Success for East Midlands students on their QUEST
Two East Midlands students have been awarded a prestigious scholarships from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) East Midlands region.
Liam Hands and Candice Sewell beat off stiff competition from fellow students to be awarded the QUEST Technician Scholarship.
Liam, who works as Civil Technician for BSP Consulting, based in Leicester, is currently in the first year of a Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering (FdEng) and is hoping to go on to complete a BEng degree in Civil Engineering after completing his current course.
Candice, who works in Flood Risk Management at the Environment agency’s Trentside office in West Bridgford, is in the first year of a four year course at the University of West England studying for a Post Graduate Diploma in Rivers and Coastal Engineering.
The Queen’s Jubilee Scholarship Trust (QUEST) was set up in 1977 to support and encourage education in civil engineering. The Technician Scholarship provides financial support of up to £1,500 for students studying for a qualification that could lead to professional accreditation as an engineering technician.
Liam Hands commented: “Having changed my profession in 2011 after an eight year career in land surveying to become a trainee civil engineer, I was keen to gain as much industrial and academic training as possible.
“When my employer, BSP Consulting, gave me the opportunity to study a degree in Civil Engineering I accepted with gratitude!
“I applied for the ICE QUEST Technician scholarship as a representative of the mature students in the industry who may think it is too late for academic development, so when I heard I was successful, I was over the moon!”
Candice Sewell said: “I chose to study Rivers and Coastal Engineering because it will give me the skills and knowledge to progress with my career.
“I feel honoured to receive the scholarship because it's so well respected within my workplace and the industry. It has not only given me financial support with my studies, but also linked me to a network of experienced engineers who can support my development in the engineering profession.”
Malcolm Jackson, Regional Director – ICE East Midlands added: “I would like to offer my congratulations to Liam and Candice on the award of their QUEST Technician scholarships.
“In awarding the scholarships, we are looking for ambitious students who are committed to civil engineering and who have the potential to excel as civil engineers with the relevant teamwork and leadership skills.
“Technicians play a vital role, providing invaluable technical and practical support to civil engineering teams. By supporting students financially through QUEST, ICE hopes to encourage more students to consider the technician route to professional qualification.”
Around 100 students applied for the scholarship, with those shortlisted attending interviews across the UK. Including those awarded the scholarship in previous years and are still studying, the scheme currently supports 53 students.