University of Derby students win national bursary for engineering talent

Three students from the University of Derby have received Engineering Horizons Bursaries from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Michael Cane and Kyran Hill who are studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University, and Adam Carpenter who is studying Mechanical Engineering, are among only 75 students to receive the bursary this year. The sponsorship will be £1,000 for up to four years and winners also benefit from mentoring and work experience placements through the IET’s extensive networks.

Established in 2016, 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.

Dr Warren Manning, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dean for Engineering and Technology at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted that three of our students have been awarded Engineering Horizons Bursaries. This highly competitive award is given to degree students who are passionate about engineering, so to be chosen is a great achievement and demonstrates how committed and enthusiastic our students are.”

Michael Cane added: “The bursary will be a huge help. As an electrical engineer the ambition to buy equipment such as soldering stations, signal generators and oscilloscopes is quite large. This bursary will help me achieve those ambitions to not only help with university work but also self-study and development.”

Nick Winser, IET President, said: “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 scheme is supported by the IET, charitable foundations and engineering companies.