Ben Mark

I was made aware of the Arkwright Scholarships by my school. I had a keen interest in engineering and the Arkwright opportunity seemed too good to be true. Arkwright’s selection process was tough and when I found out that I had won a Scholarship I was thrilled!

"Engineering is a hugely diverse industry and the support of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust has enabled me to make educated decisions about my career by giving me exposure to the engineering world early on in my studies."

The financial assistance proved to be helpful for my A-Level activities and allowed me to design and build a couple of innovative projects. Access to engineering companies was also invaluable and enabled me to focus my desire to be an engineer into my areas of interest - engines and vehicle dynamics. 

After A levels I studied for a Masters degree in automotive engineering at Loughborough University. The course was a sandwich degree and for my year out I worked for the consultancy Tickford Powertrain Test. During this year I learned a great deal about the engine industry and made some great contacts. I also worked at Lotus engineering for a couple of months looking after prototype engine projects. I returned to university and completed my degree with First Class Honours. During this time I managed to get a summer job at JCB Power Systems. From this JCB offered me a place on their new graduate scheme. 

The scheme allowed me to have work placements in many areas of the business before choosing an area to work in permanently. JCB is a really interesting company – among other things they hold the current World Land Speed Record for a diesel-powered car. Perhaps influenced by this, I chose Engine Development for my permanent job.

Within a year I was promoted to Senior Development Engineer and was the lead engineer for three new engine projects. I was responsible for the emissions and power performance of these engines and developing them to meet both the legislative and JCB targets. I then changed role again and currently work as an engineer within the Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) sales area of Power Systems. I get to travel the world and meet our customers; I assist them with installing and using our engines and ensure they pick the correct engines for their application. I get to use my engineering knowledge and technical skills to help develop products from water pumps to forestry harvesters to recycling machines.

I am sure I have a long and successful career ahead of me and the Arkwright Scholarship was the catalyst that started me on this course.