Expansion for engineering scholarship named in memory of late Donegal woman

A scholarship named in memory of a Donegal woman has been expanded.

Omexom, the global energy infrastructure organisation with headquarters in the UK & Ireland, has announced the development of the Sharlene Gill Scholarship for Women in Engineering, marking a significant milestone for a fund created in memory of a respected colleague and industry figure.

The Sharlene Gill Scholarship provides a full tuition fee waiver in Ireland, which will be replaced with financial support for Scottish applicants who already have their University fees paid, and a dedicated placement-year programme at Omexom, giving students both financial support and hands-on industry experience.

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The scholarship was established three years ago to honour Sharlene Gill, from Buncrana, who joined the business at 18 years old and went on to serve as Omexom’s first female Business Unit General Manager before her passing at just 40 years old. Her leadership, passion, and commitment to supporting young women in engineering continue to guide the programme.

Omexom has now confirmed the scholarship will expand to Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde, enabling more young women across the UK & Ireland to follow in Sharlene’s footsteps.

Simon Innes, Managing Director for Omexom UK & Ireland, says, “Sharlene worked for us for over twenty years and was a trailblazer - a leader who showed that engineering is for everyone. Extending this scholarship into Glasgow is a proud moment for us and a meaningful way to continue her legacy further afield.

“The scholarship is there to offer early opportunity and experience and hopefully enable others to be given the same opportunities that Sharlene was able to embrace and capitalise on.”

Initially launched at Ulster University, the scholarship has helped transform the futures of its first two graduates - Kayleigh Campbell from Strabane and Teresa Burns of Derry - who have both completed their degrees and now work full-time within Omexom.