This scholarship was established in 2017 in memory of notable Royal Naval test pilot Captain Eric “Winkle” Brown, who became a Liveryman Coachmaker before his death in 2017 at the age of 97.
This award is for up to £5,000 to help an engineer, mechanic or technician to enhance their personal skill level and ability in the maintenance of vintage, classic or modern aircraft with the express aim of preserving hands-on fabrication and heritage skills within the industry. The award may be jointly granted to more than one person where the total sum available may be split between the individuals at the discretion of the Aerospace Awards Committee. The award may be granted to a person or organisation for the purpose of running a specialist fabrication or heritage skills course to the benefit of multiple persons. The applicant should make a valid case for their purpose, including the amount of the award requested.
The Scholarship is designed to help a suitably experienced and motivated mechanic(s) or technician(s), ideally under the age of 35, permanently resident and currently employed in the UK with an existing maintenance or fabrication organisation, and who aspires to develop additional skills and qualifications but who may need some assistance with the process. The applicant must make a case for the award to be granted for a purpose of their choosing. This can be skills enhancement, qualifications, a course or specialist equipment or tooling.
Applicants will be required to present a reference and letter of support from their employer.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview which will normally take place in person but may take place by video conferencing. The normal interview process will be conducted, and the applicant will be required to make a valid and convincing case, in a manner of their choosing, for the granting of the award.
The winner of the scholarship will also be invited to, and expected to attend, the Coachmakers’ Aerospace Industry Dinner held annually in November at a prestigious location in London. At this event the winner will be presented with a Certificate of Achievement in the presence of several senior executives from the UK and European aerospace industry. The dinner is a black tie event, the cost of which will be borne by the Coachmakers. However, any travel and any accommodation expenses incurred must be borne by individual winner.
Not only does this award offer opportunities and financial assistance in the short term, association with the Coachmakers is potentially long-term and offers exciting networking opportunities. Our website gives more information on how industry and military affiliations have evolved from our historic roots in the coachmaking and coach harness making trades.
Applications for this award open on the 1st September 2024 and close at midnight on the 28th February 2025. Selection interviews are expected to be held during late March or early April.
To apply for the scholarship please complete the online application here.
Any question or queries may be addressed by email to the Aerospace Awards Committee Chairman, Steward Neil Sheath MRAeS.