We first established our Undergraduate Scholarship award scheme in 1990 with just six scholarships on our books.

Since then approximately 350 engineering students have passed the selection process for an award. These students have paid back the commitment shown to them both through their achievements during their courses and in their results: in the past eight years, 53% have achieved a 1st Class Honours Degree, 37% a 2:1 Class Honours Degree and only three students on graduation have decided not to continue with a career in engineering.

Run by the IMechE through its Educational Awards Committee (EAC), these awards underpin our commitment towards investing in the development of young engineers.

Industrial companies such as Rolls-Royce plc, AMEC and Laing O’Rourke currently support the undergraduate scholarships, valued at £4,000 (£1,000 pa), which encourage exceptional students to study for an accredited engineering degree.

Companies supporting an undergraduate scholarship will have their names carried on the awards and the unique opportunity to develop links with students, all of whom are amongst the top young mechanical engineers in the country.

The scheme has now grown to 28 scholarships and senior scholarships and companies supporting an Undergraduate Scholarship were entitled to nominate their student as a 2009 Visionary, but most importantly, assisting a young engineer at a critical time in their career.

Companies looking to support a scholarship, or students wishing to apply for one, should email vision@imeche.org.