Q: Is there a fee to apply for the awards?
A: No. There is no fee to apply for any of the awards… the ceremony is free to attend too!
Q: How long will it take to complete the application form?
A: The amount of time it will take to complete an application varies by applicant, but it is expected that it may take you around 2 hours. This does not need to be done in one sitting, you can save and come back to your application.
Q: Are certain degrees or apprenticeships required to apply for the awards?
A: Degrees or apprenticeships related to engineering are required to apply for these awards
Q: Do I qualify for any of the awards if I am currently working towards my engineering HNC/HND (or equivalent)?
A: Unfortunately, the HNC/HND needs to be completed in order to meet the criteria. However, if you are completing this level of qualification as part of an apprenticeship, you will qualify for the Mary George Memorial Prize for Apprentices.
Q: I am currently working outside of the UK; do I qualify for any of the awards?
A: In order to qualify for the awards you must be based and working in the UK currently and for at least one year after the awards in order to fulfil your duties as an ambassador for young women in engineering.
Q: I would like to apply for two of the awards; do I need to complete two applications?
A: No, you only need to complete one application. All applications are considered for all three awards.
Q: Can you apply for a YWE award and also apply for other IET Awards at the same time?
A: Yes, you can apply for any of our other IET awards whilst applying for a YWE award.
Q: Who can complete my endorsement form?
A: The endorsement form needs to be completed by someone that knows your work and you in a professional manner. A relative should not complete the form even if you do work with them. It also needs to be someone in a role of seniority to you. Most applicants have this form completed by their manager.
Q: Can I start my online application and upload the endorsement form later?
A: Yes. Once you have started your application online you can log back in anytime up until the deadline and add the form, edit and update your application. Just make sure you click next in order to save your progress!
Q: Can you nominate someone for an award?
A: The only award you can nominate someone for is the Gender Diversity Ambassador Award. This is awarded to a person of any gender who is working in the UK and is of any age, who has spent a large proportion of their career committed to addressing the gender imbalance within the engineering profession.
Q: Do I get free membership if I become a finalist?
A: Yes, if you become one of our six finalists, you will receive free membership for one year.
Q: When do the awards open for applications?
A: The 2025 Awards open on Saturday, 8 March 2025.
Q: When will the shortlist be announced?
A: We announce our shortlist on Ada Lovelace Day, which this year is Tuesday, 14 October 2025.
Q: What happens after I complete my application?
A: We will let you know if you have been shortlisted at the end of July/beginning of August. If you are selected, we will invite you to attend an online interview on either 12 or 13 August, where we will get to know you a bit better and ask you to tell us more about your work and achievements.
Following the interviews, our judging panel will select a group of finalists. Finalists will need to be available for an in-person filming and photography day, which will take place at the IET’s offices in Stevenage on 3 or 4 September. As a finalist, we will use the videos and photos to promote you as a finalist, attendance at the awards ceremony, as well as to inspire other outstanding women in STEM to enter next year’s awards. This is also a chance for you to meet and spend time with the other finalists and learn more from us.
The ceremony will be held at IET London: Savoy Place on 11 December. Finalists and winners will be expected to be available for media interviews and engagements after the ceremony.
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