Another student from Luton is set for an exciting career in engineering thanks to the generosity of a local company. Susan Goodman has won the second engineering bursary to be awarded by Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by engineering company Veruth Holdings. The £15,000 bursary will support Susan through her studies, a huge advantage in these times of rising university fees.
Susan, aged 18, was the only female among four students from Luton Sixth Form College who were shortlisted for the prize. Also competing were Jawed Khalifa, Daniel Riley and Stephen Betts. All the students are applying for engineering courses at university, specialising in areas such as mechanical, aerospace and electronic engineering.
The judging panel - which comprised David Sheridan of Veruth Holdings, Brian Hibbert, Chairman of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Prof Sir Colin J Humphreys of Cambridge University - were impressed by the high standard of all the entrants.
‘It was extremely difficult to chose a winner’ comments Brian Hibbert ‘Each student showed real commitment and passion, combining their studies with extra curricular activities to broaden their understanding of and experience in the field. All have promising careers ahead of them in engineering’
The bursary was the brainchild of David Sheridan, owner of Veruth Holdings, who is himself an electronic engineer. It is open to any student who is resident in a Luton postcode area and progressing to aUKuniversity.
Students had to submit an essay to the judging panel which was followed by an interview where they discussed their aspirations. Simon Kitchener, Principal of Luton Sixth Form College, praised the ‘discerning eye’ of the panel, all of whom have had substantial careers in engineering and business.
Susan Goodman is applying to read Mechanical Engineering atImperialCollege, widely considered to be a leader in the field. She is hoping to combine her interest in materials with the underpinning theory and is particularly interested in vibration control in buildings prone to earthquake damage. The prize will help Susan, who currently does two jobs alongside her studies, to pursue these interests:
‘I can’t believe I’ve won’ she says ‘Receiving this award gives me peace of mind financially which will help to really concentrate on my studies’
The Chamber and Veruth Holdings are hoping to extend the scheme to other students based inLutonnext year and David Sheridan wants to encourage more young people to apply.
‘Our country depends upon developing the brains of our young people’ he comments ‘We’re delighted to be working with the Chamber to encourage young people to seriously consider engineering as a career.’
