Kenny Kong

When were you at WBS?

I was in WBS 1998 – 2005 (B).

What did you do after school?

Having done my GCSEs & A-Levels in the beautiful North Devon I left for a Mechanical Engineering degree at Oxford Brookes (2005-2009), with a 12 months industrial placement at MINI between my second and final year.

How did you get to where you are now?

I took my first job as a Quality Engineer at an automotive lighting manufacturer in Buckingham. Fast forward a few years I found myself adding McLaren Automotive, Jaguar Land Rover and now McLaren Applied Technologies to my CV. We develop technology for motorsports, automotive, transport and health sectors – every Formula One and Formula E car have parts we developed on board!

What qualities did you learn at WBS that helped you get where you are today?

One of my highlights of school was working as a backstage technician (sound, lighting props and pyrotechnics) supporting the Drama productions, where I had the best seat in the house watching some very talented individuals perform. Without the experience I would not have considered engineering as a viable career path, nor could my English have developed in the manner and pace it had.

What is your fondest memory of school?

I have so many fond memories of my years at West Buckland – flying over the School as part of my Gliding Scholarship, captaining the 1st Basketball Team (I’m sure I remain the shortest captain the School ever had), collecting the Southcombe Shield as Head of House and being part of the Phoenix Debating Society. I am forever grateful to the School’s staff who guided me through the years, preparing me for the journey into adulthood.