KONGSBERG Maritime has signed up to a scholarship deal with Aberdeen University in an attempt to encourage talented individuals to enter the oil&gas sector.
The Kongsberg Maritime Scholarship Fund will provide a specialist undergraduate scholarship for academic year 2009-10. Worth about £4,500, it will be awarded to one undergraduate currently studying either a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in engineering. It will support the student throughout their studies, with a possible internship at Kongsberg Maritime also being offered, depending on academic performance.
Dave Shand, general manager offshore at Kongsberg Maritime, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for Kongsberg Maritime to play a part in supporting education in the city. We have worked in partnership with the University of Aberdeen to develop this scholarship programme and we’re confident it will be of benefit to both the academic and oil&gas sectors.
“This scholarship represents a long-term investment in our youth and we hope that, over the years, our investment will help foster excellence among those who aim to forge a career in our sector. Finding talented individuals who possess the right electronic engineering skills for our division at Kongsberg Maritime can be a challenge, so being able to contribute to the make-up of this scholarship offers us a fantastic opportunity.”
Professor Albert Rodger, vice-principal and head of the College of Physical Sciences at Aberdeen, said the university was keen to foster further links with the oil&gas community.
“The creation of the Kongsberg Maritime Scholarship Fund is a prime example of this, and we are delighted to receive this strong support, which further develops the university’s significant portfolio of scholarships.
“Scholarships provide students with valuable financial support towards their academic career while also creating the opportunity for recipients to enhance their studies through potentially gaining crucial first-hand industry experience.
“They are also of great benefit to the donating organisation, providing the unique opportunity to invest in an individual they believe to have the academic and personal skills that will be invaluable both now and in the future.”