The three prestigious industry-sponsored scholarships for undergraduates and the Bryan Hildrew Apprentice of the Year award, were given to young men and women who have demonstrated outstanding skills and a strong commitment to engineering. They emphasised that they are driven by finding sustainable solutions for the planet and future generations, and to improving people’s lives.
Each of the winners receives not only valuable financial support, but also the prestige of being associated with their sponsors. This can extend to work placements, enhancing their development and preparing them for a career as a professional mechanical engineer.
When discussing this year’s group, Colin Brown said:
“You could not fail to be impressed by the calibre of student that came forward at this year’s ceremony. Once again you could see the dedication, enthusiasm and talent of our young engineers. There is still much to do, but it is also encouraging to see that one quarter of the group this time are female. All of them are joining what we know to be an elite group of previous winners, and they give us hope for the future of engineering as a profession.”
Andrew Robinson, the winner of the IMechE ‘Amec Foster Wheeler Clean Energy’ undergraduate scholarship is embarking on a mechanical engineering degree, with a year in industry, at Swansea University.
An award-winning young engineer, who has presented his own work and completed several work placements, Andrew has undertaken leadership roles and employed his team-building and coaching skills through work as an FA-qualified football referee, at his sailing club and in the Scout organisation. In his application, Andrew identified solutions to the problem of the accumulation of ‘space junk’ orbiting earth, advocating sustainable strategies. He says the scholarship will enable him to continue his professional development alongside his university studies.
Catherine Alexis Folkson, who is studying mechanical engineering at Imperial College London, is this year’s IMechE ‘Eaton’ undergraduate scholarship winner.
Catherine is interested in energy generation and sustainability and has had work experience at Siemens and at Ford. She is a metalwork enthusiast, Formula Student volunteer, Scout leader and proficient ballroom dancer. Among her achievements is the founding of an engineering society at her school, enabling fellow students to learn from lectures and discuss engineering ideas which, she says, gave those who were unsure about the breadth and content of a career in engineering the opportunity to find out more.
When asked about her future Catherine said she wants to work in sustainable energy solutions,
“To make a contribution to society, to see my designs and products being used in everyday life.”
The IMechE ‘Land Rover Spen King’ Sustainability Award went to Charlie Friend, who is studying engineering at Cambridge University.
Charlie combines his enthusiasm for cars with his commitment to sustainability and has undertaken work experience at BP and Bentley Motors. He is a prize-winning science essayist and mathematician, an accomplished choral singer and pianist, and delivered lectures at school on subjects such as energy and sustainable fuel generation. As part of his application, Charlie demonstrated his knowledge of the challenges in developing an electric powertrain for Formula E and its transfer to road vehicles.
He commented: “I look forward to the exciting opportunity of working with Jaguar Land Rover in the holidays as a stepping stone for a career in the industry.”
Daisy Coombes AMIMechE, who won the Bryan Hildrew Apprentice of the Year, said receiving the award from the Institution was the proudest moment of her career so far.
Daisy is a design engineer at JCB, where she achieved her Higher Apprenticeship. She is studying for a BEng at Sheffield Hallam University and is also working towards professional registration as an Engineering Technician. Daisy has used opportunities through the media to promote engineering. She is a STEM ambassador and has attended meetings at Westminster with MPs and the National Apprenticeship Service, where she was invited to provide her perspective on engineering apprenticeships.
Several other awards were given during the ceremony, including thirteen Whitworth Scholarships, which were awarded to outstanding apprentices who are now studying for their engineering degrees. Ten former award-holders were elected Whitworth Scholars this year.
Dr Howard Stone, President of the Whitworth Society, offered his congratulations and said:
“I look forward to welcoming the newly elected Whitworth scholars into the Whitworth Society and wish our award holders every success in their studies.”
The Postgraduate Masters Scholarship went to Joel Peter Williams and the James Clayton Award to Ajit Bastola.
The Advanced Apprenticeship Provider of the Year is Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Ltd.
Read our full listing of the winners of the 2017 Scholarships and Awards.