The prestigious Joint Award Scheme enables students, junior engineers and apprentices to broaden their knowledge and experience of the sector through funded projects, travel and activities.
The 2026 awards mark a century of celebrating engineering achievement and opportunity, supported by the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers alongside the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire.
The tradition dates back to 1926 when the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers established an annual £150 endowment to support Sheffield’s skilled trades. Working alongside the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire and representatives from the city’s leading technical societies and Sheffield University, the scheme was created to encourage innovation, craftsmanship, and the development of improved industrial methods.
Over the years, grants were awarded across disciplines including cutlery, toolmaking, silversmithing, forging, file manufacturing, and foundry work, with recipients receiving financial awards in recognition of excellence.
A century on, the partnership continues to invest in future talent through modern engineering and design awards of up to £1,500 per project. These awards support students, apprentices, and early-career engineers to expand their skills, undertake specialist projects, and pursue valuable professional development opportunities that also benefit their employers and academic institutions.
Recipients this year include Sheffield Hallam University PhD student Harry Plant who has been funded to attend a conference in France where he will present his research into mechanical metamaterials for sports helmet protection.
Ashiffa Sherin Sikkandar, an aerospace engineering student who is currently undertaking a placement year in industry, also received an award that will enable her to attend an industry relevant three-day training course. Ashiffa is also the co-founder of the Hallam Rocketry Society, open to Sheffield Hallam students from all disciplines who are passionate about rocket science or curious to learn more.
James Enwistle, a PhD student in materials science and engineering, has received the award for three consecutive years. His latest award will see him travel to Poland to receive expert training on specialist software.
Professor Liz Mossop, Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, attended the ceremony. She said: “Celebrating 100 years of the Joint Awards is a powerful reminder of Sheffield’s enduring role at the forefront of engineering innovation and craftsmanship. At Sheffield Hallam University, we are proud to see our students and researchers recognised within this historic tradition, which continues to open doors to transformative experiences and global collaboration.
“These awards not only honour individual excellence but also invest in the ideas, skills and ambition that will shape the industries of tomorrow. By supporting emerging talent to explore new technologies, develop sustainable solutions and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, we are helping to drive the future economies our region and country depend on.”
Professor Keith Jackson, Master Cutler of The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, said: “For a century, these awards have supported students, apprentices, and early-career engineers, empowering them to grow, explore, and advance within engineering and manufacturing.
“You are the modern embodiment of that 1926 vision. When we look at the breadth of your ambition, we are filled with immense pride. You are pushing the boundaries of aerospace and automotive engineering, advancing bone tissue engineering and nuclear waste management, and pioneering the use of digital twins and mechanical metamaterials.
“Whether you are an undergraduate on placement, a PhD researcher, or a quality assurance engineer leading vital systems implementation, you represent the future of our industries.”
Previous Sheffield Hallam recipients have enjoyed hugely successful careers in the engineering industry. Sam English who received a Joint Award grant in 2016 is now working at Bosch Thermotechniek in the Netherlands, where he undertakes the development of sustainable appliances to help combat the effects of climate change.
Emily Reynolds received a Joint Award in 2011 during a placement year at EDF. The grant enabled her to visit Flamanville Three nuclear power station and the Arenva Fuel reprocessing centre, which inspired a subsequent career in the nuclear industry. She is now EDF’s UK operational waste lead.
The Sheffield Hallam University students who received 2026 Joint Awards are:
Aiden Bailey – Undergraduate student in Aerospace Engineering
Ashiffa Sherin Sikkandar – Undergraduate student in Aerospace Engineering
Casey Walsh – PhD student at Sheffield Hallam University
Connor Byrne – Undergraduate student in Automotive Engineering
Gabriel Oloko – Undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering
Harry Plant - PhD student in Materials Science and Engineering, whose research focuses on protective metamaterials and impact testing.
James Entwistle – PhD student in Materials Science and Engineering
