A FURNESS engineering undergraduate has won a prestigious scholarship.

Joe Bell has won the Barrow and District Association of Engineers’ top award and a prize of £1,000 towards his university studies.

The student, who achieved an A* and two As in his A-Levels at Barrow Sixth Form College, is now studying mechanical engineering at Newcastle University.

He was selected as the top student in the area by a panel of experts who recognised his aptitude for engineering as well as academic excellence.

Joe said: “The process was very formal which enabled me to practice attending a formal interview and also having to give a presentation to people I had never met. I had never done either of these things before so the experience was greatly appreciated,” he said. “Winning the award has given me great confidence, which I will hopefully use to kick on with the start of my university career.”

He added that meeting several key figures in the Barrow and District Association of Engineers (BDAE) had also been invaluable. “Being able to contact them in future when trying to find engineering placements or work in Barrow will undoubtedly be a great help,” he said.

Denis Lidstone, who co-ordinates the BDAE student bursary award programme, said: “Joe has done extremely well. There was a rigorous selection process including a boardroom interview in front of senior executives from engineering. This is a major achievement against very strong competition.”

Joe will be formally presented with his engineering scholarship at the BDAE bursary and lecture evening on November 17 at Furness College when all prizewinners will receive their certificates and cheques.

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