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Scholarship helps student drive forward career ambitions

25/05/2017

The University of Wolverhampton has recently signed a three year scholarship agreement with the Hickman Educational Foundation to support an Engineering student. Clive Hickman, an alumnus of the University, established the foundation in 2015 and is Chief Executive of the Manufacturing Technology Centre.

Suhaib Zahid, 18 from Kings Heath in Birmingham, was successful in his application for the £3,000 per year scholarship, which will see him supported through his undergraduate degree.  Suhaib is in his first year and studying for a Mechanical Engineering Degree at the Telford Innovation Campus.  His ambition is to work as an engineer for a local automotive company.

The Hickman Education Foundation was established in 2015 by alumnus Clive Hickman, whose career spans more than 30 years in the engineering industry.  He started as an apprentice and, during his career, engineered the first ever diesel Jaguar, worked on a number of projects for Ferrari and engineered the powertrains for the Queen’s Bentley. He also managed the engineering operation of Tata Motors in India, overseeing the production of the Nano, also known as “the people’s car.”

Clive launched the scholarship to support the next generation of engineers. The foundation has entered into a long term commitment to sponsor two apprentices at the Manufacturing Technology Centre based in Coventry as well as scholarships at Dudley College and the University of Wolverhampton.

Clive said:  “The Scholarship scheme was set up to support students specifically studying engineering in our region. It’s crucial that we keep hold of local talent by offering our graduates the support needed to stay in the region as well as equipping them with the right skills to contribute to our local economy growth.”

Clive will also mentor Suhaib as part of the scholarship and guide him on industrial placements during his undergraduate degree.

Suhaib said: “The application process involved me preparing a presentation and I was really pleased to have been successful.  This scholarship will help me in all aspects of my learning, from buying books to planning field trips as well as helping with transport and living costs.  My ambition is to work for one of the big car companies in engineering design and having support like this is a real bonus.”

Anyone wanting to find out about engineering courses at the University of Wolverhampton should visit the next Open day at Telford Innovation Campus on Saturday 17th June 2017.

ENDS

For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 32 2736 or 01902 518647.

Date Issued: 24th May 2017

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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