IET scheme to help disadvantaged young engineers

The Engineering Horizons Bursary will provide six promising engineers who have faced challenges in their lives with £1,000 each towards their studies. Three apprentices will be selected from the first year IET Approved Apprenticeship schemes, along with three university-level students who have been accepted on to an IET Accredited degree course in the UK. Winners will receive the award annually for the duration of their respective courses.

“We have created 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,” said Linda Deleay, IET manager for Awards & Prizes.

“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.”

On top of the financial support, winners will also receive free IET membership during their course or apprenticeship, as well as advice on EngTech or ICTTech registration, and payment of their relevant registration application fees. Those selected will also have the opportunity to act as ambassadors on behalf of the IET, the bursary scheme, and engineering in general.

Faye Bank, now head of North East Operations for National Grid, and an adviser to the Engineering Horizons panel, said: “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.”

The deadline for bursary applications is Thursday October 13 2016. Further information on the scheme can be found at http://www.theiet.org/horizons.