News
From 26 – 29 August, we welcomed 55 bright and motivated Scholars from 18 universities, after the completion of their work placements with 32 leading employers, to the University of York for the annual Professional Development Course.
This four-day residential programme is a cornerstone of our award-winning Scholarship Scheme, designed to ensure that Scholars become work-ready graduates with the skills, confidence and professional networks needed to thrive in industry.
A packed agenda
The programme combined technical and non-technical skill-building, reflecting the competencies employers consistently identify as critical for early-career engineers. Sessions included:
- Professional & Business Ethics with UKESF CEO Stewart Edmondson
- Career Development and Networking with UKESF Chair Neil Dickins (IC Resources)
- Communication and Negotiation Skills with Ben Dowman and IET trainers Debbie Hertz & Cathy Curtis
- Leading & Managing Diverse Teams with Lynn Tomkins
- Intellectual Property & Patents with Jeremy Smith (Mathys & Squire LLP)
- Cyber Security & Digital Footprints with Phil Cordey (Cyber Security Associates Ltd)
- Postgraduate Pathways with Kasper Buckbee and Michail Rontionov
Alongside expert-led sessions, Scholars took part in team-building challenges and networking activities, culminating in a formal dinner, all designed to mirror the collaborative and professional environments they will encounter in the workplace.
Scholar feedback
The Course continues to deliver excellent results:
- 100% rated it “Excellent” or “Good”
- 75% said it exceeded their expectations
- 98% enjoyed the group exercises, and the formal dinner was rated Excellent by 82%
Top-rated sessions included Effective Negotiation, Communication and Skills and Managing Your Digital Footprint. Scholars found Utilising Professional Networks & CV Advice particularly valuable for professional development.
Scholars praised the experience:
“They were all better than my expectations.”
“Superb Course, 10/10!”
“All extremely interesting and useful, a very enjoyable week overall.”
“I had a great time, learned an awful lot, and made a lot of connections; thank you so much for running this great event :)”
By strengthening skills such as negotiation, networking, communication and ethics, the Course ensures Scholars are better equipped to succeed in graduate recruitment and make an immediate impact when they enter the workplace.
Part of the UKESF Scholarship Scheme
The Professional Development Course is a highlight of the UKESF Scholarship Scheme, which connects undergraduates with leading employers across the Electronics sector. In addition to paid summer placements, Scholars gain access to personal and professional development opportunities that build the pipeline of skilled young engineers our industry needs.
Employers, discover how your company can benefit from hosting a Scholar and supporting the Scheme. Please get in touch at ukesf.org.
