Brooke Weston Academy was delighted to welcome visitors from Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT); Professor Ben Hodgkinson BEM, Technical Director, and Justyna Malyszko, Power Unit Test Engineer, to inspire our students to consider a career in STEM.

Justyna gave a presentation about why a career in STEM is 'cool' and 'how to achieve your dreams' to our Year 9 cohort along with our Year 10 engineering students and a group of Year 7’s.

She spoke about her passion for engines and anything car related and explained how she is an example of how dreams can come true, as long as you dare to dream them.

Justyna studied Mechanical Engineering at University College London (UCL) before spending a few years working on engines at Jaguar Land Rover. She briefly explored electric cars and fuel cells, working at Polestar and Ceres before moving back to where her passion lies, working with engines, this time at the very pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1 at Red Bull Powertrains.

Justyna spoke about the varied range of applications on the STEM career path and advised students to embrace the journey, get involved and be proactive.

She said, ‘It’s really important to have a positive can-do attitude. You need to be tenacious and eager to learn and get involved. The more you do, the more you learn.

‘I had to work on overcoming impostor syndrome and feeling comfortable and confident that I was more than capable of doing the job, especially as a woman in a male-dominated environment. The number of females working as engineers within this sector is very low, so you must learn to be yourself, be authentic and know that it is good to stand out.’

There was a Q&A session at the end of the presentation and some of the students who were inspired by the talk stayed behind afterwards to speak to Justyna on a one-to-one basis.

Claudia Leal, Y7 said, ‘The talk was very inspiring, and it has opened up new views on a career I hadn’t thought about before’

Raina Gosai, Y7 said, ‘I thought Justyna was inspirational and brave as she was one of just a few  women working at Red Bull.’

Year 11 student and Formula 1 enthusiast Lexie Fordyce, who aspires to become a journalist, had the privilege of interviewing our guests at the end of the event.

Lexie said, ‘I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to interview Professor Ben Hodgkinson, and Justyna Malyszko, and gain insight into the upcoming 2026 engine regulations. Their expertise and insights provided invaluable context and deepened my understanding of the industry's direction.

‘As for the presentation, I was particularly inspired by hearing about the ground-breaking work of Justyna in a male-dominated industry, which has ignited my passion and reaffirmed my belief in breaking barriers. The way she described her experiences and challenges resonated deeply with me and reminded me of the importance of diversity and inclusion in engineering fields.’

Mr Van Wyk, Engineering Lead at BWA, said, ‘The privilege of hosting such high-profile engineers and them engaging with our students is immeasurable. These talks serve as a bridge between aspiration and achievement. These engineers are highly regarded for their accomplishments, and they become invaluable mentors who inspire the next generation of engineers. Their ability to share real-world experiences, challenges, and triumphs not only demystifies the engineering profession but also installs a sense of possibility and determination in our student’s minds. This interaction fosters a unique connection, offering students insights into the dynamic and innovative world of engineering while imparting crucial advice on education, perseverance, and passion. The impact of such interactions extends beyond the classroom, shaping the future of these students and contributing to the continual advancement of engineering in the world.’