Undergraduate Students win National Bursary for Engineering Talent!
Student experience 13 February 2018
The Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Engineering Horizons Bursary offers long-term financial support to 75 engineering students and apprentices in the UK.
Jessica Paterson and Mehdi Kolahi – both Electrical and Electronic Engineering students – celebrated their success after 
receiving an Engineering Horizons Bursary from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The bursaries are awarded to students who are passionate about engineering and have taken up a place on an engineering or technology degree course which has been accredited by the IET.
In this second year of the scheme, 75 bursaries have been awarded to students and apprentices. The scheme helps students entering an apprenticeship or an engineering degree programme, who have qualifications such as a BTEC, HND, Access to Higher Education Diploma or other vocational qualification, as well as those in challenging circumstances. The sponsorship will be £1,000 for up to four years and winners also benefit from mentoring and work experience placements through the IET’s extensive networks.
Read on for Jessica and Mehdi’s Case Studies provided by the IET Engineering Horizons Bursary.
Mehdi Kolahi
What attracted you to engineering and what route have you taken into engineering?
Briefly, three factors made me chose this field: innovation, creativity and better ways thinking about everything as a result of enjoying problem solving.
I have obtained a high school certificate, a BSc degree in Electrical Engineering, a City & Guilds certificate in Electrical Installation Level 3. I have also other related certificates such as PLC.
Following 7 years professional experience, in order to update and upgrade my knowledge in Electrical and Electronic Engineering I am studying MEng in the University of Manchester.
How did you first hear about the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) and the IET Engineering Horizons Bursary?
In September 2016 a member of IET gave a presentation in our school. I attended this event and I found it very interesting so I applied for the free membership. I was then informed by email about the Horizons Bursary.
How will the Engineering Horizons Bursary help you during your studies?
This would be a great opportunity to develop a priceless connection to one of the world’s pioneering engineering and technology institutions. It will be beneficial for improving my academic perspective, confidence and achievement.
It would also be valuable in finding my future industrial/professional career. From the financial aspect, this would very helpful for me as this bursary would allow me to focus on my studies rather than taking part time jobs beside my education.
What made you choose your university degree course? Tell us more about your university degree e.g. what modules are you looking forward to, do you have a year industry?
First my passion to study electricity, physics and maths made me choose this course.
I am looking forward to the modules related to generating and distributing electrical energy, my favourite is renewable energy (solar system). I plan to take more modules on this subject during the rest of university course through my elective units.
I have an industrial placement that can start either in July 2018 or July 2019 which is very flexible.
I would like to find a placement in a well-known engineering company to further develop my technical skills and have the experiences for participating in professional projects.
What is your ambition after completing this course?
My ambition after completing my degree is to work at a world leading company and have the opportunity to research in the field of renewable energy (solar system).
Jessica Paterson
What attracted you to engineering and what route have you taken into engineering?
I was attracted to engineering because it is a constantly evolving area. I wanted a career that was meaningful and could help to make the world a better place. I have always enjoyed science and maths although I was not particularly encouraged to pursue these subjects at school so I initially took arts subjects and went down a completely different path.
Last year I embarked on an Access to Engineering Course and managed to get into my first choice university.
How did you first hear about the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) and the IET Engineering Horizons Bursary?
I first heard of the IET Engineering Horizons Bursary through an internet search for engineering bursaries.
How will the Engineering Horizons Bursary help you during your studies?
The bursary will help pay my university tuition fees as I have to self-fund my first year. I did not find this out until the day before I started my course as the student loans company made a mistake by awarding me funding. The bursary might be the difference between me being able to complete the course or not so I am extremely grateful.
What made you choose your university degree course? Tell us more about your university degree e.g. what modules are you looking forward to, do you have a year industry?
I chose my degree course as I have an interest in electronics and renewable energy. I am most looking forward to practical projects later in my degree. At the moment I do not have a year in industry but I am only in my first year so I am working on achieving the grades required to be eligible to apply for one, and would very much like to get some hands on experience before I graduate.
What is your ambition after completing this course?
After completing the course I want to work as an engineer in the energy sector or in a similar field, where I hope to work towards chartered status.
The IET Engineering Horizons Bursary programme is open to all UK students who are applying to join an IET accredited engineering or technology degree course, or are already studying on a course (except final year students). Those who are selected will receive at least £1,000 per year during their studies.
Prospective students who are wishing to apply for an Engineering Horizons Bursary can apply online soon. See www.theiet.org/horizons
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