University of Leeds student wins national scholarship for engineering talent
James Cummins, School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, has been awarded a national scholarship which offers financial support to a number of talented engineering students in the UK.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology's (IET) Diamond Jubilee Scholarship provides each winner with at least £1,000 per academic year. Winners will also benefit from mentoring and work experience placements through IET's extensive networks, in an attempt to close the growing skills gap.
The Diamond Jubilee Scholarships were handed out to students who achieved at least three A's in their A-Levels and who accepted a place on an IET accredited engineering or technology degree course in Autumn 2017. This year, 75 scholarships have been awarded to students who started either a Masters or an Undergraduate engineering degree at a UK based university.
James Cummins, who studies MEng, BEng Mechatronics and Robotics at Leeds, explains, "I chose to apply due to the possibility of work experience in industry with sponsoring companies. There’s also a wide range of resources and services available from the IET to help me improve my career prospects and engineering ability, such as conferences, careers advice and job suggestions. All in all, it’s just a really exciting opportunity to learn and develop further as an engineer."
All in all, it’s just a really exciting opportunity to learn and develop further as an engineer.
"I was over the moon when I found out I’d won an IET scholarship. The opportunity to be part of an engineering professional body was too good to miss, but I think I’m most excited about getting the chance to gain some advice and experience in the real world. Either way, I couldn’t believe I’d actually been selected. It was exciting right down to the interview, which was an interrogation like I’d never had before. That alone was an excellent learning experience, and so I'm excited to see where the IET takes me next."
Nick Winser, IET President commented: "In a world where technology is moving faster than ever before, I believe we need to think more broadly and remove unnecessary barriers that might be discouraging more young people from becoming engineers. With this in mind, we are really pleased to give financial help to the 75 young people as a result of our prestigious Diamond Jubilee scholarship. We hope that they will go on to become leaders of tomorrow in an industry which offers a diverse range of exciting opportunities and challenges."
Further information
The IET Diamond Jubilee Scholarship programme is open to all UK students hoping to achieve three A's at A-Level, three A grade Advanced Highers, five A grade Highers or an International Baccalaureate Diploma at 36 points or above, and who is applying to join an IET accredited engineering or technology degree course.
Prospective students who are wishing to apply for a Diamond Jubilee Scholarship can apply online very soon.
The investment is being made in collaboration with the Belling Charitable Settlement, the ERA Foundation, The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, Siemens, BAE Systems, BT and Thales.
