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Students bank on improved careers prospects through inclusion programme

18/08/2021

Two University of Wolverhampton students are banking on improving their career prospects by being selected as winners for the Santander Universities Black Inclusion programme. 

Naomi Cunningham, studying for a Music Technology & Popular Music degree, and Efe Imoniovu, studying for a Master’s degree in Oil & Gas Management, were picked as 2 of 30 successful winners – each winning a grant worth £1,500. 

The Santander Universities Black Inclusion programme offered 3,000 Black and Black Mixed undergraduate students and recent graduates from across the UK the chance to take part in an eight-hour online course. 

It provided access to professional development and the opportunity for participants to expand their financial knowledge and gain employability skills. After completing the eight-hour online Finance Unlocked programme and quizzes, 30 of the top-performing students and graduates received a £1,500 Santander Scholarship. 

Matt Hutnell, Director at Santander Universities, said of the programme: “Over the last decade Santander Universities has collaborated with its network of university partners to ensure students from diverse backgrounds are supported into university, work and self-employment. This new programme aims to provide students and recent graduates from communities under-represented in the financial services sector with further professional development as they prepare for and embark on their future careers. It’s fantastic that so many students could take part and a huge congratulations to all 30 winners.” 

Naomi, 42 from Birmingham, who is just starting her third year of study in the School of Performing Arts at Walsall Campus, said: “I was looking for something that could increase my knowledge and put on my CV.  I saw the programme and applied and it was an absolute surprise to find that I had been successful. 

“I’ve been added to the Santander Emerging Talent Pool also which is amazing.  After my degree I’m going to study for a Master’s in Creative Science here and with my qualifications I’ll be able to run my own business, encompassing sound engineering, live broadcast and run my own studio.” 

Efe, 42, from Nigeria, who has just completed his Master’s degree and is due to graduate later this year, said: “I was actively looking for opportunities to improve my career prospects and was always looking for something to add to my CV and I thought that the Black Inclusion Programme was an opportunity to explore. 

“In terms of my career I’m looking to become an Environmental Consultant so the knowledge I gained from this programme added to what I had learned on my degree programme.  It’s increased my confidence and winning the prize has really meant a lot to me at this point, it’s changed everything for me.” 

For anyone who already has the results of their qualifications, applications can be made through Clearing now. Our Clearing webpage provides further information on all the courses we have available in Clearing. Applications can be made either by calling our Clearing Team on 01902 51 8585 or through our social media channels on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.   

Anyone looking to study at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days. 

ENDS 

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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