The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) has launched a new engineering scholarship in honour of Carol Patton, marking her retirement after a distinguished and inspiring career in the steel industry.

Developed in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland College, the Carol Patton Engineering Scholarship aims to support a young person at the beginning of their engineering journey. It combines academic learning with hands-on industry experience at MPI’s Middlesbrough-based facility, a national centre for innovation and research in the foundation industries.

The scholarship recognises Carol’s extraordinary career path, which began at the age of 16 as a clerical trainee and culminated in her role as Director of Business Services and Company Secretary at MPI. Over the decades, her professional journey has taken her through British Steel, Corus, Tata Steel and finally, MPI - all within half a mile of the Institute’s current site.

Her early training involved a mix of day release courses and departmental rotations, including time in wages, engineering, accounts and credit control. Despite not being an engineer herself, Carol has always worked closely alongside engineers and consistently embraced opportunities to broaden her knowledge and skills.

Throughout her career, she continued her professional development, earning a law degree from the University of London and a master’s in business administration from Teesside University. She also dedicated time to voluntary work within the local community.

Reflecting on the scholarship, Carol said:

“It’s important that young people are encouraged to develop in whatever way suits them, and this scholarship provides them with that opportunity. I hope it helps someone take the first step on a path that’s right for them – wherever it may lead.”

The scholarship will support a student from Redcar and Cleveland College studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering, offering them real-world experience within MPI’s Engineering Team. It will also include a paid summer placement at the Institute, with opportunities to learn key skills in mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering.

Dave Thompson, Project Lead at Redcar and Cleveland College, commented:

“MPI’s ability to offer a range of different experiences will allow the learner to become a flexible engineer covering instrumentation, electrical and mechanical skills, while also working within a laboratory and scale-up plant environment.”

Terry Walsh, Chief Executive of MPI, added:

“This scholarship is a fitting tribute to Carol’s legacy – one that values flexibility, lifelong learning, and opening doors for others.

It’s also important that we inspire the next generation to pursue careers in engineering. By supporting young talent, we’re not only helping individuals fulfil their potential, but investing in the future of innovation and industry.”