Impressive students win UKSE bursaries

March 26th 2026

Students at four Teesside colleges under the umbrella of the Education Training Collection (Etc.) have said a big thank you to UKSE for bursaries that are helping with the costs of studying for their chosen careers.

UKSE, the business-support subsidiary of Tata Steel, has awarded £500 bursaries to a student from each college nominated by curriculum staff – Bede Sixth Form College, Neta Training Group, Redcar and Cleveland College, Stockton Riverside College and a fifth learner undertaking The King’s Trust Team programme. 

Sarah Thorpe, UKSE Regional Manager, said: “The bursaries are to support high-achieving students with their studies and also contribute to helping businesses in the region find people with the skills levels they need. It was great to see just how many impressive students are working so hard, some overcoming significant challenges, to succeed in their chosen careers. We are so pleased that we have been able to provide some financial support.”

Nineteen-year-old Lewis Upton from Redcar is studying joinery at Redcar and Cleveland College.
“I first heard about the bursary from my tutor and was surprised but very happy to be selected,” he said. “I have been able to buy tools that will help me with an apprenticeship and my aim is to either join a good company or run my own business.”

Other students are studying in sectors from accountancy, geography and outdoor activities instruction to engineering and welding. One said that it had ‘meant the world’ to be selected and see their hard work recognised. The funding has enabled them to buy essential items from equipment and books to travel expenses.

“Opportunities like this make a huge difference for students,” said 18- year- old Jared Cambridge, an electrical student at NETA Training. “The bursary takes away some of the financial pressure so I can focus more on my coursework. It’s also such a confidence boost knowing that organisations like UKSE are willing to invest in students and support their ambitions.”

Erika Marshall, Group Director of Marketing and Business Engagement at the Education Training Collective (Etc.) said: “The boost this support from UKSE has given to our students, both financially and personally, is incredible to see. They are all working towards their individual goals, and meaningful backing, such as the provision of tools, electronic equipment and resources, will no doubt motivate them even further.

“The Education Training Collective has long been appreciative of the support UKSE has given our learners over a number of years, particularly in the delivery of our Etc. King’s Trust Team programmes, where Sarah and the team have given generously of both their time and financial backing, to help our young people carry out community projects across the Tees Valley.

“We are privileged UKSE has once again chosen to support learners from across our colleges and providers as part of their milestone 50th celebrations.”

PICTURE CAPTION: Student Lewis Upton, one of the students awarded a bursary by UKSE, in the joinery workshop at Redcar and Cleveland College with (left) Sarah Thorpe, UKSE’s Regional Manager and Erika Marshall of the Education Tra