Are you interested in studying engineering? Want to find out more about a career in the engineering sector? Experience Pathways to Engineering and make up your own mind.

The Pathways to Engineering programme, in partnership with the Sutton Trust, includes a range of events throughout Year 12 and Year 13 to give you an insight in to both studying Engineering and exploring a range of careers within the sector.

The programme this year will include a blended approach, with some virtual events and face to face events on campus when it is safe to do so. A typical programme includes:

• Opportunities to meet and network with professionals within the Engineering sector
• Find out more about career opportunities in the sector
• Attend Engineering taster lectures to see what university study involves
• Tailored support with UCAS applications and personal statements
• Expert support with preparing your CV for work experience
• Graduation Ceremony

Participating Universities: University of Warwick & University of Liverpool

Students applying to the Pathways to Engineering must meet the following criteria:

• Attend, and have always attended, a state funded, non-fee paying school/college
• Be in Year 12 at the start of the programme
• Live within a reasonable commuting distance of the University of Warwick

In addition, preference will be given to students: who meet one or more of the following:
• Have achieved in the region of 5 A*-B (9-6) grades at GCSE (with a minimum of 2 A* or A grades), including grades 9 – 6 in Mathematics and English
• Currently taking A Level Maths and/or Physics
•Would be the first generation in their family to attend university
• Have been in receipt of Free School Meals whilst at secondary school
• Have attended schools with a lower than average progression to Higher Education, or a higher than average proportion of students who qualify for Free School Meal
• Live in a neighbourhood with a low rate of progression to higher education or a high level of socio-economic deprivation
• Have been looked after, in care or a young carer

The more criteria you meet, the more likely you are to be offered a place on the programme.

Year 12 Draft Programme

Autumn Term
• Programme Launch to find out about the two years ahead

Spring Term

• Sector Day to find out about roles within the Engineering sector
• Opportunities to apply for work experience placements
• Academic Taster Day

Summer Term
• Personal Statement Event
• Pathways to Engineering Summer School

Year 13 Draft Programme

Autumn Term
• Programme Relaunch

Spring Term
• Graduation Event
• A Level Bootcamp

Pathways to Engineering Student (2021)

• " I have been able to decide that I want to pursue civil engineering due to the work experience opportunities that have been provided to me. I have been able to gain so much insight into the engineering industry.”

• How many places are available on the Pathways to Engineering programme?
30 places at University of Warwick.

•Will the Sutton Trust adjust their programme’s criteria based on the exam results this year?
Grades are part of our contextual criteria so students are more likely to gain a place if they meet them but we balance that with the social mobility markers for our programmes. We will continue with this approach next year, with particular focus on students from lower performing schools. Teachers will be able to provide a statement of support outlining any anomalies with the grades awarded so that we can also take this into context. We will be encouraging our university partners to be as generous as possible in their contextual admissions approach for our programmes.

•I am appealing my grades – what should I do?
Places on our programmes are not given on a first-come-first-served basis. This means there is no advantage to applying early.We therefore advise that you apply to the programme once you have your appeal results. If you do not receive these before the deadline for applications, please let us know that you have applied without your appealed results so that we can make a note of this on your application.

• How much does it cost?
The programme is free. Your travel expenses to and from Pathways events are paid (subject to you submitting receipts) and transport costs may be reimbursed.

• How many sessions do I have to attend?
The programme is made up of compulsory events which you must attend. There are also exclusive optional events that you are welcome to attend. We will outline the programme timetable at the start of the programme so you can hold the core dates in your diary.

• Will I miss time from school?
Where possible, we will arrange events outside of school time (late afternoons/evenings), during school holidays and at weekends. While we are very conscious of students missing school time, it may not possible to run every events outside of term time, so it is very important that you share the details of the programme dates with your tutor/head of 6th form as soon as these are available. It is your responsibility to catch up on any work missed.

• I am studying at an independent school. Why can't I apply for Pathways to Engineering?
The programme is designed to offer opportunities to students from under-represented backgrounds. There has been much research published regarding widening participation which has concluded that these students are mostly found in state schools.

• Can I apply for more than one WP programme
We will only offer a place on one programme to a student so please ensure that you apply to the programme that is most suitable to your needs and circumstances. Note that if you are successful in securing a place on the Pathways to Engineering programme and have accepted it, you will automatically made ineligible for any other programmes the Outreach team offer. The only exception to this is for programme students who are planning to apply to Warwick for their undergraduate studies. These students may be eligible to apply for our Warwick Scholars access programme and if offered a place will be expected to complete their existing post-16 programme alongside participating in Warwick Scholars. Further details about Warwick Scholars can be found here Warwick Scholars

•If I complete the Pathways to Engineering programme will I receive reduced offers to attend university?
At Warwick, students who complete Pathways to Engineering at any university are eligible for a reduced offer and join Warwick Scholars as an undergraduate when they enrol at the university after completing the Pathways programme. More information about the Warwick Scholars undergraduate programme can be found here Warwick Scholars Undergraduate Programme

• When will I hear whether I have been accepted on to the Pathways to Engineering scheme?
We hope to have an outcome by the end of October - as soon as we have reviewed applications we will let you know the outcome..