Sixteen year old James Hutchings from the College has been awarded an Arkwright Scholarship.

James has been selected to receive the Scholarship after successfully passing the Arkwright Aptitude Paper demonstrating flair and originality in solving Engineering Design problems and presenting GCSE Design and Technology work to a panel of interviewers earlier in March and April. The selection process culminated in an interview for short listed candidates at one of six universities. 

A team exercise presented by the university provided the interviewees with an experience of the challenge and excitement of engineering related careers. Parents and young people toured the university and explored the diversity of engineering and the rewards of a career in the sector.

“It was an intensive selection process so I’m very pleased to have been successful,” said James. “I spend half my life in the College’s Design and Technology Department; I’ve even been offered a bed for the night! I want to be an engineer and hope to go to Cambridge University, so the scholarship will really help me achieve my goals.”

Head of Design & Technology John Trant said, “James is a committed and gifted young man. He designed and manufactured a ‘camera steady’ device for his GCSE project, producing the sort of quality of manufacture that one would normally associate with degree level work. We are very pleased that one of our students has been commended with this scholarship; it is a huge boost for the department and a great example for younger students. We have been involved in the Arkright scheme and the Audi Young Designer competition for a number of years and are delighted by James’ recent success. We look forward to working with the award sponsors during the course of the scholarship”.

Scholarships are sponsored by Industry and Charitable Trusts and will be formally presented at a ceremony hosted by The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Savoy Place, London on Friday 26th October 2007. During the day Scholars have an opportunity to meet their sponsors and other Scholars.

The Arkwright Trust was founded in 1990 and supports young people during their A level years by awarding £250 a year to assist with the purchase of materials and books. James will also carry the status of ‘Arkwright Scholar’ into university. The College’s design and technology department receives £225 per year for the next two years. Scholarships are supported by individuals, companies, institutions and the services.