UHI announces 2024 recipient of the Prize for Engineering Excellence
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is delighted to announce the recipient of the 2024 Prize for Engineering Excellence, an annual award generously donated by Willie Printie. Now in its tenth year, the prize recognises students who have progressed from an apprenticeship background and excelled in both further education and degree-level studies.
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is delighted to announce the recipient of the 2024 Prize for Engineering Excellence, an annual award generously donated by Willie Printie. Now in its tenth year, the prize recognises students who have progressed from an apprenticeship background and excelled in both further education and degree-level studies.
This year’s prize was presented to Dean Frazer from Aberlour, who has graduated with a First-Class BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from UHI North, West and Hebrides.
Dean’s educational journey began with basic electrical classes in 2007. He served several apprenticeships and was awarded his Craftsman Certificate in 2010. In 2019, he returned to UHI to pursue further qualifications, obtaining his HNC and progressing to the honours degree, achieving an impressive 84% in his final year.
In addition to the Prize for Engineering Excellence, Dean’s academic record and contribution to engineering innovation, has also earned him the Institution of Engineering and Technology Student Excellence Award for 2024. This award is given to students who achieve excellence in their course, with an engineering project deemed to be the most outstanding by their project supervisor.
Dean’s project ‘EcoSync’ focuses on the design of a power factor correction device for domestic, commercial and small industrial use. This innovative device, designed to optimise power savings and improve electrical safety, won £1,000 in the 2023 UHI Business Competition and was also shortlisted for a national award by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Dean’s tutor and project supervisor, Lois Gray, praised Dean’s exceptional accomplishments:
"I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this prize. His journey from an electrical apprentice to earning a first-class degree with 84%, while developing a project with global potential to reduce emissions and save energy, is simply remarkable. The amount of work he did was exceptional. He completed a project which would normally be a medium sized team effort, from his home, as a fully remote student. Dean’s commitment, despite many personal and professional challenges, is inspiring.”
Reflecting on his award, Dean said:
"Winning this prize is truly an honour. I started my career as an apprentice electrician many years ago and never envisaged coming this far academically. I returned to study as a mature student with the hopes of initially obtaining an HNC to further my career as an approved electrician. This progressed into an Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree that allowed me to realise a greater potential for professional and personal growth. This has led to accepting a role with SSE to become an electrical engineer. I look forward to contributing to the future of the electrical network and working towards chartered professional registration. I'd like to thank all the staff at UHI who supported me through my studies.”
Willie Printie also passed on his congratulations:
“It’s a special moment for me, marking the 10th anniversary of the Prize for Engineering Excellence. Dean perfectly embodies the spirit of this award, starting as an apprentice, excelling in further and higher education, and graduating with a First-Class Honours degree in engineering. Balancing full-time work while achieving such academic success is remarkable, and truly deserving of this year's prize. I’m confident his future holds even greater accomplishments!”
Alison Wilson, Director of Economic Development and Advancement, expressed her thanks to Willie Printie for this long-standing support:
“UHI is immensely grateful to Willie Printie for his continued generosity. For ten years, his prize has inspired our engineering students, recognised their hard work, and highlighted the incredible journeys our students can take. Dean is a shining example of this.”
The Prize for Engineering Excellence is awarded based on nominations from programme leaders in consultation with the subject network leader. It recognises individuals who began their careers through apprenticeships and have excelled academically, making outstanding contributions to their field of study and profession.
Find out more about the Prize for Engineering Excellence.