A landmark partnership between the University of Salford and global engineering recruitment specialist Morson Group has reached a major milestone, as the Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarships celebrate 10 successful years of supporting STEM students.

Established in 2015 by the Mason family and backed by Morson Group, the scholarship honours company founder Gerry Mason. Since its launch, the programme has supported over 65 students in pursuing degrees in STEM disciplines at Salford. In addition to financial support, recipients benefit from access to skills development, mentoring, and career opportunities - laying the foundation for rewarding futures in engineering and beyond.

The initiative is a flagship element of the Morson STEM Foundation, which seeks to widen participation and boost social mobility through education and training. The Foundation’s broader outreach includes Morson’s sponsorship of the University’s Maker Space, support for IntoUniversity, the Go Beyond mentoring programme, Salford Racing, the Morson STEM Ambassador network, and the IGNITE summer schools hosted annually by the University.

Gerry Mason scholars have gone on to thrive in industries ranging from aeronautical and architectural engineering to civil and mechanical disciplines.

One of this year’s graduates, Philip Beswick, received his degree in Aircraft Engineering with Pilot Studies at this summer’s graduation ceremonies, held at the Lowry Theatre. Reflecting on the impact of the scholarship, he said:

"The scholarship has had a huge impact on my time at university. It gave me more freedom to take part in opportunities that I believe enriched my time as a student. I was able to work to gain experience, not primarily for a paycheque.

"The work I did do, largely with the Widening Participation Team at the University, was both meaningful and led me to consider different career paths. Additionally, I was also able to engage with lots of volunteering in and outside of university, especially as a school rep for two years. I didn’t have to worry about money. I could participate in things that interested me, whether that is work, volunteering or the occasional flying lesson."

The anniversary was marked at a special celebratory event as part of the summer graduation programme.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, Professor Nic Beech, said:

"The Mason family and Morson Group have been exceptional partners and supporters of the University of Salford for a decade. Ged is from Salford and is so clearly very passionate about our city, and is a tireless champion for the people and students of Salford.

"Our partnership with Morson Group and our relationship with the Mason family is really quite extraordinary. It embodies everything that is so special about Salford – passion, determination, generosity and a clear commitment to championing local talent"

Ged Mason, CEO of Morson Group and son of Gerry Mason, commented:

"Over the past 10 years, the Gerry Mason Scholarships have been a fitting legacy for my Dad, who was a talented engineer, a proud Salfordian, and a passionate advocate of social mobility and creating opportunity through training and education.

"It has been wonderful to see so many talented individuals realise their full potential supported by the Gerry Mason Scholarships over the past decade, and I am delighted to announce today that we are committing to a further 10 years of funding the programme.

"The Morson STEM Foundation is an important part of our culture and mission at Morson Group. We’re investing in education and aspiration to change lives and nurture sustainable talent pipelines for STEM sectors, delivering social and economic benefits. I’d like to congratulate all the students graduating today, in particular the Gerry Mason scholars, and to thank the University of Salford for being such a collaborative partner for the Morson STEM Foundation."

Looking ahead, the University’s Morson Maker Space - a state-of-the-art innovation hub - is also set to celebrate its 10-year anniversary in the coming months. Based in the University’s Science, Engineering and Environment (SEE) Building, it enables students to gain hands-on experience in digital fabrication, including 3D printing, CAD, and laser cutting.

Dr Maria Stukoff, Director of the Maker Space, added:

"The Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarship is truly a game-changer in how the industry creates opportunities for aspiring engineers to pursue university education and realise their dreams. Beyond financial support, it fosters a lasting connection to Gerry Mason’s legacy and helps build a vital engineering talent pipeline to Morson Group – ensuring that STEM education remains accessible and open to all."