Tamar Bridge looking towards Cornwall
A programme which aims to support and inspire the next generation of engineers has secured additional funding to further its mission.
Fishtek Consulting and Soroptimist International Plymouth and District have agreed to support the Tamar Engineering Project, established to offer mentoring and financial support to University of Plymouth students who want to embark on an engineering career.
It is particularly focused on those who have shown potential for high academic achievement at A level, but whose background or personal circumstances may be a barrier to university study.
The Tamar Engineering Project was launched in 2017 and has since enabled several students to pursue courses at the University.
Companies that support the project provide a bursary and often offer expertise to help students develop essential workplace skills, and gain an understanding of the sector and the breadth of career opportunities open to them.
The programme covers 29 degree courses across engineering, computing and robotics, and students who successfully apply to become part of the programme receive funding towards their study and living costs.
It complements the University’s status as one of the leading centres of engineering education and expertise in the South West, which will be furthered through the opening of its new engineering and design facility within the next year.
“Studying at the University of Plymouth equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful in their chosen field. It’s vital we work to remove barriers and make this opportunity available to everyone who has the potential to benefit, whatever their background. The Tamar Engineering Project is one way we do this and it’s tremendous to see its diverse mix of students achieve great results here and after they leave us. We are grateful to Fishtek Consulting, Soroptimist International and the other partners from business and industry who have given their support to the project.”
Professor Alex Belton
Professor Alex Belton
Fishtek Consulting is a specialist fisheries consultancy offering a range of technical services, including fisheries impact assessments, hydro-power studies, fish pass design/fabrication and fisheries mitigation technology.
The company’s Technical Director Toby Coe, who will be mentoring a University student as part of its support for the Tamar Engineering Project, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be contributing to the Tamar Engineering Project. We feel that it is part of our duty, as individuals and as a company, to support the next generation of engineers and scientists going to university and then out into the workplace to help solve the challenges that the world faces. Moreover, we hope that by contributing to a project that aims to help students who haven’t had the same advantages as some of their peers, we can (if only in a small way) help redress the increasing problem that young people face of their history dictating their future.”
Soroptimist International Plymouth & District was founded in 1930, and it works to support and inspire women and girls. It is supporting a female engineer on the programme and Margaret Parkinson, the organisation’s president, said:
“As an organisation we aim to enable, empower and educate women and girls. The Tamar Engineering Project certainly fulfils all of these by encouraging young women to study engineering. We therefore feel privileged to be able to support a student while she works towards achieving her degree.”
 

The Tamar Engineering Project

Are you inspired and fascinated by the potential of technological and engineering advancements? Do you want to make a positive difference to the world around you?
The Tamar Engineering Project is for ambitious students who want to embark on a career in engineering and who have shown potential for high academic achievement at A level, but whose background or personal circumstances may be a barrier to university study.
Learn if you are eligible for this scholarship at the University of Plymouth through the Tamar Engineering Project 
Successful applicants will receive:
  • £3,000 per annum towards living costs for the duration of the taught element of their degree (usually three years)
  • £1,500 fee waiver per annum
  • one-to-one mentoring from an industry expert.
Gemma Maynard

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Our disciplines provide a vibrant inter-disciplinary and collaborative environment dedicated towards producing graduates with the necessary applied knowledge and skills to meet demands of employers today and tomorrow.

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Advanced Engineering Design