There’d be few better ways to get apprentices into the trade than by having them tinker with Supercars.
That’s the opportunity Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) Foundation Academy has for those who feel they’re up to
the task.
“WAU Foundation Academy was something we conceived to help grow young people into our sport to bring young talent through,” WAU CEO Bruce Stewart said.
“And it’s not just drivers, it’s also engineers, mechanics, commercial people.
“We see so much opportunity in the sport to have people grow long term careers.”
The works
Apprentices working in the Academy start off working in the Toyota GR Cup Race Series before moving into Super2 and finally the big leagues in Supercars Championship Series.
“And the beauty is, is that the whole way, they’ve been mentored by senior, more experienced engineers or mechanics or commercial people in the team,” Bruce added.
“In that respect, they learn how we operate and what processes and programs we use to make sure that we constantly improve.”
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The Academy is no cakewalk either, with apprentices working on plenty of complex critical tasks and race projects.
“We’ve had young engineers assisting in the design, but also in the production of prototypes, including things like taillights, wing mounts etc,” Bruce said.
“They also help with the design and manufacture of key items that we need that are in short supply, but need fast turnaround.
“They’ve been integral in helping us get to the line.”
Supercars will welcome the Toyota GR Supra to the lineup next year, which has meant WAU Academy apprentices have had the chance to get an inside look at the new race cars.
“Our Toyota Supra Supercar project is going extremely well, and it’s on the back of some very talented young people, guided by our technical team, who have got a huge amount of experience that has meant that we are well on track,” Bruce said.
The Academy has seen plenty of talent flourish, including young Supercars Wildcard speedster Zach Bates and current Walkinshaw Andretti United driver Ryan Wood.
Skills and thrills
With many trades experiencing a shortage, Bruce said the WAU Foundation Academy was a great way for would-be apprentices to see what opportunities await them in the wider industry.
“It clearly works well for us, as well, because the team has a ready-made pipeline of amazing young talent to step into the breach if we have someone who can’t make it around or someone who chooses another career direction,” he said,
“It’s certainly been fantastic in that respect. But the biggest impact has been having that youthful exuberance, enthusiasm and energy around the team, and it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.
“Even though you’re bringing through youth and inexperience … you’re actually gaining so much in terms of culture, the way a team operates and the general energy that it’s been an unintended consequence but absolutely pleasing to see.”
As well as paving the way for apprentices to carve out a career, the Academy also empowers those who might come from financial or geographically challenging backgrounds get into the industry.
“I wish we could make it wider for the young talent,” Bruce explained.
“I wish we could do more … we run a lot of events like Girls on Track, and a lot of workshop events where we open our doors for young talent to come and see.
“I can see the wealth that the universities and the TAFEs are growing in these areas, but we’re a team of 52 people, and you know, I only have a few internships a year.
“We’ll continue to push to grow it as much as we can. And the by-product is that we get young talent through who also might not have the financial backing to make it, but we’re picking the cream of the crop and giving them financial support to be able to take the next step in the career.”