Arkwright Scholarships Trust Honours 397 New Scholarships

The Arkwright Scholarships Trust is an independent charity that identifies, inspires and nurtures future leaders in engineering and technical design. Arkwright tackles its aim by awarding Engineering Scholarships through rigorous selection to high-calibre students from all educational backgrounds, supporting them through their A-levels.

As part of the Arkwright scheme, OSL and the Energy Institute collaborated to sponsor a promising young student from Hymers College. Following a very successful two years of mentoring, assessments, presentations and problem-solving, Amy Felgate is now studying Engineering at Cambridge University, which demonstrates the value and positive impact of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust.

OSL’s Principal Director, Alastair Robertson, said: “Part of our mission is to attract, train and retain the finest STEM students and most promising talent from across the UK. We’re so delighted with Amy’s progress and achievement that OSL and the EI have decided to sponsor another student, Luke Middleton from Birkdale School in Sheffield.” 

This follows recent events in London and Glasgow, where 397 further Scholarships were awarded. The new Arkwright Engineering Scholars received their awards at ceremonies supported by the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Rail Industry, spearheaded by Network Rail, Carillion and Colas Rail. This year’s Scholars come from all educational backgrounds across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, and a record 29% of the new Scholars are female. 

Dr Martin Thomas CEng FIET, Chief Executive of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust, said: “It is well-documented that the country needs hundreds of thousands of new engineers to take the economy and society forward. But some of these newly trained people need to also act as outstanding leadership beacons within industry and academia. The Arkwright Engineering Scholarships are the first step on that road to achieving such a vital position within UK engineering.”

The Scholarships were awarded to each new Scholar by Naomi Climer, President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology 2015/16 in London, and Hugh Gill, Chief Technology Officer of Touch Bionics in Glasgow. Scholars are selected for their potential as future engineering leaders by assessing their academic, practical and leadership skills. These are gauged through a rigorous selection process comprising an assessed application form, teacher’s reference, two-hour aptitude exam, and a university-based interview.

Alastair added: “Whilst the schools receive annual financial awards, the Scholars benefit from mentoring, industry visits and enrichment activities. We dedicate time and resources so that they receive comprehensive insight into the world of engineering. It’s very exciting to see these multidiscipline technical specialists of the future taking the first steps on their career path.”

To find out more about the Arkwright Scholarships Trust, please visit www.arkwright.org.uk