What is the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship?

It’s the most esteemed scholarship of its kind in the UK, designed to inspire students to change the world as an outstanding engineer of the future. It’s run by The Smallpeice Trust and provides 16-year-old students with a two-year fully sponsored programme of hands-on experience, professional mentorship and careers guidance across a range of specialisms, from aerospace to automotive engineering.

What was the application process?

It was a long process! First there was an online application, designed to test my interest in engineering and wider potential. This was followed by an aptitude exam and finally, there was a virtual interview with a panel of qualified engineers, designed to assess my understanding of engineering as well as wider skills such as leadership and creative thinking.

How did you prepare?

I was already studying DT as one of my GCSEs so was able to draw on my GCSE project to support my application and use this to illustrate my work in the PowerPoint presentation which I produced for the final virtual interview. Before the interview, I also chatted to qualified engineers working in different fields to find out more about their work and the different career options that engineering provided. I also researched large scale engineering projects which have inspired me such as the construction of the new Elizabeth line and Maglev technology used in transportation systems, so I had examples I could use in the interview.

How did you feel when you found out the news?

I was really pleased – I knew the final stage for the scholarship was very competitive and even if you get to the interview stage, only about 50% of successful students are awarded a scholarship because they are reliant on finding a sponsoring organisation. Applying for the scholarship was a lot of work but it was definitely worth it.

What will you gain from having this scholarship?

Each scholarship provides personal development opportunities and support from a sponsor organisation, including industry-based connect days, university receptions and a dedicated engineering mentor. My sponsor is the Royal Air Force so I will get the opportunity to learn about software and aeronautical engineering, which will really help me think about university options. I will also meet other scholars at networking events and I’ve been invited to attend an awards ceremony in Edinburgh later this month (October). I will also receive a personal financial award of £660 to support my engineering studies and a further £440 is paid to BGS to spend on equipment, materials, or teacher training to support the delivery of STEM subjects.

How will you use your scholarship funding?

I plan to use the funding to support my DT studies over the next couple of years and possibly to fund visits to some of the engineering events that will be provided through the programme.

What are your plans for after BGS?

I hope to study at a university with a strong reputation for engineering such as Cambridge or Sheffield. Both have very good links with industry and encourage industrial experience and placements. They also offer a four-year masters (MEng) programme which would be helpful if later I apply to become a Chartered Engineer. After university, I am particularly interested in sectors such as transportation, energy, aeronautics and agriculture, as these are all sectors where innovation in engineering can help respond to real-world challenges such as climate change, population growth, territorial defence and urbanisation.

Has engineering always been the dream?

I’ve always enjoyed designing creative solutions and using maths and physics to help solve problems. I also want to have a career where I can help change the world for the better and engineering will support this, as it is all about designing processes and making products to solve real world problems.

Does engineering run in the family?

My uncle studied mechanical engineering at The University of Manchester and now works as a design engineer. My grandfather also studied engineering and as a young engineer, he worked on the design of the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank which was an amazing engineering feat in the 1950s.

Who are your role models?

Last year I visited Jodrell Bank in Cheshire and learnt about Charles Husband, the lead engineer on the project. Everyone remembers the story of Sir Bernard Lovell, the lead physicist at the site, however Husband was the only engineer who believed a giant, steerable telescope was achievable in the 1950s and he grappled with the problems of weather on such a large scale. His design showed that innovation, creativity and resourcefulness were critical to the project.

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

If you are interested in engineering, it’s definitely worth applying! Spend time talking to people already working in engineering to find out more about what they do – there are so many different types of engineering disciplines and jobs. Also look for work experience opportunities – I did a week’s work experience for Arup in Leeds last summer which gave me a good overview of work at a large civil engineering practice. Even if you are not successful, the process of applying for the scholarship programme really helps you think about engineering as a potential career.

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

“Congratulations to Tom on being awarded the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship – the most esteemed scholarship of its type in the UK. Tom’s commitment to the field of DT and engineering has not only earned him this prestigious award but it also marks the beginning of an exciting journey ahead. The future of engineering is in capable hands, and we can’t wait to see the remarkable contributions he’ll make.”