A previous learner of The JCB Academy Sixth Form, Derby-based Daniel Swain, is one of the engineering apprentices who has been awarded an Engineering Horizons Bursary by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The Engineering Horizons Bursary has been awarded to apprentices who are passionate about engineering and have taken up a place on an IET approved apprenticeship scheme or on an accredited Siemens Group scheme or an IET accredited degree course.
Daniel started at The JCB Academy Sixth Form in 2013 studying maths, further maths, physics and IT, and after completing his A levels he gained a higher level apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce. Daniel said: ‘I decided to go to the JCB Academy Sixth Form which gave me a much more in-depth introduction into the world of engineering, and further strengthened my desire to work within the field. In addition to studying my A levels, I was able to take part in an improvement project for JCB, as part of the Engineering Education Scheme, as well as a week’s work experience at Aston Martin. I was never quite sure which specific sector I wanted to work within, I was just certain that I wanted to work within the engineering industry. So, I applied to work for a business that I highly regarded as one of the best engineering companies in the world, Rolls-Royce. I was successful in my application for the Higher Apprenticeship and I have never looked back.’
In this first year of the scheme, 26 bursaries have been awarded to apprentices and learners. The scheme help learners 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. The sponsorship will be £1,000 for up to 4 years.
‘The Engineering Horizons bursary builds upon our very own bursary, which aims to provide financial support those learners most in need of assistance. We firmly believe in maximising the opportunities for each of our learners and use the funding to provide laptops, course materials, pay for transport costs, extra curricula visits to enable all of our learners to make the most of their time with us.’ Paul Stanmore, Director of Sixth Form at The JCB Academy.
Four charitable organisations have already given their support to the new scheme. Lloyd’s Register Foundation is funding 12 bursaries. The Engineers Trust (Worshipful Company of Engineers) is funding five bursaries, the Manly Trust is supporting a further two and Mr & Mrs Tubbs are supporting one
Faye Banks, Chair of the Engineering Horizons Panel, says: ‘This contribution from our partners is fantastic and helps the IET’s ongoing commitment to reduce the skills gap. We hope the scheme will continue to grow. By encouraging apprentices and learners who are passionate about engineering, we know the bursary will put them on a path that is not only challenging and rewarding, but also vital to the UK economy. It was a very competitive process and all winners should be rightly proud of their achievements.’
