b'Member News March 2021 13The future of engineeringBecause university isnt the only route into engineering.Innovation, creativity and passion are at the heart of what it takes to become a great engineer; an opportunity is often all thats needed to unlock their potential. IET Engineering Horizons Bursary recipient Simone Wilson tells us about her journey into engineering.Growing up my favourite subjects werecareer options and it was through this that Science, Maths and Art; I thoroughlyI discovered opportunities in engineering.enjoyed problem solving, she said. I always knew what engineering was, However, I never had a teacher orhowever I thought it wasnt an option parental role model who provided careersfor me due to it being a male dominated advice. I was never exposed to engineeringindustry. Only through my research did I in my school years and was completelydiscover how wrong I was, and how manyyears experience working as a CE&I Design unaware of the career opportunitiesopportunities were available.Engineer in the Nuclear Industry.that are available in engineering. I studied for a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering and throughThe Engineering Horizons Bursary has I felt a lot of pressure from my collegeenabled me to invest in Electrical and to pick a degree; I remember feelingmy studies gained an insight into eachElectronic books, which are not readily overwhelmed with choice from the list ofengineering discipline. I was mostavailable at the library. It helped pay hundreds of degrees. I began to research interested in Electrical Engineering.for extra training courses for Continued After completing industry workProfessional Development, helped with experience through college,commuting costs and enabled me to it was obvious that a Degreepurchase a laptop so I could study outside Apprenticeship was the rightof work.option for me as I loved workingWith the support of the bursary, I am able and learning on the job. I spentto solely focus on successfully completing weeks applying for many degreemy Apprenticeship without added financial apprenticeships in engineering,pressure and worry.went to numerous assessment days and interviews, and wasIm going to continue as Co-Chair of overjoyed when I was offeredthe Young Professionals Committee a position as a CE&I Design(YPC) of the Merseyside and Western Engineer Degree ApprenticeCheshire IET Local Network throughout at Sellafield Ltd. Im gratefulmy apprenticeship. I enjoy organising to be doing something thatthe events and being part of making a Im passionate about! difference in engineering. My Degree Apprenticeship isAlongside the YPC volunteering role, I a five-year scheme accrediteddo my best to attend many STEM events by the IET. By the end of thethroughout the year. Im passionate scheme, Ill graduate with aabout promoting engineering to younger BEng in Electrical and Electronicgenerations, especially because this is Simone Wilson, IET Engineering Horizons Bursary recipient Engineering debt free with fivesomething I lacked exposure to growing up.Since 2013, we are proud to have supported moreTo celebrate our 150th anniversary,than 1,200 students and apprentices through theirwere matching all donations.studies with an IET scholarship or bursary. You can play a part in inspiring the engineers of tomorrowFind out more about how we inspire the engineersand help others like Simone, to pursue a career inof the future through our four flagship programmesengineering and STEM. by visiting theiet.org/FuturesFundWhats your donation really worth?If youand select toThe IETWhich means the total donate give Gift Aid will match value of your donation50 12.50 62.50 125'