AN ABERDEEN University student has become the first recipient of a new scholarship awarded by energy service firm Technip.
James Miller, of Wick, was named yesterday as the beneficiary of the one-year support package – worth £16,000 – for his subsea-engineering studies.
The scholarship is the first Technip has established at the university and is aimed at fostering new talent in the subsea sector.
It also builds on existing links between the French firm and academia near its operations at Westhill, near Aberdeen.
Specialists from Paris-based Technip are among industry figures already contributing expertise to the subsea engineering masters degree launched by Aberdeen University in 2007.
Professor Albert Rodger, the university’s vice-principal and head of physical sciences, said the new scholarship was a welcome addition to other financial-support packages available to students.
It also recognised the high quality and calibre of the university’s subsea engineering course, he said, adding: “The degree is a prime example of our commitment to working in partnership with the oil and gas sector to create industry-focused programmes tailored to meet current and future demands.”
Technip UK managing director Ron Cookson said: “Technip places high emphasis on continuous learning and development, and supporting initiatives which encourage talented people to join the subsea sector.
“The MSc scholarship by its very nature champions both ideas and we are, therefore, extremely pleased to be funding and supporting it. We wish James all the best with his studies and look forward to working with him over the next year.”
Mr Miller said it would have been impossible to complete his postgraduate studies without the scholarship.
He added: “It has also created the opportunity for me to liaise with professionals from Technip, which will help to broaden my understanding of the industry and enhance my studies.”
Technip has also donated £25,000 towards the university’s fundraising campaign to create a new library.