8 October 2021

The esteemed Arkwright Engineering Scholarship has awarded 289 scholarships so far this year to budding young engineers from across the UK. The fully sponsored programme, part of educational charity The Smallpeice Trust, aims to encourage young people from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams and change the world as a future leader in engineering.

Now in its 30th year, the scholarship programme supports young people through their A levels, Scottish Highers or equivalent qualifications, providing financial support, personal mentoring, hands-on industry experience and exclusive events to support their journey into engineering. The programme is supported by over 160 generous sponsors - from commercial companies and universities, to trusts and personal donors - who share the vision to see more young people in engineering.

Of the 289 Arkwright Engineering Scholarships awarded so far, 43% were presented to female students and 43% to young people from non-selective state schools. Overall, 1297 hard-working students applied to the 2021 programme, with 654 reaching the final interview stage. The Smallpeice Trust is working hard to break down the barriers and misconceptions preventing young people, particularly girls and students from underrepresented groups, from engaging with engineering, by providing them with the confidence, skills, and real-world learning to thrive in STEM.

The highly competitive Arkwright selection process, involving an online application, aptitude exam, and virtual interview, is designed to assess students’ engineering knowledge as well as key life skills like leadership and creative thinking.

If successful, Scholars’ hard work is rewarded with a nationally recognised Scholarship certification to enhance their university and apprenticeship applications, alongside a £600 financial bonus to support their studies. Schools participating in the programme further receive a £400 donation per awarded Scholar at their school, which they can utilise for STEM events and resources to benefit students. 

Dr Kevin P Stenson, CEO of The Smallpeice Trust, said:
"We are delighted to announce the results of our 2021 Arkwright Engineering Scholarships. It’s been a challenging year for schools across the UK and we are beyond proud of all the students who stepped up to apply for the programme despite the difficulties presented by the pandemic. The UK engineering industry needs more innovative, hard-working young people like these who see opportunities instead of obstacles. Our scholarships enable young people to experience the exciting world of engineering, learn from industry experts and gain a real insight into what it takes to be a pioneering engineer."

The Arkwright Engineering Scholarship programme opens for 2022 applications on Monday 11 October to Year 11 students in England and Wales, S4 students in Scotland and Year 12 students in Northern Ireland. If you are a school or student who would like to apply for the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship programme, please visit www.arkwright.org.uk to learn more.