Competitions, bursaries and scholarships

The closing dates for a range of competitions, scholarships and bursaries designed to attract new talent across the automotive, aerospace and defence sectors are looming during the next couple of months.

The Autocar Drivers of Change initiative, launched in partnership with executive search specialists Ennis and Co, aims to attract emerging talent across three automotive sectors: technology, digital and retail. The initiative was announced at last year’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Annual Dinner and entries will close on 30th June.

The aim is to highlight the exciting employment opportunities available in the automotive industry as it undergoes a period of unprecedented change, driven by the move towards electrification, autonomy and digitalisation. A prize of £5,000, plus networking opportunities with three sponsors will be offered in each of the three categories: technology, digital and retail. Applicants must either apply from outside the automotive industry, or work in a different automotive discipline from that for which they are applying, to enter the competition.

Students applying for IET accredited courses and apprenticeships could be eligible for a scholarship or bursary

Students applying for IET accredited courses could get a scholarship or bursary

Steve Cropley, Autocar’s editor-in-chief, said: “With the automotive industry changing so rapidly and in so many exciting ways, there has never been a better time for fresh talent with new ideas and different ways of working to break through and make a difference.

“The entries so far are heartening, showing the bright minds that can drive this industry forward, but we believe there must be many more brilliant ideas out there. Applicants might be coming out of university or they might be a couple of roles into their careers; there’s no upper age limit, just a desire to hear from anyone who has an ability to look at problems from fresh angles and create opportunities from them.” The winner is due to be announced at the 2020 SMMT Annual Dinner on Tuesday 24^th November.

Drivers of Change is sponsored by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), Allianz, Bentley Motors, CitNOW, HORIBA MIRA, Jardine Motors Group, JATO, Lotus, McLaren Automotive, Polestar, Toyota GB, TrustFord, Volvo and VW Group.

IET scholarships and bursaries

The IET Horizons Bursary scheme is available to those who may experience hardship

Students applying for Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) accredited degree courses and apprenticeships this year could be eligible for one of the organisation’s scholarships or bursaries. The IET Diamond Scholarship is open to UK residents who are about to start an IET Accredited degree course and offers funding of up to £4,000. The IET Horizons Bursary scheme is available to anyone on an IET approved apprenticeship, or at university, studying an IET accredited course. The bursary is available to those who may experience or have experienced financial difficulties and personal obstacles. Like the Diamond Scholarship, the Horizons Bursary offers up to £4,000 spread across four years. The scheme is designed to help fund books, a computer or even transport to and from university. Applications for both schemes can be made online. Full details can be found at https://www.theiet.org/impact-society/awards-scholarships/scholarships-and-bursaries/

Create the Future

The annual Create the Future design contest, organised by the Tech Briefs Media Group in the US, offers a top prize of $20,000 and is open to entrants from around the world. The competition invites entries in seven categories including aerospace and defence, automotive/transportation and manufacturing/robotics/automation and closes on 1st July 2020. Entries can be made by individuals or design teams. Full details can be found on the Create the Future website.