STUDENTS who get three grade As at A level - or equivalent - are now eligible for a scholarship of £1,000 a year.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) new Diamond Jubilee Scholarships will reward students who achieve three grade As at A level - or three A grade advanced highers or five A grade highers - and start an IET accredited engineering or technology degree course this autumn.

They will be entitled to an annual scholarship of £1,000 for up to four years.

The scholarships have been launched to encourage bright young students to consider studying engineering and technology and to go on to enjoy rewarding and challenging careers.

The IET’s 2012 Skills and Demand in Industry Survey shows that, for the first time since the recession, companies are more confident in expanding their engineering workforce.

Starting salaries for graduate engineers and technicians are claimed to be among the highest of all graduate salaries but there remains a national shortage of engineers.

The new scholarship initiative is one of the many ways the IET says it is helping to address that shortage.

Students can now apply for the scholarships by visiting theiet.org/diamond