Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the electricity networks company is sponsoring electrical engineering students through their degree with Queens.

NIE demonstrated its commitment to developing engineering talent at the launch of the NIE Electrical Engineering Scholarship Programme at Queen's University Belfast.

The scholarship which is worth up to £24k over the duration of the scholarship, is open to first year electrical engineering students, includes a bursary and a book allowance every year, payment towards university fees, paid summer training experience, one year training experience, a mentor and student membership of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Speaking at the launch event at Queen’s University Belfast, Gordon Parkes, Human Resources Director at NIE said: "There are significant challenges facing the electricity industry over the coming years and we must have the right skills to prepare for a future of renewable energy, 'smart' grid technology and electric cars. With all of this work planned the scholarship programme will provide engineering students with excellent experience working on real projects with a confirmed opportunity of employment and a lifelong career in an interesting and challenging sector that is continually growing."

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NIE estimates that it will need to recruit a number of engineers every year for the foreseeable future to meet the growing demands to upgrade the electricity network. The key drivers are the need to replace specialist skills as a result of a significant number of key employees retiring over coming years and the growing demands to replace the electricity network in Northern Ireland.

Caron Malone, a current graduate engineer in NIE, was also at the launch to answer questions from students and said: "I really enjoy the responsibility and varied work that I’ve been given at NIE, from designing supply connections for businesses to developing new technology, I have gained great skills. I would encourage all of the first year electrical engineering students to apply as this is a great opportunity to develop first hand understanding of the electricity industry."

(CD)