GE Vernova and The Inspirational Learning Group celebrated the graduation of 27 students from Next Engineers, a three-year global career readiness programme creating opportunities for young people to become engineers. This is the second graduating class of Next Engineers: Engineering Academy students in Staffordshire, UK.

The 27 students from across Staffordshire celebrated their graduation alongside family, friends, GE Vernova, and The Inspirational Learning Group at Uttoxeter Racecourse. The Inspirational Learning Group is the educational partner for the local Next Engineers programme, which was established in 2021.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our second cohort,” said Vera Silva, Chief Technology & Strategy Officer of GE Vernova’s Electrification Systems businesses. “The Next Engineers programme continues to equip young people with not only the technical skills needed to become an engineer but also transferable skills such as time management, communication and adaptability. We recognise that there are many pathways to become an engineer in the UK, which is why we are pleased to be the only Next Engineers location to offer scholarships for apprenticeships as well as university degrees.”

Students who complete the Engineering Academy programme and enrol in a qualified engineering/engineering-related degree programme or apprenticeship receive scholarships to support their education toward becoming engineers. To date, the Next Engineers programme in Staffordshire has reached nearly 8,800 students and awarded £147,500 ($199,000) in scholarships to qualifying graduates.

"We’re incredibly proud to partner with a global organisation like GE Vernova to deliver meaningful opportunities for young people here in Staffordshire,” said Ben Dyer, Co-Founder of The Inspirational Learning Group. “Together, we’re not just promoting careers in STEM, we’re opening doors, building confidence, and helping students gain skills that will prepare them for a successful future. We’re proud of what this programme has achieved and we're excited to keep supporting the next generation of engineers."

The Next Engineers: Engineering Academy is a transformative learning experience designed for students aged 15 to 18. Through a rigorous curriculum, immersive design challenges, and career coaching, students learn to think and act like engineers. Engineers and employees from GE Vernova’s three facilities in Staffordshire, actively engage with the programme through skill-based volunteering, donating over 7,200 hours since the start of the programme.

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