BEAR Scotland has launched a scholarship for civil engineering students at Edinburgh Napier University in memory of former chairman Bill Taylor.
From academic year 2021/22 onwards, the Bill Taylor Scholarship (BEAR Scotland) will provide £3,400 to support an undergraduate through the latter years of their degree.
The initiative will be open to students pursuing master and bachelor civil engineering degrees. Students will be able to apply during their second year, with the award being confirmed upon successful entry into year three.
Applications will granted based on each individual’s academic ability, background and financial needs. BEAR Scotland will interview shortlisted candidates before making the final selection.
As well as financial support, each student receiving the scholarship will be offered work placements and a place on BEAR Scotland’s graduate training programme upon completion of their degree.
Mark Godsell, BEAR Scotland commercial director, said, “We have longstanding links with Edinburgh Napier University and have a number of its alumni in our ranks. It is a good partnership that works well for both parties. Students get practical work experience and also potential to enter and progress within the highways industry. We get a pipeline of strong talent into our teams.
“The new Bill Taylor Scholarship cements that relationship further, allowing us to extend our support to an Edinburgh Napier undergraduate to let them fulfil their potential as they complete their degree programme and transition into their career.
“We are committed to investing in future talent. It will be great to award the first recipient in September and get to know them initially through work experience and then as they join us as a graduate.”
Bill Taylor had been involved with the management and maintenance of Scotland’s trunk road network for 20 years. He had been with BEAR Scotland for 13 years holding the positions of operations director, managing director and chairman. Prior to this, he served as a general manager of the Tay Premium Unit and as unit manager with Amey in the south-east.
