Page 1 of 8 Media Release Date: 14th November 2016 The 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. 413 sixth form Scholarships have been awarded this year at Ceremonies in London and Edinburgh. 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 highpotential 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 Majesty s Government Communication Centre. 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. The Scholarships were awarded to each new Scholar by Principal Guests as follows: Thursday 27 th October - Eddie Alleyn, Chief Executive, Her Majesty s Government Communications Centre Morning, Friday 29 th October - Robert Hannigan, Director, GCHQ Afternoon, Friday 29 th October, Ciaran Martin, Chief Executive Officer, National Cyber Security Centre Friday 11 th November Professor Saleem Bhatti, School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews Two undergraduate Scholarships, each of 12,000 in value, were also awarded at the Ceremonies, generously funded by The Reece Foundation. 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! Robert Hannigan, the Director of GCHQ (Principal Sponsors) said: Congratulations to all this year's new Arkwright Scholars. I was delighted to meet such a vast pool of young talent: our future leaders in engineering, computing and technology. We need their innovation and invention to meet the cyber security challenge, helping to keep the UK a safe place to live and work online. 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
Page 2 of 8 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 nearly 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. ENDS Notes for Editors Hi-res photos are available upon request. 1. About the Arkwright Scholarships Trust The Arkwright Scholarships Trust is an independent charity that identifies, inspires and nurtures future leaders in engineering and technical (as opposed to aesthetic) design. Arkwright tackles its aim by awarding prestigious Engineering Scholarships through rigorous selection to high-calibre students from all educational backgrounds to support them through their 'A' levels and Scottish Advanced Highers. Since 1991, Arkwright has awarded 4567 Engineering Scholarships. Arkwright also awards a small number of Undergraduate Scholarships each year, available exclusively to existing Arkwright A level Scholars. 2. For more information please contact Jayne Beddows, Head of Operations, jbeddows@arkwright.org.uk, tel: 01926 333210, www.arkwright.org.uk
Page 3 of 8 Ceremonies took place in London, at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Savoy Place and in Edinburgh at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC)
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Page 6 of 8 Principal Speakers: Thursday 27 th October: Eddie Alleyn, Chief Executive, Her Majesty s Government Communications Centre (HMGCC) Friday 28 th October, morning: Robert Hannigan, Director, GCHQ
Page 7 of 8 Friday 28 th October, afternoon: Ciaran Martin, Chief Executive Officer, National Cyber Security Centre Friday 11 th November, afternoon: Professor Saleem Bhatti, School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews
Page 8 of 8 Alumni Speakers: London 27 th and 28 th October: Andrew Shedden, Composite Design Engineer, Renault Sport Racing (Arkwright Scholar 2003-2005) Edinburgh 11 th November: Sarah Griffiths, Cavendish Nuclear Ltd (Arkwright Scholar 2007-2009)