University of Portsmouth students win national bursary for engineering talent

Thomas Franks was awarded bursaries of £1,000 for up to four years

Two students from the University of Portsmouth have celebrated their success after receiving an Engineering Horizons Bursary from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

The bursaries are awarded to students who are passionate about engineering and have taken up a place on an engineering or technology degree course which has been accredited by the IET.

Thomas Franks, 29 from Southampton, and David Horrocks, 19 and from Emsworth, will receive sponsorship of £1,000 each for up to four years and also benefit from mentoring and work experience placements through the IET’s extensive networks.

Thomas said: “I am honoured to have been chosen to receive this bursary and to be recognised as someone who is passionate about engineering. The bursary will allow me to support myself and concentrate fully on my subject. I also plan to use the platform IET provides to promote the institute and engineering to future students.”

David said: “The Engineering Horizons Bursary is a great opportunity for me to further my interests in engineering. For as long as I can remember engineering has been my passion. I am particularly forward to studying electronic principles in greater depth, design/drawing, and project management. A year in industry is optional on my course, but I will be taking this opportunity to work with the industry.”

Lynsey Plockyn, Head of Engineering at the University of Portsmouth, said: “2018 has been designated as the year of engineering and it is great to see deserving students supported to study a profession that will lead to exciting and worthwhile jobs. Our courses provide great opportunities for students, these bursaries are recognition of that.”

In this second year of the scheme, 75 bursaries have been awarded to students and apprentices. The scheme helps students entering an apprenticeship or an engineering degree programme, who have qualifications such as a BTEC, HND, Access to Higher Education Diploma or other vocational qualification, as well as those in challenging circumstances.

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.”

The IET Engineering Horizons Bursary programme is open to all UK students who are applying to join an IET accredited engineering or technology degree course, or are already studying on a course (except final year students).  Those who are selected will receive at least £1,000 per year during their studies.

Prospective students who are wishing to apply for an Engineering Horizons Bursary can apply online soon. See www.theiet.org/horizons

2018 has been designated as The Year of Engineering and is a government campaign which celebrates the world and wonder of engineering. From spaceships to ice skates, the bubbles in chocolate bars to lifesaving cancer treatment, engineering touches every part of our lives. For more information, visit yearofengineering.gov.ukor search #YoE on Twitter.

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