Trigon becomes the first co-sponsor of the Aldridge Foundation’s Next Steps Bursary programme, with two students being awarded a Trigon Aldridge Bursary for Engineering Excellence.  

Aldridge Foundation’s Next Steps programme supports young people from communities rated as in the top 20% of deprivation in England taking their next steps post school into further and higher education or relocating to take up apprenticeship positions. The young people receive a financial bursary of up to £8k to cover the duration of their study and valuable additional support including regular advisory check-ins, mentoring opportunities, networking events and internships that will help them on their journey toward achieving their dreams. 

The first Trigon Aldridge Bursaries for Engineering Excellence have been awarded to two state school students from underserved communities in inner London and Darwen, North West England. At the very start of their university courses, Salma is studying Design Engineering at Imperial College London and Bobby is studying Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Liverpool.  

Salma and Bobby are just beginning their engineering journeys but have big dreams for the future. The partnership between Trigon and the Aldridge Foundation will help them fulfil their potential by enabling them to navigate financial barriers, receive personal and professional support and advice, and gain access to networks that neither they nor their families naturally know.  

With the right support, equal opportunities and hard work, Salma and Bobby could go on to achieve the lasting impact they wish to make on the world through their engineering skills and diverse experience. 

Salma said:

“Studying design engineering at university is a dream come true. I have always wanted to make a positive difference in the world through innovation and I am one step closer to doing so. I’m grateful to the Aldridge Foundation and Trigon for their support – the bursary has allowed me to purchase a computer that will enable me to engage in sketching my designs, 3D modeling, and coding, which would have been financially out of reach otherwise. Furthermore, the opportunity to connect with industry professionals for support, guidance, and work experience is an invaluable resource that will significantly contribute to my growth and development.”

Bobby said:  

“The generous financial and pastoral support from the Aldridge Foundation and Trigon has provided me with a sense of security as I pursue a career in aerospace engineering. It has long been my aspiration to make a positive change in the world through engineering and the bursary has allowed me to get a step closer to achieving my goal of one day working for an esteemed organisation such as BAE or even NASA, where I’ll be able to do this.” 

James Lavender, Founder of Trigon said:  

“We are delighted to be partnering with the Aldridge Foundation and supporting Bobby and Salma, two exceptional students, whose passion for engineering really shines through. At Trigon, we’re committed to nurturing young talent through our existing apprenticeship and graduate programmes and we’re delighted to be enhancing this through our new partnership with the Aldridge Foundation. We look forward to drawing on our years of experience to give Bobby and Salma an insight into the sector and offer guidance and valuable industry experiences so they can build their own pathways into a career in engineering.” 

Shona Nichols, CEO of the Aldridge Foundation said:  

“We’re privileged to work with many inspiring and talented young people however, coming from communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the UK, they are too often held back by barriers that are outside of their control. Through our Next Steps Bursary Programme, we’re already helping young people to overcome financial challenges and develop key life and employability skills but partnering with organisations like Trigon mean that our young people get invaluable insights and access to the industry they aspire to. We’re grateful to Trigon for seeing the potential in our students and welcome partnerships with other organisations who are ready to step up to help create more equal access for those from lower socioeconomic communities.”

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We’re seeking sponsorship and raising funds to support up to 20 young people a year through their Next Steps Bursary programme – if you or your organisation would like to help and young person to achieve their dreams, please contact us on hello@aldridgefoundation.com