Three Solihull College & University students have been granted with a QUEST scholarship from the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE).
Kieran Reidy is currently completing his Advanced Apprenticeships in Civil Engineering at Solihull College & University Centre.
Chloe Kirby and Harry Smith are completing their HNC Civil Engineering at Solihull College’s Woodlands Campus.
To apply for the scholarship students must be studying towards an engineering qualification in the UK that could lead to technician membership with the ICE. The QUEST scholarships are a sign of excellence and being recognised by ICE is a great achievement for the students. As well as being able to put this achievement on their CVs Chloe, Harry and Kieran will receive a financial boost of up to £1500.
The students had to go through a tough application process and were chosen because of their hard work both at Solihull College and their employers; Chloe and Harry work for Atkins and Kieran works for Arup. ICE chooses students who are able to demonstrate their current abilities and future potential with the field of civil engineering and students must show that they are a good leader, a good team player, ambitious, determined and able to think and act independently.
Rosa Wells, Programme Manager for Engineering at Solihull College & University Centre commented: “Chloe and Harry are both outstanding students, volunteering their time as STEM ambassadors, providing effective feedback to support course development and striving for high grades in all assessments of the HNC. Their ambition and drive never fails to impress and it has been great to see them develop their skills within the workplace.”
Steven Burns, Lecturer and Apprenticeship Co-ordinator at Solihull College & University Centre added “Kieran has matured excellently on this apprenticeship where he has developed into an outstanding apprentice at Arup. His level of commitment is extremely high and seen him achieve his NVQ well ahead of time. His worth to Arup has become very evident in the manner in which he is regarded by them and will no doubt achieve very highly within his chosen field. He is a credit to this apprenticeship.”
All three Solihull College students were able to demonstrate the skills criteria that ICE set out for the scholarship as they are currently completing highly technical qualifications which support their development as Civil Engineers. Solihull College & University Centre offers a variety of courses within the engineering field including apprenticeships. Principal John Callaghan comments:
“Apprenticeships are a key factor within education and are a great way for young people to learn about the industry and also gain that extremely valuable work experience. Also as part of this the apprentice is able to earn as they learn adding value to the business.
“There is considerable growth in Technical and Professional Apprenticeships in the construction industry in roles such as Civil Engineering Technicians and Building Services Engineering Technicians. This is a direct response to the drive from employers who are seeing the value in training and investing in apprenticeships to fill their skills gaps. Apprenticeships such as these at Solihull College & University Centre help to provide the workforce for the future.”
For more information on courses such as those in Civil Engineering visit the courses page or call 0121 678 7000.
