Prestigious bursary for student engineer

A Cardiff University student is the first recipient of a prestigious higher education bursary awarded by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Elis Thomas, from Merthyr, will receive £15,000 over three years funded by the Panasonic Trust as part of the Welsh Valleys Engineering Project.

The new bursary supports eligible students from Coleg Gwent and The College Merthyr Tydfil as they progress from A Levels and BTECs to study degree-level engineering at a UK university.

Elis, who is currently studying a foundation year at Cardiff University before progressing onto a three-year degree in the School of Engineering, said: “I’m really pleased to be given this award and I’m really enjoying my foundation year studying engineering.

“There are so many things you learn about in engineering that can lead to interesting jobs. I’m excited to find out what I enjoy.”

A former Cyfarthfa High School and The College Merthyr Tydfil pupil, Elis is also a previous winner of a Panasonic Trust Future Engineers Award.

Lynda Mann, Head of Education at the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “Elis is an incredibly personable and outstanding engineering student, and we are thrilled to have him as an ambassador for the Welsh Valleys Engineering Project.

“He is a fantastic role model and an inspirational figure for our students, particularly when it comes to engaging them in engineering education. We are so pleased to be able to recognise Elis' hard work and dedication with this award.”

The Welsh Valleys Engineering Project is a long-term project funded by the Welsh Government and the Panasonic Trust and delivered by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Launched in 2018, the project works with primary and secondary schools and colleges across Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil to enrich the curriculum, enhance pupil engagement and to embed real-world engineering practice in education through work with local STEM employers.

Carl Pocknell, Chair of the Panasonic Trust, added: “The objective of the Trust is to support the advancement of education and training in engineering—we want to change lives. The Welsh Valleys Engineering Project is about providing opportunities to those who might otherwise not realise their potential and abilities to make a career in engineering possible.

“Having met Elis, it is clear from both his enthusiasm and ability that he will be successful in making a career in engineering.”