University of Nottingham engineering student Aleeza Shaikh swapped her lectures for the boatyard this summer, joining the Cobham-Ultra GB2 Women's and Youth British America's Cup team in Naples for a two-week internship. Working hands-on with the team's high-speed AC40 foiling race boat, she supported the team during the Preliminary Regatta ahead of the 38th America's Cup, which comes takes place in Naples, Italy 2027.
The internship was run by the Athena Pathway thanks to the support of Cobham-Ultra. With the programme aiming to change how young people see a career in engineering and to give them a real step up into the workplace. It also shows students first-hand the skill and hard work behind elite engineering.
Embedded with the team, Shaikh worked as a full member of the shore crew. She put her studies into practice on boat preparation, including wet sanding and finishing the surfaces of the AC40's foils. This was further bought to life as she was able to get out on the team's chase boat to experience first-hand the speed of the boat and the direct positive impact her work was having on the team's performance.
Reflecting on her experience Shaikh said: "Before I undertook this internship, I didn't have any idea of how the industry truly worked. Getting the foils really sharp and clean, then seeing that translate into speed on the water, was amazing."
"I am so thankful to Cobham-Ultra to providing this opportunity, as it has completely changed my perspective on jobs and how engineering can be applied, but it has really positively changed my outlook on life more generally," commented Shaikh.
Giving back is at the heart of the programme. As part of her placement, Shaikh also took part in a two-day outreach experience, sharing her journey into engineering with young people considering a future in STEM and hopefully inspire future generations.
I've already learned so much more than what I would have learned, in my university degree. Having had this involvement in an industry I had never considered before, it's the best thing I've ever experienced", said Shaikh.
