The IET Power Academy

Who can apply?

Students undertaking the relevant degree at either BEng or MEng level and are on course to achieve a 2nd class honours degree.

Students can be in any year of study when applying. If you’re in your first year then your previous academic achievements will be taken into account.

If you are already receiving another company sponsored scholarship or bursary you will not be eligible for the IET Power Academy scholarship as well.

Can I apply even if I’m in my final year?

Final year students are normally using their efforts to find suitable permanent employment; therefore, it’s been decided that they can’t apply.

What happens if I’m successful in gaining a scholarship and my grades fall?

In order to be part of the Power Academy you have be on target to achieve a 2nd class honours degree.

If your performance drops below this level your situation will be discussed with your sponsoring company and your academic tutors to agree a way forward. This may involve not continuing with your scholarship.

Some of the larger companies can offer placements in more than one activity e.g. distribution or generation. How would I express a preference when I apply?

When you apply, you’re only expressing an interest in up to three companies.

If the diversity of the company is important to you, then this should influence your choices. If you’re successful in gaining sponsorship from the company, you should then discuss your activity preference with them directly.

If I’m unsuccessful one year, can I apply again the next?

Yes. If you’re unsuccessful, you can apply again the following year. Each application is considered on its own merits at the time of application. There are many current scholars who have been successful at their second attempt.

If I’m invited for an assessment centre/interview and am unsuccessful, will I get feedback?

It’s good practice for companies to give feedback following interview.

If the company that you attended interview with does not offer you feedback, you should ask for it to help you prepare for future interviews, either with or outside of the Power Academy.

I got invited to attend for an interview by one of my choices but not by the others, why was that?

Each company that you have expressed an interest in receives your details. The individual companies are free to decide who to interview and the interview is company specific.

When I update my CV can I include the name of the company who has sponsored me and the type of work that I have undertaken?

Yes, of course you can.

One of the objectives of the Power Academy is to increase the number of power engineering graduates available. By undertaking your summer placements, you’re gaining skills that will be useful in the sector as a whole and are therefore in a very good position.

As part of my degree I’m doing a year in industry, does the Power Academy accommodate this?

There is no reason why your sponsoring company will not accommodate you working with them during your year-out. However, it’s at the discretion of each company, so you’ll need to ask the relevant contact in time to make arrangements.

How can being a Power Academy scholar support and improve my university studies?

By being a Power Academy Scholar, you’re gaining hands-on experience in the industry you’ll hopefully be going to spend your career in. The Academy allows you to see many aspects before making a final decision.

It also allows you to put theory into practice and, when you’re back at university, you can understand the practical implications of any discussion or lecture.

Some companies may offer you non-technical training to support your studies e.g. presentation skills. Finally, the networking opportunities that being a Power Academy scholar brings are enormous.

You’ll have a wider network within the scholar community, the resources of the company to help and support you through projects whilst back at university, and the relationship with your mentor (as a minimum) to help you in any way that they can.

What will my role be during my summer placement and how will it benefit my university studies?

Each partner company will approach your placement differently. However, they should explain what to expect from your placement well in advance and any objectives that you need to achieve.

You should also be provided with a mentor and have formal reviews. One of the biggest benefits of working within a company that is relevant to your studies, is that it allows you to apply theory to practical applications and in many cases,  it influences your choice of options.

Which area will I be working in?

This will depend on the company that you’re being sponsored by.

Before you commence your placements, you should be contacted by your partner company to discuss this.

What kind of work would I be involved in?

The actual work will vary from company to company. However, all work should take into account whether you’re a first-year scholar or returning scholar, the agreed objectives and most will try to accommodate your interests.

How do I find out about accommodation etc for my summer placement?

Your sponsoring company should work with you to help you find accommodation e.g. provide accommodation guides etc.

It’s your responsibility to find the exact accommodation, so it’s important that the company confirm your location to you as soon as possible.