Meet our Arkwright Awards scholars

It was with some pride that on Thursday 28th November the Master and I attended the Awards presentation to the 2021/2 Arkwright Awards Scholars, two of whom are sponsored by our Livery Company, writes Liveryman Andrew Blatherwick. It was great to see the Coachmakers’ coat of arms on screen alongside The Worshipful company of Turners, Paviors and many leading engineering companies.

The Arkwright Engineering Scholarship has awarded 289 scholarships so far this year to budding young engineers from across the UK. The 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.

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, 1,297 hard-working students applied to the 2021 programme.

George O’Connor

Magarishi Chandra

The two students sponsored by the Coachmakers are focused on automotive and aero engineering. George from St Olave’s Grammar School Orpington has a real interest in electric cars and car design. He demonstrated a strong understanding of energy and climate change issues in the context of electric cars. George will be mentored by Liveryman Giles Taylor. Magarishi from St Clements Danes School in Chorleywood is looking for a career in aerospace engineering. He has shown he can benefit from external structured STEM programmes and this scholarship is a great extension which will enhance his career path. Magarishi will be sponsored by Liveryman Neil Sheath.

We wish them both great success during their awards programme and with their future in engineering.

If any Coachmaker is interested in personally sponsoring an Arkwright Scholar, the cost is £2,500 per scholar and I would be happy to point you in the right direction to take part in supporting an exceptional student into a career in engineering – a.blatherwick@btconnect.com

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.”