Jersey Water has seen its 5th successful bursary applicant Sean Mitchell, graduate with a First Class Honours Degree in MEng Mechanical Engineering with Mechatronics from Newcastle University. Sean will soon be embarking on a career with one of the world’s leading engineering and scientific technology companies, Renishaw, in Bristol.
The Jersey Water bursary scheme started in 2009. The aim, then as it is now, is to provide support, both financially and with work experience, to a local student undertaking a first undergraduate degree in a water industry-related subject such as Engineering.
Reflecting on his work experience with the Company Sean said “The time I spent at Jersey Water helped me develop my project management skills, as well as giving me insight into the engineering required for mains water network expansion and maintenance. It was also this experience that I later referred to in job applications and interviews which undoubtedly helped me receive my graduate job offer from Renishaw.
“The financial support from Jersey Water throughout my time at university, both from the bursary and the paid work experience, allowed me to cover my own living expenses at university. This meant I could reduce the financial burden of university on my parents.”
Cheryl Kaye, HR Manager for Jersey Water said “The Company is very proud of all its bursary students and their achievements. Sean Mitchell has been a model bursary student and we wish him every success for the future. The work placements are valuable in two ways as the Company shares skills, knowledge and experience with the students and the students’ share fresh thinking with us.”
When asked what advice he would give to future applicants, Sean said “It is well worth the time and effort required to complete the first round of the application process to give you a chance to be selected. Students fortunate enough to be selected for interview should take the time to research the Company and consider how the scheme will complement their own studies.”
Former Hautlieu student Luke Tumelty is Jersey Water’s Bursary Student for 2017; he studied A Level Biology, Psychology, English Literature and Language and will shortly be embarking on an Integrated Masters in Environmental Science at the University of Stirling. Luke says ‘For me, being awarded this bursary is everything. It will alleviate a great deal of financial stress from my family and mean that I am able to get myself the best qualification I can.’
Applications for next year’s bursary will be open in January 2018 and full details will be available on Jersey Water’s website www.jerseywater.je
