Budding engineers to receive scholarships

29 October 2008

Over 200 young people aged 15-16 will be awarded scholarships at this year’s Arkwright Presentation of Awards. The scholarship encourages them to consider a career in engineering and technology. The event is sponsored by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

The scheme, inspired by the British innovative engineer Sir Richard Arkwright, will be split into two sessions at which 238 scholarships will be awarded to students who are just starting their A levels and would like to pursue a career in engineering or technology. Each student has worked hard for their award, as they have gone through a tough and rigorous selection process, which comprises an application form, the Arkwright Attitude Paper and an interview. Each scholar will receive £500 over the two-year period.

John Hale received an Arkwright scholarship in 2004. He said, “Getting an Arkwright Scholarship not only strengthened my confidence that engineering was the right career path for me, but also opened up many unexpected opportunities to expand and develop this long-standing career ambition.

“To be considered for an Arkwright Scholarship, I needed to fill in an Application Form, then complete an Aptitude Test and finally have an interview to see whether I was the right kind of student to benefit from such a prestigious award. It was quite a challenge, but in hindsight, the process certainly helped me to focus on my own strengths and desires and convince me that I would enjoy being an engineer.”

IET Deputy President, Dr Nigel Burton, will be the guest speaker at the event and will present the certificates in the morning session. Dr Burton has been actively involved in the IET for over 25 years, including Younger London members, the London Centre, the national Younger members Committee, the Audit and Investment Committees, and the Power Trading and Control TPN.

Dr Burton said, “Encouraging young people to enter into the engineering and technology professions is a core activity of the IET. The younger generation want exciting careers that enable their energy and innovation to make a real difference to society, whether through designing the best bridge, mobile phone or materials or by creating solutions to the major environmental issues that face us all. The Arkwright Scholarship Trust and awards make a significant contribution by encouraging young people to appreciate the opportunities available in the engineering and technology professions.”

In the afternoon session, the audience will be addressed by Ian Morris, Director of the British Fuel Power Association and Ray Roberts, President of British Fuel Power Association, will present the awards to the scholars.

Mr Morris said, “The industry clearly has a constant need for well trained engineers and technicians the shortage of which in Great Britain has been no secret for some time now. Our partnership with The Arkwright Scholarship Trust has provided an ideal route through which to enthuse the potential engineers at a young age and form that all important link between industry and education in a practical way.”

The event takes on the 31 October at Savoy Place, the London home of the IET.

Media enquiries to:

Robert Beahan
IET Press Officer
T: +44 (0)1438 767336
M: +44 (0)7595 400912
E: rbeahan@theiet.org

Mary Donovan
IET Head of Communications
T: +44 (0)1438 765587
M: +44 (0)7725 498117
E: mdonovan@theiet.org