This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- Length of the rotational apprenticeship programme
- 3 years
- Source: Williams F1 Team careers (opens in a new tab)
- Apprenticeship pathways, all mostly within operations
- 4
- Source: Williams F1 Team careers (opens in a new tab)
- Share of an F1 car made from carbon fibre, according to Williams' composites pathway description
- ~85%
- Source: Williams F1 Team careers (opens in a new tab)
- Maximum number of departments you can apply to, each with a cover letter of around 400 words
- 2
- Source: Williams F1 Team careers (opens in a new tab)
Overview
Williams runs a three-year apprenticeship that takes school leavers straight into race-critical work at its headquarters in Grove. Most apprentices join the operations team, which makes the parts and builds the cars.
The four routes
- Composites: making carbon fibre parts, from the chassis to the wings and crash structures. Williams says around 85% of an F1 car is carbon fibre.
- Metallics: precision machining of car parts, 60% scale wind tunnel models, jigs, fixtures and parts for the team’s heritage cars.
- Metrology: measuring and checking parts with micrometers, laser scanners and computer-controlled measuring machines, including testing that doesn’t damage the part.
- Assembly, test and validation: building the whole car and testing parts on rigs and in durability tests.
You rotate between areas, so you get a feel for different jobs. Williams says you work towards nationally recognised qualifications, studying at Level 3 depending on your route (which it compares to A levels, or the first year of a degree or HNC), with local training providers.
How they pick apprentices
Williams has five stages: an application with your CV and a cover letter of around 400 words, one online assessment, an online group task, an assessment centre at its headquarters (an interview, a practical skills test, a group exercise and a Q&A), and then the result. You can apply to two departments at most.
What they don’t tell you
Williams doesn’t publish grade requirements, apprentice pay or the names of its training providers. If you get to the later stages, it’s worth asking about all three.
What they do
Williams is a Formula 1 team with its headquarters in Grove, Oxfordshire. Its careers site, which uses the current team name Atlassian Williams F1 Team, says most apprentices work within its operations team on race-critical work.
Apprenticeships they offer
-
Composites
Operations
Making carbon fibre components, from the chassis to wings and impact structures.
-
Metallics
Operations
Precision machining of car components, 60% scale wind tunnel models, jigs and fixtures, and parts for the team's heritage cars.
-
Metrology
Operations
Measuring and inspecting parts with micrometers, laser scanners and CNC measuring machines, including non-destructive testing.
-
Assembly, test and validation
Operations
Building the complete car and testing parts on rigs and in durability testing.
Career areas
Entry requirements
We have not found entry requirements published in a form we can verify for this employer. They usually vary by programme, so check each role's details on the official site.
Who can apply
- Williams says it cannot provide visa sponsorship for its work experience and apprenticeship programmes.
- Every application includes an online assessment.
Our tips for Williams F1 Team
- You can only apply to two departments, each with a cover letter of around 400 words, so pick the areas that really suit you.
- There are five stages, including an online test, an online group task and an assessment centre at the factory with an interview and a practical skills test.
- Williams says you study at Level 3 "depending on the pathway", so ask which qualification your route leads to.
- Williams also runs a three-week summer work experience programme for students from Year 10 to first year of uni. It's a great way to see the factory first.
Summary
- Williams runs a three-year apprenticeship for school leavers at its Grove headquarters, where you rotate between areas.
- There are four routes, all mainly in the factory, and you study at Level 3 depending on the route.
- You can apply to two departments at most, and there are five stages, ending with an assessment centre with a practical test.
- Williams doesn't sponsor visas for apprentices, and it doesn't publish pay or grade requirements.
Related video
Kick-start your F1 career by joining the Williams Racing 2021 Industrial Placement Scheme
Questions about Williams F1 Team apprenticeships
How do I get an apprenticeship at Williams F1?
Apply to up to two departments, each with a cover letter of around 400 words. There are five stages: the application, an online assessment, an online group task, an assessment centre at the factory and the result. Our interviews and assessment centres guide helps you prepare.
How long is a Williams F1 apprenticeship?
Three years, rotating between areas at the team's headquarters in Grove, Oxfordshire.
What can you do on a Williams apprenticeship?
There are four routes, mostly in the factory: composites, metallics (precision machining), metrology (measuring and inspecting parts) and assembly, test and validation.
Does Williams sponsor visas for apprentices?
No. Williams says it can't provide visa sponsorship for its work experience and apprenticeship programmes.
Does Williams do work experience?
Yes. It runs a three-week summer work experience programme for students from Year 10 to the first year of university.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.