UK's Future Leaders in Engineering Honoured

The Arkwright Scholarships Trust has conducted its annual award of prestigious Scholarships to future leaders of the engineering profession. 425 sixth form Scholarships have been awarded this year at Ceremonies in London and Edinburgh. Arkwright Engineering Scholarships act as a beacon to the most talented STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) students in UK schools and help to ensure that high potential young people stay engaged in the engineering careers pipeline, in the critical 16 to 18 age range. The new Arkwright Engineering Scholars received their Awards at Ceremonies supported by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and themed around the Built Environment, supported by Principal Awards Ceremony Sponsors, Arup.

This year’s Scholars come from all educational backgrounds across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and a growing number of British Overseas Schools. A record-equalling 29% of the new Scholars were female.

For BRGS, the three Scholars fortunate to be awarded a Scholarship were Carl, Mark and Eleanor.

Dr Kevin P Stenson, Interim CEO of The Arkwright Scholarships Trust, and CEO of sister charity The Smallpeice Trust, said: “An impressive 1,594 students applied to be an Arkwright Engineering Scholar in 2017 and we are delighted to have been able to present a total of 425 students with invaluable scholarships. Each of this year’s scholars is incredibly talented and we hope that their Arkwright Engineering Scholarship will mark the first step in a long and successful career in engineering. We are very grateful to the sponsors who recognise the potential in these talented students and choose to offer their support to help them develop their skills and fulfil their potential as future leaders in engineering. Each of the Scholars gains access to a fantastic range of enrichment experiences, including Conferences, Engineering Experience Days, Mentoring, Residential Courses, and University VIP days.”

Scholars are selected for their potential as future engineering leaders by assessing their academic, practical and leadership skills in STEM. These are gauged through a rigorous selection process comprising: an assessed application form including a teacher’s reference; a two-hour, problem-solving aptitude exam; and a university-based interview. The Scholarships support students through their sixth form studies and encourage them into top universities or higher apprenticeships. The Scholarships consist of an annual financial award to each Scholar and to his/her school, and enrichment activities such as mentoring and industry visits that enhance a Scholar's experience of engineering in a real-world context. Arkwright Engineering Scholarships are highly regarded by university admission tutors and industry recruiters and are one of the most prestigious accolades that a talented sixth form student can receive. The Scholarships are supported by more than 200 different sponsoring organisations: commercial and industrial companies, industry regulators, Government organisations, universities, Professional Institutions, Trade Associations, Training Boards, Livery Companies, all three Armed Services, Charitable Trusts, personal donors and Schools.