Exeter student selected for pioneering new female engineering initiative

Liz Croad-Protheroe is one of 30 student engineers chosen to receive backing through the Santander Universities STEMships initiative.

The two-year programme provides a scholarship of £1,500, overseas experience at a leading engineering institution, access to a series of networking events with prominent female leaders in the industry, membership to the Women’s Engineering Society and mentorship and internship schemes through Santander’s wider networks.

Liz and her fellow cohort were announced by Santander UK’s CEO Nathan Bostock and ambassador Jenson Button at the 2019 Formula Student global competition at Silverstone.

Speaking after the announcement, Liz said: “It was such an exciting and inspirational event and I thoroughly enjoyed it, even when it did get very nerve-wrecking when they were announcing the successful applicants.

“I met so many interesting and lovely people during the day and I look forward to making the most of the amazing opportunities and experiences that this STEMship has to offer me. “

The new initiative aims to support and incentivise more women to embark on a career in the UK engineering industry and responds to the skills shortage challenge currently facing the country’s engineering sector.

Matt Hutnell, Director of Santander Universities UK commented: “We’re thrilled to be launching our unique STEMships to support and inspire the next generation of women engineers from across the UK.

“Having worked closely with Formula Student teams across our partner universities, we recognise the challenges facing female engineering students as they look to embark on careers in the industry. We hope the programme will support them with their career ambitions.”