Our bursaries and awards make a real difference

A recent LinkedIn post from one of our bursary recipients really shows how grateful our award winners are for all the support the Livery provides, writes Steward Neil Sheath.

Katherine Keogh made this post entirely of her own volition and it reveals the real difference the Livery makes to the lives of these young people. It is often said that we make a difference but when you meet these people, as the Master has made great efforts to, one can see how genuine the appreciation and value is and how we are able to provide the catalyst for their career development. These award winners are not only the future of engineering, but are also the future of the Livery. What is clear from Katherine’s post and the comments is that our aluminai are interacting with each other outside of the livery as a result of our awards. Katherine has now been sworn to the Livery and the Charity Committee expects her to engage with our outreach and STEM programmes in the future.

I would like to thank the members of the Court for your support in helping us, the committee members, do what we do.

Katherine says:

I studied and achieved a first class Bachelors degree at Coventry University and decided to delay my graduate scheme at Leonardo and get a Master’s degree in Aerospace Dynamics at Cranfield University. During my time on my masters degree I was fortunate enough to receive help from the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) and the The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers in the form of a bursary and scholarship.

These two awards helped relieve some of the stress of studying as well as provide a great network of mentors. It was a great opportunity.
I did not achieve the full scholarship from the IAWA as the competition was FIERCE, the outcome was delayed as the committee struggled to decide the winner. Though I did not win, I am privileged that I was part of this shortlist, and was awarded a special bursary for my noteworthy application, this is no small feat. The IAWA partners with nine different colleges around the world to provide support and opportunity to the next generation of female leaders. Those who receive this award or bursary have noteworthy and inspirational traits.

Sharing IAWA’s passion for aviation, they have demonstrated grit in overcoming challenges in their academic and personal lives, and, most importantly, they each have a desire to connect, inspire and lead on their college campuses, in their career, and in their voluntary work. I am so proud I was awarded this bursary.

The Sir Frederick Handley Page Scholarship is awarded in memory of an industry pioneer who was also Master Coachmaker. The application included a written section and an interview, the standard of the applicants was inspirational and a little intimidating. The scholarship is awarded to students who have shown commendable ability, potential and determination. It is a privilege and honour to have received such an award and it has had a massive impact on my success in my Master’s degree, alleviating pressure, providing opportunities, assisting with living and travel expenses.

The award also gives the winners the opportunity to attend the Aerospace Industry Dinner at Vintners’ Hall in London, which was amazing. No words can describe it, though a few pictures can. A special thanks to Steward Neil Sheath for all the work he does, and his help on this journey. I am fortunate enough to share this scholarship with Lauren Steen BSc (Hons) and I can’t wait to see where our journeys take us.

Congratulation to all the award winners; Hugo Cowley, Brad Hamilton, Aaron MacLeod (EngTech TMIET), Laila Fadli Dokkali, Thomas Goonan and Alexander Phillips.

I have now been invited to join The Coachmakers, more about this to come – I can’t wait.

Click here to read Katherine’s post.