Gerry Mason Engineering Excellence Scholars Graduate

It provides engineering students from across the country the support they need to complete their degree whilst unlocking future talent. The university began the scholarship programme in 2015 and has seen over 35 graduating scholars.

Ged Mason OBE, CEO of the Morson Group, said: “Our long-standing partnership with the University of Salford is delivering significant change as we work collaboratively to attract new talent and develop the next generation of trailblazers.

“It’s a real honour to see every cohort graduate each year. The scholarship was founded in my late father’s name, as it was his drive and ambition to engage with local young people and provide highly-skilled career pathways regardless of socio-economic background, gender, race and more – a core value that still rings true within Morson today. In delivering this promise, the Gerry Mason Excellence of Engineering Scholarship enables talented people, who would otherwise be deterred from university because of the associated tuition feeds and living costs, to pursue a degree in engineering.

“We are recruiting for several major infrastructure projects, including HS2, which will require a skilled workforce that we have never seen before in the UK. Such projects deliver a unique opportunity to provide long-term and sustainable career pathways and bridge the skills gap in sectors worst hit by shortages.

“I wish each scholar every success in their future endeavours, both personally and professionally.”

A student who received this scholarship was Mujtaba Ghulam who studied for a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum and Mechanical Engineering. He benefitted greatly from this fantastic scholarship and shared his experience of studying under the scholarship programme over the last three years. 

He said: “I believe that along my journey at The University of Salford, there has been many victories which I would consider as successes. Anything from as small as achieving a good grade on an assessment to something like the completion of a large design project. 

"One occasion, which was a particularly proud moment, was when I was asked to present at the Engineering UK Connections event, on behalf of the Gerry Mason Scholarship recipients, which was held in MediaCity. Being given the opportunity to speak at an event of such magnitude was so motivational, and this was all only possible due to being awarded the scholarship in the first place!”

On another occasion, Mujtaba was invited to the Morson Group’s head office in Eccles, Salford, where he gave a presentation on how he was progressing as a student at the university.  He said: “I was asked to give a short presentation about how I was progressing as a student. Again, this was such proud moment for me. Getting to meet Ged Mason, the Mason family and the Morson team, just made this award so much more special. It was a pleasure to meet them, and I remember how supportive, kind and sincere they all were.”

Mujtaba said that the scholarship has been of huge benefit to him and added: “From the bottom of my heart, I want to express my gratitude and say a massive thank you to the Mason family as well as the Morson group for their continued support over the past three years. They have not only made completing my degree possible, but they have provided many opportunities along the way that have supported my learning and development in the world of engineering.”