51Âþ»­

A student from 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) has celebrated their success after receiving an Engineering Horizons Bursary from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).


Mechatronics student Juan Manuel Vargas Ferreira will receive £1,000 a year to support his studies for the duration of his degree. He is one of 95 students and apprentices who have been awarded a bursary this year.

The bursaries are awarded to students and apprentices who are passionate about engineering and have taken up a place on an engineering or technology degree course or apprenticeship scheme which has been accredited or approved by the IET.

Juan said: “I chose Mechatronics because I was fascinated by the opportunity to learn how to embed electronic systems into a mechanical body. I really do enjoy all my modules at university, but the electrical and electronics module is the one I look forward to the most.

“As part of my university course, I will be taking a year out to work in industry. I hope to gain a greater insight into the workings of industry through this experience.”

The bursary programme helps students entering an apprenticeship or an engineering degree programme who have qualifications such as a BTECs, HNDs, Access to Higher Education Diplomas or other vocational qualifications, as well as those in challenging circumstances.

The sponsorship will be £1,000 per year for up to four years, and winners also benefit from mentoring and work experience placements through the IET’s extensive networks.

Mike Carr, IET President, said: “In a world where engineering and technology is moving faster than ever before, I believe we need to think more broadly and remove unnecessary barriers that might be discouraging more young people from becoming engineers. In other words, we need to be more inclusive about inspiring and recruiting the next generation of engineers.

“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.

“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.”

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The investment is being made in collaboration with Chemring Group PLC, Cundall, the David Family Foundation, Mr and Mrs Tubbs, National Grid PLC, Siemens, Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC, The Engineers Trust, Ruth and Nigel Fine, The Ironmongers’ Company, and the Hendy and Pendle Charitable Trust.

The IET Engineering Horizons Bursary programme is open to all UK students who are applying to join an IET accredited engineering or technology degree course, or are already studying on one, or apprentices about to start or in any year of an IET approved apprenticeship scheme.

Prospective students and apprentices who are wishing to apply for an Engineering Horizons Bursary can apply online.