A CARDIFF University student has landed a dream placement year with Williams Formula One team.
Robin Gwilliam, 19 from Wentloog Road in Rumney, was one of 500 applicants from the UK, only five were successful.
The mechanical engineering student will help design components for the engine and transmissions of the Williams Formula One cars in Oxfordshire.
Robin said: “There were lots of links through Cardiff University’s Formula Student team and with my experience in designing Formula One Cars, I managed to get the placement.”
He was part of the Formula Student competition which consists of universities designing and building a race car against students all over the world. He believes this experience helped him stand out from other candidates.
Robin’s mum Carol said: “We are absolutely delighted with how well he’s done. He grew up without electronic devices and spent his time fixing or taking things apart.
“I hope young people can learn from this but I worry so much of their time is wasted on their phones with social media. His [Robin’s] story shows what can be achieved with hard work and a supportive family.”
Dr Mark Eaton, an engineering lecture at Cardiff University said: “It is inspiring to work with all the talented and enthusiastic students we have in the Cardiff Racing Formula Student team.
“As Robin’s personal tutor, I have seen him develop in to an essential team member who makes significant contribution to the operation of the team.
“I am hugely excited for him as this is such an excellent opportunity and one which is very much deserved.”