Talented drivers aged 16 to 18 have an opportunity this summer to boost both their academic and racing careers by joining a prestigious apprenticeship scheme backed by motorsport’s UK governing body.
The Motor Sports Association announced yesterday that it is now accepting applications for the 2010 Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) in Motorsport.
AASE is a government-funded programme designed to help talented young athletes achieve their sporting potential.
The Motorsport AASE is led by elite drivers and human performance experts and forms part of the MSA Academy structure dedicated to creating future world champions by providing guidance and training for the country’s best young drivers.
Students receive three separate qualifications within the AASE framework: a Level 3 NVQ in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance; a Level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Sport (Performance and Excellence); and an MSA Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Motor Sport.
Candidates also have the option to continue studying for A Levels at school instead of taking the BTEC qualification.
Ginetta Junior runner-up Jake Cook, 16, joined the first AASE programme in August 2009 and the Formula Ford driver feels he has benefited hugely from the scheme.
He said: “It has far exceeded my expectations. What I have learned this year has certainly had an impact on my performances and my all-round approach to my career.
“But just as importantly, I have also had the chance to meet important and influential people and take advantage of resources I wouldn’t otherwise have had access to.”
Robert Reid, MSA Performance Director, said: “The feedback from those currently enrolled has been extremely positive and it is great to see how much some of them have taken from the programme.
“The more people hear about it, the more enquiries we have from young drivers and their parents; it’s going to become a lot more competitive to get a place in the future.”
The closing date for applications is July 16, with the programme starting in August 2010.
Anyone interested in enrolling should email the MSA or visit its website for further information, including details of the academic and sporting entrance criteria.