Marjon awards nearly £10,000 to the Class of 2020

Released: 06.05.21

Plymouth Marjon University has awarded funding to 15 successful applicants to the Marjon Futures Class of 2020 Careers Fund.

The fund was set up in response to the ongoing impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on last year's graduates and aims to support their personal and professional development.

The 15 alumni will each receive up to £750 funding to invest in activities that help kickstart their next steps by supporting employability, enterprise, or continued education. An overall total of £9,906.10 has been allocated to these graduates.

Head of Careers and Employability, Sarah Stevenson, said: “Marjon has a long history of supporting students to achieve, and never has this been more important than during current times. 

“Marjon’s Careers Service, Futures, recognised the need to provide additional assistance because the Class of 2020 completed their studies during a pandemic and their career plans have been disrupted.”

The fund was designed to be as flexible as possible. Examples of how graduates are using their funding include:

• Skills development - including short training courses in demand by employers, or industry-recognised qualifications.
• Digital access - supporting the graduates' job searches, online interviews and continuing education.
• Starting a business or social enterprise - developing or kickstarting an idea.
• Transport - covering the costs of getting to interviews and supporting graduates living in remote locations.

David Massey, who received funding for skills development, said: “Valuable opportunities to further enhance my skills, progress and support my Continuing Professional Development (CPD) have been provided by this funding. 

“Due to my area of work within the delivery of training, qualifications, and educational programmes, it will not just benefit myself but also have a direct impact on the learners, apprentices, and employers I have contact with.”

It is anticipated that, by the end of June, the graduates will have spent their funding making a positive impact on their development and employability.

All Marjon students and graduates can access ongoing careers support from the Marjon Futures team.