firmus energy and Ulster University launch new engineering scholarship

The Renewable Energy Engineering Scholarship was unveiled at Ulster University’s Magee campus in Derry-Londonderry by firmus energy Chief Executive Officer Niall Martindale and Professor Jim Harkin, the Head of the School of Computing, Engineering, and Intelligent Systems at Ulster University.

They were joined by firmus energy’s Director of Engineering Eric Cosgrove and his colleagues who took part in a Question-and-Answer session. This followed a presentation that outlined details about the scholarship as guests also found out more about the day-to-day work of qualified firmus gas engineers.

Speaking at the launch event in Derry-Londonderry, Niall Martindale said: “firmus energy is pleased to partner up with Ulster University’s Magee Campus and sponsor this exciting – and prestigious – scholarship to promising students who are part of the BEng Renewable Energy Engineering degree.

“firmus energy remains committed to identifying and supporting the very best student engineers as we know how fundamentally important this work is. By investing in this scholarship and offering hands-on experience, we want them to achieve their full potential and create a pipeline of talent.

“The Renewable Energy Engineering Scholarship can help students pursue their educational goals through financial and career support. More broadly, it will play a key role in helping to build a highly skilled workforce right here in the North West region and right across Northern Ireland,” he continued.

The Scholarship is open to students in year one of their BEng Renewable Energy Engineering degree at Magee Campus, with the successful applicant receiving a £2,000 bursary to support their studies.

They will also benefit from a one-year paid industrial placement for the duration of their studies for up to a maximum of 10 weeks, and a 1-year paid placement with firmus worth £22,000 plus benefits.

In the case of both, mentorship will be offered to the student from experienced staff members on top of support through professional registration, and following successful graduation, they will be eligible to apply for the Graduate Engineer Programme with the natural gas distribution and supply company.

The scholarship will build a pathway for the next generation of engineers by allowing students to gain hands-on experience shadowing engineering and maintenance personnel, and play a key role in the Antrim business’s current objectives as it continues its journey to become “Net Zero” by 2050.

Commenting on the venture between firmus energy and Ulster University, Professor Jim Harkin said: “We are overjoyed to announce that the school of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent System has been bestowed with the firmus energy Engineering Scholarship which is now open for applications.

“This invaluable scholarship opportunity will undoubtedly empower an aspiring engineer, providing them with the means to excel in their academic pursuits and contribute meaningfully to the field. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to firmus energy for their commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovative minds,” added Prof Harkin.

Applications for the Renewable Energy Engineering Scholarship are now open for first year students of the Renewable Energy Engineering course at Ulster University’s Magee Campus. Once the shortlisting process has been completed, interviews are due to be held at the start of April. For more information about career pathways at firmus energy, visit www.firmusenergy.co.uk/about-us/jobs/