Cos Georgiou: Soaking up knowledge and experience at every opportunity

As one of Cosworth's first-ever Degree Apprentices, Cos Georgiou relishes life learning on the job across all departments within Cosworth, including engine design, build, test, electronics, and manufacture while studying online at the University of Warwick for a bachelor’s degree in engineering.

Q: Why did you choose an apprenticeship over other academic and career routes? 

A: I’ve always thrived in practical environments over theoretical ones. Knowledge is crucial in motorsport and hands-on work allows me to gain it faster. Being immersed in real-world scenarios everyday exposes me to invaluable insights, tips and tricks that textbooks can’t offer.

Q: What attracted you to Cosworth for your apprenticeship? 

A: After completing work experience at Cosworth, two things stood out. First, the diverse projects keep learning fresh and exciting, ensuring I continuously develop my skills. Second, the team feels like a family—everyone is supportive, encouraging, and engaging. It’s a place where work never feels like work and every day is rewarding.

Q: What does a typical day look like as an apprentice at Cosworth? 

A: Working in Dyno Engineering, I spend mornings helping set up engines for testing, where I learn to tune and calibrate engines for optimal performance. Afternoons involve individual projects, like testing oil samples to gauge engine efficiency. This hands-on exposure is invaluable as I transition to engine build, continually expanding my skill set.

Q: What’s been the most exciting or challenging project you’ve worked on? 

A: One exciting project was developing a new method to calibrate throttle bodies relative to their input percentage. Learning to adjust throttle resting positions and analyse their characteristics—like reaction time and control—was eye-opening. It’s incredible to see how deep Cosworth goes in perfecting every detail. Another highlight was mastering data analysis from mathematical graphs – filtering out the necessary information has become a vital skill.

Q: What skills or experiences have you gained that will shape your future career? 

A: Two key skills I’ve developed are data analysis—drawing accurate conclusions from test results – and proactive fault detection, which helps prevent costly errors. These skills enhance my ability to quickly address potential issues, making me a more efficient engineer.

Q: What sets Cosworth apart as a place to learn and develop your career? 

A: The incredible thing about Cosworth is how the company views your learning path. The team isn’t afraid to put you in high-pressure environments, working on and taking responsibility for high-end projects and effectively pushing you into the deep end. It fast-tracks you to accomplish the best version of yourself. 

Q: How has Cosworth supported your personal and professional growth? 

A: The support at Cosworth is exceptional. The team is always approachable, providing guidance whenever needed. The structured plan to rotate through all departments has been instrumental in developing a broad, versatile skill set. In five years, I aim to be a development and design engineer with the capability to design, build, and test engines with minimal help. Cosworth’s comprehensive training plan and university support are paving the way for this ambition.

Q: What advice would you give someone considering an apprenticeship at Cosworth? 

A: Show how you fit into the team, following the same family-oriented environment the current personnel demonstrate. Spotlight your ambition, determination, and willingness to learn and excel in the path you choose. Individuals with a growth mindset and a positive view of their work go above and beyond, so make sure you highlight this. That has helped me progress at Cosworth, and I am very excited to see what the future holds.

The Cosworth Apprenticeship Pathway

Cosworth offers Level 3 and degree-level Apprenticeship programmes that seamlessly integrate education with hands-on real-world experience in high-performance engineering. As an apprentice, you'll work on ground-breaking projects, including the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 and T.33, Aston Martin Valkyrie engines, BTCC hybrid systems and IndyCar electronics.

Upon completion, Cosworth apprentices will earn prestigious qualifications, including IMechE accreditation, an NVQ3 Extended Diploma, a Level 3 Technical Certificate and a degree in a specialised field. 

The Cosworth programme is designed to nurture emerging engineering talent, equipping the next-generation with the skills, expertise and real-world experience needed to excel.