There is growing interest in STEM subjects. University applications for engineering and technology are up 13% year-on-year, according to UCAS. But the current skills gap costs the UK £1.5 billion every year. This isn’t just an economic cost today, but it puts the UK at a strategic disadvantage tomorrow.
In partnership with six of the UK’s leading engineering universities - Oxford, Strathclyde, Nottingham, Northumbria, Queen’s Belfast, and York - we’ve pledged a total of £5 million - shared equally between the 6 universities - to support up to 500 students from under-represented backgrounds. This multi-year scholarship provides financial support to students as they undertake engineering degrees, promoting social mobility and filling the skills gap by creating a pipeline of future talent to secure the UK’s industrial base.
This initiative is a cornerstone of our mission to build a skilled, diverse workforce that drives future innovation, unlocks growth and strengthens national security.
We already have nearly 200 alumni studying today with many more joining each year.