Baroness Platt of Writtle award offers big rewards

In the week that registrations for Formula Student 2012 open, we consider how Mark Foster, a former competitor now working for Red Bull Racing, benefited from winning a prestigious award aimed at improving the career prospects of BEng students, and invite current students to apply for this prize.

Have you ever thought about how you could gain that extra edge over competitors as you get ready to finish your studies? If so then undertaking the Baroness Platt of Writtle award could well be the right choice for you as you look to progress your engineering career prospects.  

The award was established to recognise engineering excellence amongst those pursuing final year studies leading to the academic qualifications for entry to the Engineering Council's Incorporated Engineer grade. It was named after Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Beryl Platt, The Baroness Platt of Writtle CBE FREng, in recognition of her work in support of the Engineering profession in general and Incorporated Engineers. 

The award has been made annually since 2002, and those who receive this prestigious title can also expect a cash prize of £1,000, a medal and certificate to recognise their big achievement. 

One person who has certainly benefited from this was BEng Motorsport Engineering student Mark Foster who graduated from Coventry University with First Class Honours in 2008 and won the award that summer. 

Mark was also a member of the university’s Formula Student team and he spoke about how achieving the award had benefited him personally: “It gave me a big confidence boost, as well as helping me stand out against other engineers, which is critical in such a competitive industry. I also feel that I have gained some powerful contacts through the Worshipful Company of Engineers.”  

He explained how he found out about the award: “I applied for it at the end of my third year after one of my lecturers suggested I should, and to my surprise I was asked to come for an interview at the Worshipful Company of Engineers in London. Following an in depth interview by several high level engineers, I received a phone call letting me know I had won.” 

We asked Mark if he had a message for anyone that was potentially thinking of applying to take part, and he replied: “I would recommend any aspiring engineer to apply for this award; it is something so prestigious and can be a huge boost when applying for your ideal job. It may even open doors for positions previously considered unreachable.” 

Something which he was able to do after being offered the chance to work for Red Bull Racing as he explained: “After completing my studies in 2008, I was offered a permanent position at Red Bull Racing as a Composites Designer. I'm now involved in and head many significant composites projects, such as chassis components, crash structures, and wings. I primarily work on front wing developments from the start to end process. It is very satisfying seeing something you designed racing around a circuit on the other side of the world... and winning.” 

The successful candidate will have to comply with the following categories:

 The deadline for applications is 30 March 2012 and shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in April.  

Further information about how to apply for this exciting and possibly career changing award and to download an application form please follow the following link:

http://conferences.theiet.org/ambition/undergraduate/writtle.cfm

Further information on the Worshipful Company of Engineers can be found at: http://www.engineerscompany.org.uk