Five Ulster University students have been awarded scholarships which consist of a £3,000 annual bursary, paid summer placements and one year paid industrial experience.
NIE Networks have welcomed 12 Engineering students on a scholarship worth over £40k throughout the duration of the students’ degree programmes.
The scholarships were awarded to students across both the Belfast and Derry~Londonderry Campuses - Stephen Kelly, BSc Energy; Jacob Loughridge, BSc Energy; Fintan Curley, BEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering; Eimear Doherty, BEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering, and Jason Kirkpatrick, BEng Renewable Energy Engineering.
This is the highest number of scholarships the company have offered and comes at a time when the company are predicting significant growth over the next ten years.
Professor Philip Griffiths, Professor of Building Physics and Course Director, said:
“We are proud of the relationship which Ulster University has developed with NIE Networks. The scholarships recognise the skills that our students develop, which will be essential to transform us into a zero-carbon society.
The NIE Scholarships are a fantastic opportunity to complete a year in industry and avail of a paid annual summer placement in Northern Ireland, and it is great news that five of our engineering students have gained scholarships this year.
These scholarships last for the duration of their studies until they graduate, after which they will be able to apply for the Fast Track Graduate Engineer Programme and start a career in engineering.”
Caron Malone, Head of Transmission Strategy at NIE Networks, welcomed the students:
“These are the engineers of the future and we were really enthused at the standard of applications which has led us to award more scholarships than ever before. Our energy system is embarking on the biggest transformation since the 1960’s so the opportunities that lie ahead for these young people are endless. I am delighted to welcome them to the team and wish them all the very best in their future careers.”
The scholarship consists of a £3,000 annual bursary, paid summer placements throughout the duration of their university courses and one year paid industrial experience. Each scholar is matched with a company mentor and supported through their professional development.
Upon graduating, scholars will be employed with NIE Networks on a starting salary of just under £39k and are also eligible to apply for the NIE Networks Fast Track Graduate Engineer programme.