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E3 Academy

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Welcome to E3 Academy

What is The E3 Academy?

The E3 Academy supports the development of young people interested in challenging and well-paid careers in leading UK engineering companies. As well as holding scholarships at the participating universities, our E3 scholars are supported with vacation work placements, summer schools and company mentoring, leading to employment after graduation.

Universities

The E3 Academy supports students studying IET-accredited courses with Electrical Energy Engineering options at the Universities of Newcastle, Bristol and Nottingham. Further details of courses available can be found at the University websites:

Newcastle University
School of Engineering

University of Nottingham
Electrical & Electronic Engineering

University of Bristol
Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Companies

Each E3 Academy Scholar is supported by one of the participating companies:

Nidec Drives

Mercedes AMG HPP

Siemens Digital Industries

Turntide

The E3 Academy welcomes participation from new companies more information

Benefits to Industry as shared by Siemens Digital Industries

Direct benefits to industry partners testimonial from Siemens Digital Industries:

  • Quality of applicant - We find the quality of he applicants to be extremely high. Many of the scholars that we hire graduate with first class honours.
  • Application process - We usually have around 70 applicant applying to Siemens for the E3 Academy scheme. To narrow these down, we first get all applicants to go through an online psychometric test to see how the candidates respond to certain tasks and scenarios which fit our criteria. We then narrow down the applications o the highest scoring on this test and invite around 12 applicants for interview. The interview involves a group task, an individual interview and a “meet the sponsors” session.
  • Summer School - We find that the summer school is an excellent time for our candidates to network with scholars from other companies, be exposed to industry on the site visits, and develop their soft skills during the group activities.
  • Placements - For the students first placement with Siemens Digital Industries, we put them in a placement which allows them to get to grips with how the business works and start exposing them to the different job families.

In their second and third placement we give them more responsibilities in their areas of interest, before they start the graduate scheme where they rotate around different business units and roles.

Secure the Brightest Talent in Electrical Engineering with the E3 Academy

In today’s competitive landscape, the demand for skilled electrical engineers far outpaces supply. For companies seeking to attract and retain the next generation of engineering excellence, early engagement is critical.

A Proven Path to Top Talent

The E3 Academy is a not-for-profit initiative that connects forward-thinking engineering companies with the UK’s brightest young electrical engineers. Our model supports scholars from the moment they enter university right through to the early stages of their careers – and beyond.

By partnering with the E3 Academy, industry leaders such as Siemens and Nidec Drives are already benefitting from:

  • Early access to talent – recruit students before they start university.
  • Tailored development – influence academic learning by recommending modules
    • aligned with your business needs.
  • Hands-on engagement – offer real-world summer placements and mentorship opportunities.
  • Long-term retention – build strong relationships that lead to committed, high- performing graduates.

Results That Speak for Themselves

  • 92% of E3 scholars graduate with a first or upper second-class degree.
  • Over 80% of scholars remain with their sponsoring company after graduation.
  • Scholars attend top-tier universities: Newcastle, Bristol, and Nottingham.

Beyond Sponsorship: Shaping the Future

As an E3 partner, you do more than offer financial support. You play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of engineers:

  • Guide academic choices to suit your industry requirements.
  • Provide meaningful work placements that give students practical experience and a clear pathway to future employment.
  • Establish early loyalty through mentoring, networking, and real-world exposure.

This structured and consistent approach means our partner companies aren’t just filling roles – they’re building a talent pipeline that delivers long-term business value.

Join a Network Committed to Excellence

Under the leadership of Academy Manager Samantha Clarke, E3 continues to expand the opportunities available to both scholars and industry. Building on the legacy of founder Paul Acarnley, whose vision supported over 100 students across 18 years, the Academy remains committed to driving excellence in engineering education and employment.

“The E3 Academy gives young people early experience of working life, a professional network, and financial support so they can excel.”

— Paul Acarnley, E3 Academy Founder

Now Recruiting New Industry Partners

If you’re ready to build a future-proof workforce and secure the UK’s top engineering talent, now is the time to join the E3 Academy.

Partner with us – and help shape the future of electrical engineering.

Visit e3academy.org or contact us at [email contact@e3academy.org] to learn more.