Sixth form students at St Gregory’s Catholic College were treated to an exceptional careers talk when former student Michael Prest, now Principal Engineer – Structures at Williams F1 Racing, returned to share his experiences and extraordinary career in the world of Formula 1.
Michael, who attended St Gregory’s from 2003 to 2008, shared insights from his remarkable journey from school to the pinnacle of motorsport engineering. A Level STEM students listened intently as he described his educational pathway before joining prestigious teams including Red Bull Racing and Aston Martin before taking on his current role at Williams.
The session became particularly engaging when Michael shared actual components from an F1 car, demonstrating the meticulous engineering required to gain competitive advantages. He explained how engineers constantly seek the smallest margins in design to make cars lighter, more aerodynamic and stronger, while highlighting the rigorous safety testing process that ensures driver, marshal and crowd protection.
“This visit gave our students a genuine insight into automotive engineering and the diverse career opportunities available in Formula 1,” said Head of Science Phil Dorney, who organised the event. “Michael’s passion for his work was evident, and it was inspiring for our students to see where their studies could potentially take them and the amazing array of opportunities that are open to them – not just in engineering but across a range of careers from component and material design to accountancy, marketing and logistics; the list was endless.”
The event exemplifies the school’s commitment to exceptional career guidance and industry connections. Through established partnerships with universities and professionals, the sixth form regularly provides students with direct access to industry experts who can offer authentic insights into potential career paths.
