A University of Aberdeen student has become the first recipient of a new £16K scholarship awarded by subsea engineering and construction company Technip.
James Miller has received the one year Technip MSc Scholarship in Subsea Engineering.
This is the first scholarship the organisation has established with the University and recognises the need to foster new talent in the subsea sector.
The creation of the scholarship adds to Technip’s growing support and links with the institution.
A donation of £25K has been made by Technip towards the fundraising campaign to create the new University library, further emphasising the organisation’s investment in the workforce of the future.
Experts from Technip are amongst the high level industry figures who are working alongside academics teaching the MSc in Subsea Engineering which was launched by the University in 2007.
Welcoming the scholarship Professor Albert Rodger, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Physical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen said: “The creation of the Technip Scholarship recognises the high quality and calibre of the University of Aberdeen’s MSc in Subsea Engineering degree programme.
“Now in its second year, the degree is a prime example of the University’s commitment to working in partnership with the oil and gas sector to create industry focused programmes which are tailored to meet current and future demands.
“The unique degree programme offers a blend of teaching from staff within academia and industry, and key staff from Technip are amongst those playing a vital role in delivering the programme’s curriculum.
“We are delighted to receive further support from Technip for the MSc in Subsea Engineering through the introduction of this scholarship, which further enhances the portfolio of scholarships offered by the University.”
Ron Cookson, Managing Director, Technip UK said: “Technip places high emphasis on continuous learning and development and supporting initiatives, which encourage talented people to join the subsea sector. The MSc Scholarship by its very nature champions both ideas and we are therefore extremely pleased to be funding and supporting it. We wish James all the best with his studies and look forward to working with him over the next year.”
James – who is originally from Wick – says the scholarship has provided a vital financial lifeline in support of his studies.
He said: “My ambition is to enter the oil and gas industry on completion of my studies, and obtaining a postgraduate qualification plays a crucial part in achieving my future career goals.
“Without the vital financial support of the Technip scholarship I simply would have been unable to contemplate undertaking my Masters degree in Subsea Engineering at the University.
“The scholarship has not only provided me with the financial freedom to concentrate on my studies, it has also created the opportunity for me to liaise with professionals from within Technip, which will help to broaden my understanding of the industry and enhance my studies.
“Through the scholarship I am also assigned with a mentor from within Technip. Knowing there is somewhere who I can turn to for advice and support with any academic challenges I am facing in my degree is very reassuring.”