Scotland Wide Scholarship Scheme Launched By Pöyry

Wednesday, Apr 08, 2009

One of Scotland’s most far-reaching scholarship schemes has been launched by global engineering and consultancy firm Pöyry.

The £140,000 initiative will see Pöyry team up with five of Scotland’s top universities and one of the country’s best colleges. At least 35 students in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Fraserburgh will be awarded scholarships. The financial package is part of a drive to attract the country’s top talent to the energy industry.

The company, which employs more than 60 people in its Aberdeen office, has entered into agreements with the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University (RGU), University of Edinburgh, University of Strathclyde, Heriot-Watt University and Banff and Buchan College to award a range of engineering and business management scholarships.

Steve Fogg, president oil and gas Europe at Pöyry, said: “There is a huge wealth of young talent in our universities and colleges throughout Scotland. If we are to ensure a vibrant and sustainable energy industry in the UK, it’s vital we support these rising stars. We are delighted to be able to offer these scholarships across such a geographical spread and greatly look forward to working with these institutions to offer financial support to their students.

“Young people in the north east of Scotland are aware of the fantastic opportunities that exist within the oil and gas sector but it’s not something students in the Central Belt instantly consider. We were very keen to raise awareness of the great careers that exist within the industry to people throughout the whole of the country.”

The university scholarships will be awarded between 2009 and 2013. The Pöyry Engineering scholarship will be open to third year students and will be awarded to: University of Aberdeen, University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University and University of Strathclyde. Students will receive £2,000 each year until they graduate.

The Fiona Fuller Business Scholarship will be presented to students at RGU who will be awarded £1,000 in their third year and £2,000 in their fourth and final year. Full time, second year students at Banff and Buchan College in Fraserburgh will also be eligible to apply for £500 of support under the business scholarship.

The Business scholarship has been named after former Pöyry employee Fiona Fuller who passed away suddenly last year. She had joined IGL Engineering, now Pöyry, as administration manager 1993 after graduating from RGU and went on to be promoted to the board of directors in 2003. 

Professor Albert Rodger, vice-principal and head of the College of Physical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, said: “Working with industry to create a strong portfolio of scholarships which will support and benefit our students is a key objective for the University of Aberdeen.  We welcome the development of these scholarships with Pöyry, which will play a vital role in supporting talent of the future and provide a crucial financial lifeline for successful recipients.”  

Professor Mike Pittilo, principal of Robert Gordon University, commented: "The type of assistance that Pöyry is providing is invaluable. It supports our undergraduates in a very practical way and further strengthens the University's links with industry which is of great benefit to both our students and the companies involved.  It is also very pleasing that one of our graduates, Fiona Fuller, made such an impression on her employer that they chose to name this scholarship after her."

Pöyry’s Aberdeen office in The Exchange, Market Street is part of a 500 strong global team of consultants who specialise in providing multi-discipline engineering services to the oil and gas sector. The company’s clients include major multi-national operators, national oil companies and smaller independent operators.

The universities and college will now work with Michail Tzouvelekis, stakeholder relationship manager at Pöyry, who was instrumental in developing the scholarship scheme, to decide which students will receive support. Their selection will not only be based on academic achievement but also on students’ drive and commitment. The successful students will be invited to attend a dinner in November where they will be formally presented with the scholarship. 

Carl Schaschke, head of the department of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, said: "We are delighted that Pöyry is providing students of chemical engineering at Strathclyde with scholarships. Investing in the Department through the scholarship programme is a clear indication that the skills and competences of our students and graduates are highly valued. This is an excellent partnership between the Department and Pöyry, which is a global expert in consulting and engineering in a wide range of industries.”

The University of Edinburgh’s director of development, Liesl Elder, commented: “We are delighted to be part of the Pöyry Scholarship Scheme, which has a crucial role to play in attracting fresh talent to the energy industry. We look forward to playing our part in nurturing the next generation of key players in this important sector.”

Graeme White, head of Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University's School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, added: “We are extremely pleased that Pöyry is supporting Heriot-Watt students in Chemical Engineering and has recognised the importance that well qualified graduate engineers and business leaders of tomorrow have to Scottish industry.

“The financial support offered through the scholarship scheme will be welcomed by all students and sends a clear signal that the oil and gas and energy sector in its widest context, has new and exciting opportunities to offer for anyone with talent, drive and commitment.”

Principal of Banff and Buchan College, Robert Sinclair added: “Banff and Buchan College is delighted to be part of the Fiona Fuller Award scheme.  For a number of years we have focused on producing graduates for the energy sector, helping to anchor this vital industry in the north-east and, at the same time, opening up wonderful opportunities for our students.  Engagement with students by companies such as Pöyry is an exceptionally enlightened way for them to help develop and secure the best talent available”.

The scholarship scheme is the cornerstone of Pöyry’s commitment to supporting and developing young talent. The firm currently sponsors local skier Jan Michael Kochalski who is part of the British alpine downhill ski team and has previously provided support to students from RGU as well as a local amateur swimming club.

Pöyry is headquartered in Finland and has been listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange since 1997. The company is active in five industry sectors: Energy, Forest Industry, Transportation, Water & Environment and Construction Services.

Source: Weber Shandwick