The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East has awarded scholarships to two students from the region.
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 second year in which the QUEST Technician Scholarships have been presented.
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.
Andrew Snowball and Joel Sharp are two successful applicants from Tyneside who are benefiting from the scheme, having both begun part-time, two-year courses in Civil Engineering in September 2010.
Andrew, a Trainee Technician at W.A. Fairhurst & Partners, is studying for a Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering at Newcastle College. Joel is studying for a HNC in Civil Engineering at New College Durham whilst working as a Junior Technician at AECOM.
The application for the award required education, employment and qualifications information, references from college tutors and a personal statement. Andrew and Joel’s applications impressed the judging panel and they were shortlisted for interviews with Stephen Larkin, Regional Director, and Mike Airey, Membership Development Officer, of ICE North East.
This month the budding engineers learnt they had been successful. Joel said: “The QUEST scholarship has not only helped me financially in that I will use the scholarship grant to buy books and software for my work and education, but also in terms of personal growth. The interview helped me to see how much I have learnt and progressed since joining AECOM in 2008.”
Andrew said: “The QUEST scholarships are a great way to set yourself a challenge and in my case, gaining the grant is a testament to the level of support and teaching from Newcastle College and W.A. Fairhurst & Partners.
“The scholarship has relieved the stress of meeting the cost of travel, books and equipment needed for my studies, and also further demonstrated to my employer my dedication and motivation to advance my career.”
To anyone thinking of applying to the scheme the students had the following messages: “Go for it!” said Joel. Andrew added: “Don’t think about it, just do it! You may surprise yourself.”
Stephen Larkin, regional director of ICE North East, said: “We are delighted that two local students have gained QUEST Technician Scholarships. These well-respected awards are highly competitive and attract applicants of the highest calibre.
“We are very proud of Andrew and Joel’s achievements and wish them every success with their studies. We hope one day soon we will be awarding them a professional qualification with the ICE.”