The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East has awarded scholarships to two students who work at the same company.
Jenna Graham and Lee Soanes are both trainees at A-one+ Integrated Highways Services in Darlington.
The Queen’s Jubilee Scholarship Trust (QUEST) was set up in 1977 to support and encourage education in civil engineering; however, this is only the third year in which the QUEST Technician Scholarships have been presented.
Jenna, from Chester-le-Street, is in the second year of a two-year part time HNC Civil Engineering course at New College Durham. She was awarded a National Certificate in Civil Engineering Double Distinction in July 2010 and started work in her post as a trainee technician with A-one+ in January 2009.
Lee, from Darlington, joined the company as a trainee technician in April 2009 and is studying towards a National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (Civil Engineering) at Darlington College, which is due to conclude this year.
The scholarships provide financial assistance for those who are studying either full or part time towards an engineering technician qualification. Each successful applicant is awarded up to £1,500 to support them for the duration of their course.
The application for the award required education, employment and qualifications information, references from college tutors and a personal statement.
This month the budding engineers learnt they had been successful. Jenna said: “I feel that this award, combined with working towards Technician membership status within the Institution of Civil Engineers will help me to begin gaining recognition for my achievements and give me the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals that have comparable interests and are also working towards similar goals. It also gives me the confidence that I have the potential to become a professional engineer with widening career prospects.”
Lee added: “The Technician Scholarship will improve my future career prospects, increase my knowledge within the civil engineering industry and achieve the full potential of the role I have chosen. This is a great step in my career and will help me to prove my competence in becoming a professional technician and establish my credentials within the industry.”
Stephen Larkin, regional director of ICE North East, said: “QUEST Technician Scholarships will prove a massive boost for Jenna and Lee’s careers within the industry and it is a pleasure to be able to present these awards, which are well-respected, highly competitive and attract applicants of the highest calibre.
“We wish Jenna and Lee every success with their studies and look to seeing them develop within the industry.”
Image above (L-R): Lee Soanes, Stephen Larkin, ICE North East regional director and Jenna Graham.