The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has launched a new initiative to help students and apprentices who have overcome obstacles or personal challenges to pursue their passion for engineering. The Engineering Horizons Bursary of £1,000 per year will be awarded to six engineers who are taking a vocational route into engineering or need financial assistance to complete their studies. 

Prizes will be given to three students and three apprentices who have been accepted onto an IET accredited degree course in the UK, or the first year of an IET approved Apprenticeship scheme. The winners will each receive an annual award of £1,000 per year for the duration of their degree course (up to three years for BEng and four years for MEng) or Apprenticeship (up to four years). 

Alongside a financial boost each bursary winner will gain free membership of the IET for the duration of their course or Apprenticeship, as well as advice on EngTech or ICTTech registration and payment of their application fee to become a professionally registered technician.

Faye Bank, Head of North East Operations at the National Grid and an adviser to the Engineering Horizons panel, says: “The biggest barrier to success for young people brought up in challenging circumstances isn’t financial, it’s the lack of aspiration for them to achieve from family, friends and sometimes teachers. The advice and support I received from winning an IET prize has played an important role in enabling my journey from school leaver with no qualifications, to apprentice and ultimately the job I do today at National Grid.

“Based on my own experience I know young people from disadvantaged backgrounds can be hard to reach. So if any teacher, careers advisor or family member knows someone who would benefit please actively encourage him or her to apply. Your support could change a life.” 

More information about the Engineering Horizon Bursaries and how to apply is available at www.theiet.org/horizons. Applications must be received before 13 October 2016 and first bursary payments will be made in January 2017.