Mechanical Engineering students awarded prestigious Shell Scholarships

2nd July 2020

Three Fife College students have been recognised for their achievements, and given a boost to their career prospects, after they were awarded a scholarship from Shell UK.

HND Mechanical Engineering students Chris Blount, Hayden Longhurst and Mateusz Wlodarczyk received scholarship awards of £1,000 each from the energy company through the College’s the Adam Smith Foundation.

The scholarship, which has been running since 2009, recognises great academic ability alongside commitment to studies with the aim of progressing in the oil and gas industry.

The students were delighted to the receive the scholarships which can be used to purchase equipment and materials to support their studies and to progress onto another course or into employment within the sector.

Chris Blount, from Kirkcaldy, said: “I was a great surprise to hear I was being awarded this scholarship. I am going to put it towards buying driving lessons and a laptop. It’s a very welcome at this time, being a student is hard enough especially with a family.”

Mateusz Wlodarczyk, also from Kirkcaldy, said: “This scholarship is a fantastic kick start for the long journey ahead at university. I can use it to assist in my general living costs whilst attending university or to buy things such as a laptop.”

Haydn Longhurst, from Lochgelly, said: “I am completely overjoyed to have won the award, lost for words truly. It means everything to me as due to my financial situation being able to afford a computer was a pipe dream, but thanks to this award it is now possible.”

Teresa Waddington, Plant Manager, Fife NGL Plant, said: “With our world being increasingly shaped by science and technology, ingenuity will be key to the UK’s economic success and is already playing a vital role in our transition to a low carbon economy.

“By making a link between real life and learning through engaging experiences we aim to: nurture the next generation of problem-solvers, leaders and innovators, grow the UK’s skills base and pipeline of scientists and engineers and attract and retain talented people to tackle the energy challenges that face us all.

“Congratulations to our Adam Smith Foundation scholarship winners this year – each were very much deserving of their award. I’m sure they will go on to enjoy exciting and fulfilling careers in the oil and gas sector in the future.”

Shell’s scholarship with the Adam Smith Foundation is part of a wider range of generous support the College receives from the energy company, which also includes a Shell Girls in Energy Scholarship – a programme which encourages more females to study STEM subjects.

Lyn Gold, Adam Smith Foundation Scholarship Co-ordinator, said: “Congratulations to Chris, Mateusz and Hayden on their scholarship awards. Not only does the scholarship provide brilliant financial support, having a global company like Shell on their CVs will also help them stand out from the crowd when securing their next steps.

“Shell have been generous supporters of the Adam Smith Foundation Scholarship Programme and many other college activities for well over a decade now. We are extremely grateful for their continued support which has already helped provide hundreds of Fife College students with amazing opportunities.”

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