McLaren's first Sheffield apprentice is more of a trains man

He must be the envy of young petrolheads everywhere, but McLaren's first Sheffield apprentice says he is more of a train man.
Ian Hutchinson with one of the McLaren supercars he will be helping to manufactureIan Hutchinson with one of the McLaren supercars he will be helping to manufacture
Ian Hutchinson with one of the McLaren supercars he will be helping to manufacture

Ian Hutchinson, from Ecclesall, was working as an apprentice at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), where he is studying towards a level three BTEC and NVQ, when he was chosen to join the ranks of one of the world's most exclusive car manufacturers.

Working at the forefront of technology to produce £250,000 cars for the firm which made its name in Formula 1 was too good an opportunity for the 20-year-old to spurn.

Ian Hutchinson with one of the McLaren supercars he will be helping to manufactureIan Hutchinson with one of the McLaren supercars he will be helping to manufacture
Ian Hutchinson with one of the McLaren supercars he will be helping to manufacture
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And while his true passion is for the less cutting edge world of steam locomotives, gazing at the swanky cars lined up behind him he said he would quickly develop a love of automobiles.

"I'm more into railways and steam engines. That's my personal hobby," said the former Notre Dame High School pupil.

"I like cars, I just don't know as much about them, but I'm sure I'll soon learn. This is a fantastic opportunity."

Ian, who joined the AMRC two years ago after finishing his A levels, first learned of the opening just before Christmas after being recommended by tutors at the centre.

Ian said the apprenticeship was a 'fantastic opportunity'Ian said the apprenticeship was a 'fantastic opportunity'
Ian said the apprenticeship was a 'fantastic opportunity'
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Having impressed at interview last month, he is set to start at McLaren shortly and will work towards a degree as part of his apprenticeship with the firm.

He could be the first of many apprentices from the AMRC to be signed up by McLaren as the company looks to tap into existing talent in the area while developing the next generation of engineering experts.

Sir Keith Burnett, president and vice chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: "This investment - and the innovation, jobs, training and opportunities it offers - is hugely significant for our region, the North of England and the UK’s global, industrial ambitions.

"What we're offering is unrivalled access to world-leading research, development and established partnerships with industry. We also have an exceptional facility that offers degree apprenticeships - meaning we can train our region’s young people with the skills it needs to power the manufacturing workforce of the future."

Ian Hutchinson with one of the McLaren supercars he will be helping to manufactureIan Hutchinson with one of the McLaren supercars he will be helping to manufacture
Ian Hutchinson with one of the McLaren supercars he will be helping to manufacture
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Ian said the apprenticeship was a 'fantastic opportunity'Ian said the apprenticeship was a 'fantastic opportunity'
Ian said the apprenticeship was a 'fantastic opportunity'