News- Highest ever number of scholarships awarded
- Even more companies involved
- The UKESF has now connected more than 750 undergraduates with leading employers
The prestigious UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF) Scholarship Scheme is growing fast and is celebrating its most successful year, since it was established in 2010. This year, there were 266 applications from undergraduates studying at one of the UKESF’s 27 partner universities.
The scholarship scheme, which has been recognised with a Princess Royal Training Award, is an exemplar of effective engagement between industry and universities. To date, over 750 students have participated and over 70% of companies involved have recruited UKESF Scholars, into permanent roles, at the end of their university studies.
“I am extremely grateful for both the opportunities I have been given and the experience attained all thanks to the support and generosity of both the UKESF and my sponsoring company.”
UKESF Scholar 2020-23 – Andrew (Lancaster University)
Highlights from 2022/23
More companies than ever joined the UKESF Scholarship Scheme this year and the employer survey satisfaction results are at their highest levels since the scheme began.
- 100% of employers would recommend the scheme to another company
- 97% of UKESF Scholarship applications were ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ when compared to other internship applications
- 97% said support from the UKESF was ‘excellent’ or ‘good’
“The UKESF raises the profile of Electronic Engineering and provides the best students from the best universities to companies looking for interns. Students benefit from having a great experience in the workplace, so it’s a win-win for everyone.” Renesas
Tackling the gender imbalance
The UKESF strives to address the gender imbalance in the electronics sector and the scholarship scheme is making a real difference. This year, 28% of UKESF scholarships were awarded to female students. This is a record number and is an excellent outcome when only 13.5% of EEE undergraduates are female.
Building on this success, we know that over 90% of female UKESF scholars, who have graduated now work in the Electronics and Technology sector. There have been some fantastic young female Electronics Engineers succeed through the scholarship scheme, such as the UKESF Scholar of the Year 2022 Nishika.
“I hope that through my award I can inspire and motivate more young girls to study Electronics and showcase to them that we can do equally well as our male counterparts.”
Princess Royal Training Award
In 2022, the UKESF Scholarship Scheme received a Princess Royal Training Award. The award was given as testament to the valuable work experience that the UKESF network of employers provides, and the in-depth wrap-around support that helps undergraduates to thrive when they enter the workplace. The UKESF was also given a special commendation for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Scholarship Scheme 2023/24
The UKESF Scholarship Scheme is now open for employers to join for the 2023/24 academic year. If your organisation is interested in de-risking your graduate recruitment and connecting with amazing students, then find out more here or email [email protected].
