An A Level student from Gower College Swansea has been awarded a prize from Tata Steel in recognition of work he undertook during a summer placement.
William Hughes, who is studying Mathematics and Science at the Gorseinon campus, received a cheque and an award for Best Value Added Project.
The summer placement was part of the 2017 Link Scheme, which allows STEM students to work on ‘real life’ projects in industry, and which is sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers.
In addition to William’s prize, the College has received a donation of £200 from Tata Steel which the Science department will use to develop further STEM research and engagement projects with students.
During a recent talk with AS Science students new to the College, William discussed the benefits of taking part in extra-curricular STEM research activities, either working independently or with local employers such as Tata, Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and Swansea University.
“These opportunities for students are such an important component of their overall STEM education,” says Assistant Learning Area Manager for Maths, Science and Social Science Denise Thomas. “Our experience has demonstrated that, when they come to apply for university courses in STEM subjects, these activities are a key feature of their personal statements and interviews and really boost their chances of obtaining an offer of a place.
“We’re really delighted with William’s success both with his prize for Best Value Added Project and his Gold Crest Award from last year, which he won as part of a team working on a hydrogen fuel cell powered wheelchair in conjunction with EESW/STEM Cymru and Power & Water. I hope that other students will now be similarly impressed and will want to follow in his footsteps.”
“We are delighted to support the Tata Steel Link Scheme,” says Professor William Bonfield CBE FRS, Chairman of the Armourers and Brasiers Materials Science Committee. “It provides an invaluable opportunity for young people to experience, at first hand, the rewards and opportunities offered by careers in materials science, and steel-making is at the heart of the UK’s manufacturing economy. We congratulate William on his success.”
ENDS
Notes:
The Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers is a livery company of the City of London. Approximately 75% of its charitable grants each year are given in support of science education and research, with an emphasis on materials science.