Every year, Weston College and University Centre Weston award the Luke Wheaton Trust scholarship to one of our engineering apprentices. This is in memory of former Weston College learner Luke Wheaton, an inspiring learner who worked with Wessex Water.
Each scholarship is worth £4,000, with students receiving £1,000 per year for up to four years. The scholarship is renewable annually, subject to progress being made as agreed in partnership between the College and the apprentice’s employer.
This year’s recipient of the scholarship is Grace! She is a currently studying on the HE Aero Mechanical degree apprenticeship while working with Rolls Royce. We caught up with Grace to hear about her plans for the scholarship money, and to find out more about her time at UCW.
Grace plans to put the scholarship money towards getting her Private Pilot Licence! She explained: “Learning to fly has always been a dream of mine, but it’s also a big step towards my goal of becoming an aerospace engineer.” Getting hands-on experience in the cockpit will help Grace understand how aircraft really work and not just in theory, but in practice as well. She can then apply these principles to her theoretical work in aerodynamics and control systems.
Flying is a clear passion and goal for Grace. ” This scholarship money means a great deal to me as it supports my dream and helps make my goals more achievable.” Without the financial support, it would be difficult for Grace to afford these lessons and get the flight experience needed for her licence.
While studying at UCW, Grace has made full use of the facilities available in the engineering workshops. She’s had the opportunity to learn and develop new practical skills such as welding, using milling machines, and working with hand fitting tools. These skills have helped her gain understanding of different materials and how they’re used in real-world engineering applications. “The workshops are well-equipped, and the lecturers have been incredibly supportive as they’re always available to guide me through learning new techniques and answer any questions I might have.”
This scholarship forms part of the Engineering and Construction Careers Excellence Hub; is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands.
Grace’s lecturer Kevin also celebrated the scholarship saying: “Grace is a diligent and bright student, well liked and very gregarious in class. She listens and takes in instructions well to complete a task to specification. She is willing to step outside her comfort zone to get things done and learn new techniques or approaches. She is always willing to put herself forward to try new things. She is making good progress and Rolls Royce should be proud to have her onboard. The scholarship is well deserved!”
Finally, Grace said “I am very grateful for the engineering scholarship offered by UCW, as it not only provides valuable financial support but also shows how the university supports future engineers. The scholarship encourages students like me to develop practical skills and pursue any ambitious goals. UCW’s strong focus on hands-on learning and support from lecturers and staff, make it an excellent place for engineering students to grow and succeed.”
If you want to follow in Grace’s footsteps, check out all of our Engineering degree apprenticeships by clicking here! Find all of our Engineering and Construction courses by clicking here.
If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available in the Weston College Group here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College Group has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College Group is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.
