The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is launching a major new bursary scheme aimed at ensuring students and apprentices who have overcome obstacles or personal challenges get their chance to pursue their passion for engineering.
The Engineering Horizons prize scheme has now opened for entries. Prizes will be awarded to three students and three apprentices who have been accepted on to an IET accredited degree course in the UK, or the first year of an IET approved apprenticeship scheme.
The winners will each receive an annual award of £1,000 a year for the duration of their degree course (up to three years for BEng and four years for MEng) or apprenticeship (up to four years).
Entrants can find out more about the Engineering Horizon Bursaries and apply online at www.theiet.org/horizons before Thursday October 13, 2016.
The first bursary payments will be made in January 2017.
In addition to the money they will also gain free membership of the IET for the duration of their course or apprenticeship, and advice on EngTech or ICTTech registration and payment of their technician professional registration application fee.
In return bursary winners will be ambassadors for the IET and engineering.
Faye Bank, head of North East operations at the National Grid and an adviser to the Engineering Horizons panel, says her own experience shows how important the support on offer through new scheme can be in realizing their potential.
She commented: “The biggest barrier to success for young people bought up in challenging circumstances isn’t financial, it’s the lack of aspiration for them to achieve from family, friends and sometimes teachers.
“The advice and support I received from winning an IET prize has played an important role in enabling my journey from school leaver with no qualifications, to apprentice and, ultimately, the job I do today at National Grid.
“Based on my own experience I know young people from disadvantaged backgrounds can be hard to reach. So if any teacher, careers advisor or family member knows someone who would benefit please actively encourage him or her to apply. Your support could change a life.”
IET Awards & Prizes manager, Linda Deleay added: “We are launching these awards to ensure that personal circumstances aren’t a barrier for new talent entering the profession whether that is at student or apprentice level.
“These awards send a clear message to young people: a career as an engineer or technician is a choice for anyone regardless of their background, gender, financial or personal circumstances.”
