Government to pay for up to 500 students to study aerospace degrees

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Hundreds of graduates and employees are to be offered the chance to study for Masters degrees in aerospace engineering, it was announced today.

The UK aerospace industry and the Government are to fund a £6 million scheme that is expected to pay for 500 students to study for Masters level qualifications in the subject over three years.

Each student will be given a bursary of up to £9,500 to cover the cost of tuition fees.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "There is a serious shortage of engineers in the UK. Our aerospace industry is a world-leader, but unless we create a new generation of engineers we'll struggle to keep ahead of the competition.

"Today's announcement will help us meet this demand. The funding will further train quality engineering graduates, widening access to the industry to talented people from all backgrounds."

Paul Everitt, chief executive of ADS Group, an aerospace, defence, security and space trade firm said: "Investment in developing world class skills is critical for the future of the UK aerospace industry."

The scheme, which is being sponsored by companies such as BAE Systems, Finmeccanica and Rolls-Royce, is open to current aerospace employees who are already qualified to graduate level, as well as science degree students who are still at university.