Future leaders in Engineering honoured
The Arkwright Scholarships Trust has conducted its annual award of prestigious Scholarships to future leaders of the engineering profession. 413 sixth form Scholarships have been awarded this year at Ceremonies in London and Edinburgh. St. Colmans College staff and students were delighted to learn that Liam OGrady ( Belleeks, Newry) and Michael Murphy ( Rostrevor ) were successful in achieving this highly prestigious award in recognition of their potential as young engineers of the future. Liam was presented with his Scholarship by Mr. Ron Gilroy representative of major engineering group The Reece Foundation. Michael received his Scholarship from Mr. Christopher Ruddock representative of Caterpillar UK. Michael and Liam are congratulated by all in the St. Colmans College community on achieving their scholarships and wish them every success in their A Level studies enroute to a rewarding career in engineering.
Scholars are ed 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 teachers 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 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 the Cyber Security Industry, spearheaded by Principal Sponsors GCHQ and supported by Gold Sponsors Thales Cyber and Consulting and Her Majestys Government Communication Centre. This years 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. Dr Martin Thomas CEng FIET, Chief Executive of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust said: I have been hugely impressed by the creativity, technical skills and leadership prowess of the young men and women receiving their Scholarships this year. It is well-documented that the country needs 100,000s 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. Congratulations to our 413 new Scholars!