As we emerge from the COVID pandemic, this has been an outstandingly successful year for the UKESF Scholarship Scheme. Through the Scheme, we work with industry to nurture and develop the electronics engineers of tomorrow. In 2021/22 we have ensured that the very best undergraduates gain experience and develop their skills by connecting 38 companies with 68 undergraduates.

Exceptional Employer Satisfaction

More companies than ever joined our Scholarship Scheme this year, so we are delighted that sponsor satisfaction remains exceptionally high. Results from our recent survey include:

  • 100% would recommend the UKESF Scholarship Scheme
  • 96% said that the quality of UKESF Scholarship applications was ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ when compared to other internship applications
  • 91% said support from the UKESF was ‘excellent’ or ‘good’

“Keep up the brilliant job.”

 

Encouraging Inclusivity

This year, we received around 250 applications from undergraduates from our 26 partner universities. We know that just 17% of engineering, technology and computing undergraduate entrants are female¹. However, our Scholarship Scheme continues to champion women in engineering, and 22% of scholars in 2021/22 were female. What’s more, 96% of our female scholars who have graduated have stayed within the Electronics and Technology sector.

Supporting the Electronics Sector

In the UK, Electronics, especially semiconductor design and manufacture, is a growing and strategically important sector of our economy. However, the demand for capable graduates far outstrips supply.

Our Scholarship Scheme has been running for over 10 years, and is now considered to be an exemplar of effective engagement between industry and universities. To date, almost 700 students have been awarded scholarships, and 92% of our graduated scholars are working in the Engineering and Technology industry.

“The UKESF Scholarship Scheme has quite literally changed my entire life… There could not be a better time to get involved with the Electronics industry than now, and there could not be a better way of doing so than through the UKESF.”

Working with the sponsoring companies and our partner universities we are tackling the skills challenge in the Electronics sector. We will be in touch with companies over the summer to discuss participation in the Scholarship Scheme for the next academic year. For employers interested in learning more, there is a Guide to the Scheme here or email [email protected] for a call back.

 

¹Office for Students report July 2022