A partnership between the University of Salford and Salford-based Morson Group, one of the biggest engineering recruitment firms in the world, is celebrating a major milestone as the Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarships celebrate 10 successful years – and look ahead to another 10.
Launched by the Mason family in 2015 and further supported by Morson Group, the Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarship programme is named after Morson Group’s founder. It has so far enabled more than 65 students to study STEM disciplines at Salford, supporting them with funding, career opportunities and skills development programmes, and setting them on a path to rewarding careers.
The scholarship programme forms part of the Morson STEM Foundation; a wide-ranging initiative to widen participation in STEM and boost social mobility by creating pathways into education and training. The Morson STEM Foundation includes Morson Group’s sponsorship of the Maker Space at the University, along with support for Into University, the Go Beyond mentoring programme, Salford Racing, the Morson STEM Ambassador programme, and the IGNITE summer schools offered by the University each year.
Gerry Mason scholars have studied STEM disciplines as varied as Aeronautical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering, and most have gone on to varied successful careers in a diverse range of roles and industries.
Philip Beswick graduated this year with a degree in Aircraft Engineering with Pilot Studies thanks to a Morson Scholarship. He said: “The scholarship has had a huge impact on my time at University. It gave me more freedom to take part in opportunities that I believe enriched my time as a student. I was able to work to gain experience, not primarily for a paycheque.
“The work I did do, largely with the Widening Participation Team at the University, was both meaningful and led me to consider different career paths. Additionally, I was also able to engage with lots of volunteering in and outside of University, especially as a school rep for two years. I didn’t have to worry about money, I could participate in things that interested me, whether that is work, volunteering or the occasional flying lesson.”
The 10-year anniversary was marked at a special event as part of the University of Salford’s summer graduation ceremonies at the Lowry Theatre.
University of Salford Vice-Chancellor Nic Beech said: “The Mason family and Morson Group have been exceptional partners and supporters of the University of Salford for a decade. Ged is from Salford and is so clearly very passionate about our city, and is a tireless champion for the people and students of Salford.”
Ged Mason, group CEO at Morson and Gerry Mason’s son added: “Over the past 10 years, the Gerry Mason scholarships have been fitting legacy for my dad, who was a talented engineer, a proud Salfordian, and a passionate advocate of social mobility and creating opportunity through training and education.
Mason also confirmed that the company is committing to a further 10 years of funding the programme. He said: “The Morson STEM Foundation is an important part of our culture and mission at Morson Group. We’re investing in education and aspiration to change lives and nurture sustainable talent pipelines for STEM sectors, delivering social and economic benefits. I’d like to congratulate all the students graduating today, in particular the Gerry Mason scholars, and to thank the University of Salford for being such a collaborative partner for the Morson STEM Foundation.”
