The Arkwright Scholarships Trust was founded in 1991 when 8 Scholarships were awarded. In January 2000 The Smallpeice Trust pledged to provide the administrative support providing The Trust with a strong foundation to develop. Linda Scott (formally of the Engineering Education Scheme) took up post as National Manager in December 2000 supported by Administration Manager, Jayne Clark, who previously worked in The Smallpiece Trust’s Education Department. At the annual Award Ceremony hosted by the Institution of Electrical Engineers on Friday 28th October 171 Scholarships were awarded.
“Future prosperity is dependent upon encouraging the most talented of our young people to understand the importance of science and technology and to consider a challenging and rewarding career in the field of design and engineering. This can be achieved by developing a flourishing partnership between education and industry. We believe that the Arkwright Scholarship Scheme is one excellent way of helping to achieve this objective. That is why over the past thirteen years Lloyd’s Register has supported the programme with direct contributions to core funding as well as assigning funds to provide at present ten Scholarships each year. I commend you to make the commitment that we have and put support for the Scheme high on your list of priorities.”
Vaughan Pomeroy, Manager Research & Development
Lloyd’s Register
How Arkwright Is Funded
Arkwright has no Capital Fund like their major benefactor The Smallpeice Trust. Scholarships and are supported by generous donations from companies, charities, Armed Services, Institutions and personal donors with the following benefits
Opportunity to identify and influence quality young people at an important stage in their education.
Access to the Alumni Website to contact all past Scholars to enhance the profile of your company and offer recruitment opportunities
Promote graduate and post graduate sponsorship or employment opportunities on the Alumni Website
Raised profile in the community by working with local schools
Link from Arkwright’s website to the company website
How can companies support The Arkwright Scholarships Trust?
Capital Fund Campaign
In 2004 the Capital Fund Campaign was launched. A donation of £15000 or more will provide a small income of funds each year to support new activities for Scholars. This donation can be made in full or in three tranches (for example £5000 over three years)
Scholarships
An investment of £1800.00 (£900.00 x two years) will support one Scholar for two year’s of their sixth form study. Selected in year 11, students must be going on to study A Level, Highers or International Baccalaureate, in Maths, preferably Design and Technology and other subjects leading to an engineering or technological career. Each Scholar passes a rigorous selection process comprising application form, Arkwright Aptitude Paper and Interview. Successful candidates are matched to companies by region, industry sector or school. Companies are encouraged to provide work experience for the student and if possible a mentor who will be able to advise of career opportunities in the industry’s sector.
Adopt A Scholar
Scholars supported by Charities and personal donors do not get the “added value” of work experience and through the Adopt A Scholar companies can provide this opportunity to more students. Scholars submit their CV along with a letter of what they hope to gain from the company link and these are forwarded to companies for selection.
Career Awareness Day
Having a good understanding of the opportunities in engineering is vital for young people to make an informed decision about their career path. By hosting a Career Awareness Day a company can introduce Scholars and their parents to their industry sector by giving a tour of the site, presentations by Graduates, career development details together with a question and answer session.
Programme Support
There are many areas of the programme which can be supported financially including:
Award Booklet
Award Day photographs
Interviews
Newsletter
Literature
In Kind Support
Interviewers – assist with the interviewing of candidates during March and April.
Host of the Annual Award Day, currently supported by the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
To discuss how your company can benefit from involvement with The Arkwright Scholarships Trust contact Linda Scott, National Manager on 01926 333210 or email lscott@arkwright.org.uk
Visit www.arkwright.org.uk for more information.