Harbour Energy has donated £15,000 to launch a new scholarship programme at Robert Gordon University (RGU). The Harbour Energy Access Scholarship Programme aims to support females with strong academic credentials in taking their first steps towards a career in engineering and to address patterns of under-representation in technical disciplines in the energy sector.

The first two recipients are second year students, Melanie Beats from Peterhead and Caitlin Esslemont from Banff, both of whom are studying mechanical engineering.

Caitlin said: “To have been chosen as one of the first recipients of this scholarship is very exciting. It will make a big difference to my university experience, not just financially, but also in terms of the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and experienced engineers already working in the energy sector. Along with my studies, I hope this will give me with the knowledge and experience needed to build a successful career when I graduate.”

Melanie said: “This scholarship will help me finish my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and give me opportunities I could only have dreamt of. I am excited to work with Harbour Energy and meet more like-minded people in the industry, expanding my knowledge and network outside of university. 

“The support and opportunities I have received at RGU are exceptional and I hope to be able to inspire more women to study engineering in future.”

As well as financial support, the students will receive placement opportunities with Harbour Energy, as well as technical mentoring from the company’s Senior Vice President for Health, Safety, Environment and Security (HSES) UK, Gatsbyd Forsyth, and colleagues working in other disciplines across the organisation.

Gatsbyd has worked in the energy sector in the UK and overseas for more than three decades and is the executive sponsor of Harbour’s STEM Ambassadors employee resource group.

Building her own career from humble beginnings, she said: “My grandfather moved to Venezuela as an orphan, aged 10, and my mother, who didn’t have the chance to pursue further education until after my sister and I were born, always emphasised the importance of aiming high in our education and career goals.

“Although I did not have the financial support of a grant at university, where a scholarship like this would have meant the world to me, I have benefitted from incredible mentors who have guided me throughout my professional career. Now, with 30-years’ experience, it is my time to pay that forward. I am excited to support and inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators, with a focus on women in STEM, to pursue their dreams.”

Mavis Anagboso, Harbour’s Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Europe, added: “At Harbour Energy, we are committed to addressing patterns of under-representation in technical disciplines – an issue that cuts across the global oil and gas industry.

“As well as allowing these students to focus unreservedly on achieving their academic potential, we hope that by providing career mentors and other such resources, we can help these scholars get the best possible start in their academic and career pursuits.”

The scholarship forms part of a broader global programme to promote gender and socio-economic diversity. Earlier this year, Harbour Energy sponsored the RGU-hosted MATE Scotland ROV competition, which aims to inspire and challenge young people to learn practical STEM skills that are directly applicable to the energy sector.

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