After being chosen as the recipients of the annual
ExxonMobil Fawley SolveItWithSTEM Scholarships at the end of last year, two
lucky former students from New Forest Academy agree.
Thomas Sutherland and Harrison Brown each received a £500
award to help them in their studies at Brockenhurst College which they started
in September, as well as a period of work experience and the guidance of an
ExxonMobil Fawley mentor.
Both teenagers have chosen to study for their A levels in
STEM subjects, one of the necessary criteria for the scholarship programme, and
both underwent interviews prior to their successful bids for funding.
Thomas, 17 who lives in Holbury, is studying Maths and Physics
with Product Design, while Harrison, who is also 17 and lives in Hythe, has
opted for Level 3 Engineering.
The funding can be used towards the cost of attending
college, including travel, books and educational material and computer
equipment.
Thomas used his scholarship funding towards his bus pass
to travel to college, while Harrison is also using some of his towards his
travel costs to college as well as books and equipment.
Thomas said: “I
was really excited when I was awarded the scholarship from Exxon Mobil which
has really helped me financially.
“I put a lot of
effort into the application with support from my physics teacher, Mr Drury at
New Forest Academy. I felt that my interview went well and was challenged on
many levels which I enjoyed.
“I really
appreciate this opportunity which will help me in my future career.”
Harrison, who is keen to become an engineer, added: “When
I heard I had got the scholarship I was really excited as I believe it will
help me towards a future apprenticeship with Exxon.
“I also think that getting the scholarship and the work
experience that goes with it will look good on my CV for any jobs I apply for
in the future.”
Both students paid a visit to the Fawley site recently,
when they had a chance to have a look around and meet some of the team to find
out more about the people and processes under the guidance of their mentors,
George Clarke and Helen Schofield from ExxonMobil Fawley.
Helen said: “Through
volunteering with STEM Outreach and hearing about the scholarship scheme, I
shared an interest in becoming a mentor to support the next generation of STEM
students.
“My
role is to provide an insight into real world engineering and support Harrison
through his College studies; sharing experiences I have had from applying to
university through to my first couple of years of work at Fawley.
“I
believe the scholarship scheme allows the students to explore how the knowledge
they gain through their studies is applied in reality.”
Details on how to apply for a scholarship are available
through the school.