Students receive grant boost to career prospects thanks to University and Santander partnership
Scores of students at the University of Chester who are looking to take the next big step in their lives have received a funding boost thanks to a collaboration between the University and Santander.
The University of Chester and Santander Careers Support Awards 2025-26 saw 60 grants of £250 delivered to students to support their career and employability development.
Made possible by a partnership between the University of Chester and Santander, the £15,000 initiative helps students overcome financial barriers and access opportunities that directly support their future career ambitions. Students accessed the grants through Santander Open Academy, Santander’s global learning and professional development platform, which offers free courses, scholarships and expert-led content to help people build in-demand employability skills.
Funding supports activities such as travel to interviews and assessment centres, internships and placements, professional clothing, skills development courses, as well as networking opportunities.
Students reported that the funding had a significant positive impact during a critical stage of their career development, adding the grants will enhance their confidence, strengthen their professional identity and enable them to present themselves more competitively in the graduate labour market.
Primary Education student Stephen said: “With this award, I can buy brand new learning resources and stationery. I can also buy new formal attire to look and feel my best for interviews and work.”
Accounting and Finance student Thomas added: “I was pleased to be awarded the Santander Career Support Award, as it has helped me to upgrade my technology which will make looking for a graduate job easier next year.”
And Counselling Skills and Sociology student Charlotte said: “I was so pleased to hear I had been selected to win this award. It’s going to have such a positive impact on my future studies as the money is used for stationery and clothes so that, as of September, I can focus on starting my MA. I am really grateful.”
Angie Standish, Head of Careers and Employability at the University of Chester, said: “We were delighted to work in partnership with Santander Universities to deliver these Career Support Awards. This funding made a tangible difference, enabling our students to access key opportunities that enhanced their employability and supported their transition into the workplace.”
Jon Powell, UK Partnerships Manager at Santander UK, said: “We’re proud to work with the University of Chester to help students access practical support at an important stage in their career journey. Through the Santander Career Support Awards, students can overcome some of the financial barriers that may stand between them, offering critical development opportunities such as interviews, placements, skills development and networking.
“It’s fantastic to see the positive impact these grants are already having, and we’re pleased to support students as they build their confidence and take their next steps towards future careers.”
For further information about careers and employability support at the University of Chester, please email careers@chester.ac.uk.