Emma reflects on first year as an Arkwright scholar

Last year, we shared the news that, after a gruelling selection process, current Y13 student Emma Wattleworth was awarded the Arkwright Scholarship, a prestigious scholarship which supports and encourages students to pursue an Engineering related degree or career. Here, Emma shares an update on the first year of her scholarship…

Last year, I was awarded the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, helping me to pursue a career in engineering through the support of a mentor, financial funding and access to exclusive events. My first year with this Scholarship has been very rewarding and has given me access to great opportunities.

My mentor is from Red Bull Racing, where he works as a Mechanical Systems Design Engineer. It is very inspiring to hear about how he became an engineer, and especially his role within an F1 team. Thanks to him, I carried out work experience at Red Bull Racing in their Milton Keynes office during the Summer. I was based with the design team, where I worked on multiple Computer Aided Design projects, including the design of a wing mirror and rear wing of an F1 car. A highlight for me was seeing the team’s practice pit stops, and then analysing the data collected from this to understand the tight time margins within the sport. This work experience was brilliant, and gave me a clear understanding of the jobs within an F1 team.

Arkwright hosts a series of ‘connect days’ for Scholars, and I was invited to the University of Nottingham for a connect day alongside about 60 other Arkwright Scholars. It was great to network with people who have achieved the same award as me and hear about their engineering experiences. During the day at the University, I attended workshops within the Product Design and Mechanical Engineering departments, getting a taste of university study whilst completing fun activities. I used my financial award to fund travel to Nottingham for the day, one of the many activities this has supported, thanks to my Sponsor the Connolly Foundation.

Overall, my first year as an Arkwright Scholar has been exciting and full of opportunities, so I am excited to see what the second year will bring.