What is the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship?

It’s a scheme designed to help young people develop their passion and skillset to help propel them into the engineering industry. They are among the most esteemed scholarship schemes of their type in the UK and run by a charity called The Small piece Trust.

There are industry experts and mentors you can be assigned and organised days where you can speak to experts and people at the top of the industry.

What motivated you to apply for the Arkwright Scholarship? How has the school supported you?

I am passionate about engineering and aspire to make a positive impact on the world, this Scholarship seemed a great first step to take. I also wanted to challenge myself and discover the extent of my potential.

My school and teachers have been incredibly supportive throughout the application process. They guided me every step of the way, helping me stay organised and on track. They even arranged mock interviews to ensure I was fully prepared.

What was the application process like?

The application process was highly competitive. It began with an online application, where I detailed my passions, past projects, and the career paths I aspire to pursue in the future. This was followed by a written exam, during which I was tasked with designing a viable product and solution to a given brief.  Although the exam was stressful at first, once I got going, I thoroughly enjoyed using my creativity to develop a solution to the brief.

How did you feel when you learned you had won the scholarship?

I felt incredibly honoured to be recognised for my academic achievements and my potential to succeed in engineering. Winning the scholarship was a proud moment for me, and I’m truly grateful to the school for all the support they provided to help me reach this point.

Do you receive any benefits as a recipient of the Arkwright Scholarship?

Yes, as an Arkwright Scholar, I’ve been assigned a personal mentor who I’ll meet with virtually throughout the programme. I’ll also receive funding to support my own projects, provided by my sponsor, who will offer additional opportunities such as connect days and work experience. The scholarship spans two years, with the funding distributed between Year 1 and Year 2.

In addition, I’ll have the chance to attend various networking events to connect with other scholars, alumni, and industry professionals. The scholarship officially began in the first week of November with a networking event in Newcastle. This was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the programme, meet fellow scholars, and hear about their journeys, projects, and aspirations.

How will you use your scholarship funding?

I plan to use my scholarship funding to support travel to connect days and engineering events. I also hope to take courses that will deepen my understanding of the sector and its inner workings. Additionally, some of the funding will go towards materials and equipment for future projects, as well as subscriptions to STEM-related media, such as aerospace or rail magazines, to stay informed and inspired.

Where did your passion for Engineering come from?

My passion for engineering started with my Grandad, who was a civil engineer and worked on incredible projects, like the Channel Tunnel. Seeing pictures of his work and hearing him talk about his experiences made me think, ‘I can do that too!’.

I’ve also always been fascinated by how things work and enjoy coming up with creative solutions, especially when they can be applied to improve people’s everyday lives in meaningful ways.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you study?

I study Maths, Physics, Design Technology (DT), and Computing. I chose these subjects because I genuinely enjoy them, and they align perfectly with the skill set needed for a career in engineering.

Outside of my regular studies, I attend regular manufacturing sessions during lunch and after school. I’m also involved in several co-curricular clubs, such as Lego Robotics and STEM Club. Last year, our team achieved first place in the UK for an innovation project in Robotics, which was exciting to be a part of!

Are you worried about managing this as well as your studies?

No, I think it will be well-balanced. For example, the mentor meetings are only once a month, so they’re spaced out enough that they shouldn’t interfere with my studies.

Since this is something I’m really passionate about, I know I’ll enjoy it even if things get busy at times. Plus, my A-level subjects align closely with the scholarship, so it will feel like an extension of my learning rather than an extra burden. It’s an exciting opportunity to deepen my knowledge beyond the classroom.

What are your plans for after BGS?

I plan to attend university to study engineering. I’m considering a general engineering course but am also interested in more specific fields like civil engineering or rail transportation. I also like the idea of a course split between business and engineering to open up more options for me in the future.

What advice would you give to anyone considering applying to Arkwright?

Go for it! It opens up so many opportunities, and if you’re considering engineering its a good first step. There are so many routes and jobs available, you can tailor your engineering journey to suit you. Challenge yourself to solve issues and come up with better solutions to existing ideas and most importantly think about how you can apply your interest to the real world.

A word from Mr Taylor, Head of Design & Technology:

“Congratulations to Hugo! With his skillset, he has all the makings of an outstanding engineer. The Arkwright Scholarship marks the beginning of what will be an incredible career, and I have no doubt that Hugo will become an engineering leader of the future.”