What makes working for the Prodrive unique?

I think the variation in projects is one of the unique aspects of working at Prodrive. I also think the fact that you get responsibility and have the chance to make an impact from early on is quite unique.

Describe how your assigned Technical Mentor has helped you.

Having a technical mentor has been helpful for when you have any technical questions, or if you have any areas that you would like to develop as part of the graduate program.

There is also a buddy system as part of the Graduate Scheme, describe what is this and how you think it helps someone new to Prodrive.

I found it very helpful to have a buddy when I started as it gave me a point of contact who I could ask any questions to. My buddy could also give me advice and tips on certain things that they have found useful since they started.

Where do you see the Prodrive Graduate Scheme taking you and what would you like to do in the future?

The graduate scheme will give me the required knowledge, experience and exposure to become a mechanical engineer, and will give me the skillset to be able to take on more complex tasks with more responsibility.