Ford extends engineering scholarship scheme25 November 2013

Ford is extending its Blue Oval scholarship scheme in bid to boost the number of female engineers.

The three-year Blue Oval scholarship programme was launched in 2011 to mark 100 years of UK manufacturing by Ford. Ford awarded 100 undergraduate students scholarships of £10,000 each and, of the initial 2012 group, 25% were female.

Ford is aiming to boost that number to 50% and is funding 10 more scholarships each year from 2013/14.

The move follows the release of the Perkins Review earlier this month (November 2013), which revealed that the UK has the lowest proportion of female engineers in Europe, at less than 10%.

The announcement was made by Ford Europe's chief operating officer Barb Samardzich at an event at the House of Lords, attended by business secretary Vince Cable.

The minister said: "Engineering has a vital role to play in the future of British industry. But with just one in 10 engineers being women, we are only tapping into a fraction of the talent available."

He added: "Working with companies like Ford, who have a great record in the recruitment and long-term retention of women, we can inspire young women to consider a career in this growing industry and ensure they are properly represented in the workforce."

Pictured with Samardzich are current Blue Oval scholar Sophie Vanderspar, a mechanical engineering undergraduate at University of Southampton, and former Ford craft apprentice, Lauren Robinson, now a full-time Ford employee.

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Ford Motor Co Ltd

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