15th June 2018
Jake Cronk was selected from over a thousand applicants across the country for the opportunity of a lifetime.
After studying a Marine Engineering Course at South Devon College, Jake completed an apprenticeship and progressed to the University of Plymouth to study MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering.
The placement allowed Jake to work alongside world-class engineers and Formula 1 (F1) world champions Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
Jake Cronk with Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton
Jake worked with the Product Validation department, which is closely linked with the team’s on-track activities. He also joined the Boosting Product Engineering team, analysing and testing the performance of the Mercedes power unit during testing and race weekends.
A highlight for Jake was getting to go to a practice session at Silverstone, where he worked closely with the car and its two champion drivers.
Jake said, “It was amazing to get the opportunity, Mercedes must have picked up on my enthusiasm for engineering. It is something I have always been interested in, and F1 leads the way in terms of automotive engineering.
“Growing up, my favourite driver was Lewis Hamilton so to be part of his team and potentially have a future career in it is amazing!
“F1 is a fast-paced environment, both on and off the track. You have to adapt to rule changes and advances in technology, but I have loved every minute of it. The great thing about the placement was that from day one, I did not feel like a student. I was trusted with my own tasks and was expected to complete them just like everyone else.”
To see how far you could go with an engineering course with South Devon College call 08000 380 123 or email [email protected]