Beating hundreds of applicants, Edward Reynolds is one of just 75 recipients across the UK to be awarded a coveted bursary from The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
For the first-year Mechanical Engineering student at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), the IET Engineering Horizons Bursary means an annual award of £1,000 for the duration of his degree.
The bursary, which helps students and apprentices who are taking a vocational route into engineering or who need financial assistance, also entitles him to free membership of the IET and the chance to become an ambassador for the IET and the engineering profession.
Edward will be supported by National Grid, an international electricity and gas company and one of the bursary’s company donors.
The 18-year-old from Church Langton in Leicestershire said: “I can’t quite believe I was picked for the bursary, but it will be enormously helpful as I’m planning to buy a laptop so I can run the computer aided design and electronics software used on my course.
“Through my membership of the IET I hope I will get the opportunity to meet and learn from inspirational engineers. I’m keen to support the IET as a role-model and STEM ambassador and hope that I can encourage people to pursue a career in engineering.
“I’m also really excited that my bursary has been sponsored by National Grid and I’m hoping to learn more about its role in designing, building and maintaining future energy transmission systems.”
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Edward has been passionate about engineering since childhood, spending hours designing and building Lego, Meccano and Airfix models.
“I’ve always been interested in how things work, and this, along with an enjoyment of maths and sciences led me to study for a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering,” he said.
“I was keen to continue studying at university and felt that mechanical engineering suited me best as it’s the broadest of all engineering degrees and offers a range of career opportunities.
“DMU was my first choice university. I was impressed by its stunning campus, which has had over £100m of investment in the past few years, and by the enthusiasm of the engineering team.”
Currently studying for a BEng, a four-year course including a year’s work placement starting in 2019, Edward has big plans for the future.
He said: “I intend to extend my studies for a further year in order to complete a master's and after that I’d like to become a Chartered Engineer.
“I’m really excited at the prospect of being immersed in the industry and discovering how I can become a valuable contributor to the future of engineering!”
Nick Winser, IET President commented: “We’re thrilled to have been able to support talented apprentices and undergraduate students who have overcome obstacles and personal challenges to pursue an engineering education and career for the second year in a row.
“We hope that the scheme will continue to grow and we will build the number of our bursary winners, who have a passion for engineering and are keen to promote engineering to others.”
As a bursary-holder, Edward will also benefit from advice and information on Engineering Technician (EngTech) or ICT Technician (ICTTech) registration, when the time comes, as well as support with Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) professional registration.
Posted on Monday 15 January 2018