As part of our 60 Stories for 60 Years campaign, we’re pleased to share James’s story. Awarded an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship in 2018, James has received support that he carries with him almost a decade later, citing career-defining, full-circle moments that he’s able to link back to the programme. From being the first in his family to attend university to now studying for his PhD a the University of Glasgow, James was only too happy to share the impact that Arkwright and Smallpeice have had on his life.
What made you apply for the Arkwright Scholarship??
Engineering as a discipline had always appealed to me throughout school, but I was quite unaware of all of the different routes into the field and where a career in engineering could take me. I applied to the Arkwright Scholarship because it seemed like a great opportunity to gain exposure to all of the different facets of engineering.
What opportunities or experiences did the scholarship open up for you?
The scholarship allowed me to visit RAF Scampton, the home of the Red Arrows at the time, which, for a budding aviation photographer, was like heaven on Earth. It also came with behind-the-scenes access at open days and events, and it was probably the driving factor behind why I applied to university. From being the first in my family to attend university to now pursuing a PhD, Arkwright has allowed me to push myself beyond what I thought possible.
How has being an Arkwright Scholar influenced your career or studies?
The scholarship allowed me to meet my mentor, James Rothwell from the Worshipful Company of Dyers, who has been a great source of advice and camaraderie for close to a decade now. The support throughout my career has been invaluable, and I am still an active member of the Dyers’ alumni club. This sense of community and backing from such a prestigious organisation has given me a lot of confidence and support over the years.
Can you share a moment or experience that captures what The Smallpeice Trust is all about for you?
In 2024, I was fortunate enough to attend the International Space University’s Space Studies Programme at Rice University and the NASA Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas. One of the other attendees, Khadija Ismail, had given the commencement address at the Arkwright award ceremony at the IET in 2018. Being able to meet someone who had such a profound effect on my career, now as a peer, was a testament to what Arkwright and the Smallpeice Trust can accomplish: breaking down barriers and empowering young people. I’m really grateful to Arkwright and Smallpeice for all of their support over the years.
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