THE University of Cumbria have kickstarted a new initiative giving a 20 per cent discount off fees for postgraduate courses to support people whose jobs have been affected by the economic impact of Covid-19 in the North West.

To help people furloughed, made redundant or at risk of redundancy, the Being Enriched Postgraduate Discount is available on selected postgraduate courses on a full or part-time basis for people who live or have worked in the North West.

University of Cumbria Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Trimble said: “Our aim is to support the region, by offering affordable and relevant opportunities to upskill at a time when the employment market might not offer a viable alternative.

“Postgraduate study provides an opportunity for people to make the most of their talent, whether they want to study for a new career or increase their knowledge to progress within their existing field.

“Research shows postgraduate study enhances employability and increases earning potential. We are a university dedicated to helping people to do more, make the most of their talent and achieve more than they thought possible.

“We are rated as top in the North West and amongst the best in the UK for graduate employability, with 96 per cent of all our graduates in employment or undertaking further study within 15 months of graduating.”

The discount is available to people who live, work or have been furloughed, made redundant or at risk of redundancy within the following counties Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire from April 2020.

Eligible courses must have a start date between 1 August 2020 and 31 July 2021 and applicants must meet certain criteria.

Chantel du Randt is someone who knows just how much studying for a postgraduate qualification can open up new opportunities. Chantel said: “I have always wanted to work with young children and after being turned down for a number of teaching assistant positions over the years I thought I would grab the bull by the horns and study for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), and I am really glad I did."

Chantel had worked in a variety of sectors since finishing university in 2007, all of which added to her life experience. She worked as an assistant manager for Clarks shoes, was a manager of a small independent shoe shop in Lancaster, worked as an administrative assistant at a Family Court and as an administrative assistant at a letting agency. Her last position was in a Social, Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) school in Blackburn as a teaching assistant, which was for children aged between 8-16 years old.

Chantel goes on to say: “To be honest, I was glad I was offered the teaching assistant job because it made me realise that being a teaching assistant was not the role for me, but being a teacher was, and this is what inspired me to apply for my PGCE. I gave up full-time work to do this course, but it was well worth it.

“It is the best thing I have done; it has been hard and challenging but really worthwhile and hopefully I will be able to get a job straight away and start my teaching career this September.”