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Please meet Brodie who was awarded a Postal Family Fund University bursary to support her living costs for 3 years. She has just completed her final year of her BA in Fashion Design at Nottingham Trent University. We spoke to Brodie about her experience.
Why did you apply for the Postal Family Fund bursary?
I applied for financial support towards living costs at university. I needed help to afford living and rent costs on top of the costs of doing the fashion course (printing costs, production costs and tools, research materials).
What impact has the bursary had?
The university bursary has greatly helped me to pursue the learning and opportunities available to me. It has allowed me to push myself to my fullest extent. Course costs such as fabrics, research material and printing are especially expensive during final year, and the bursary has meant that I have made no compromises towards the quality of these materials, and it has allowed me to develop a final body of work which fully represents my skills and hard work.
I have been able to apply for competitions and commit myself 100% to my learning, rather than struggle with working an additional part time job on the side of my full-time education. As a result, I have had greater opportunities through winning competitions, awards and internship offers. I won the Paul Smith menswear competition this year and have a 1-month internship opportunity with their menswear team at their Nottingham headquarters at the end of June.
I will be showing my graduate collection in London fashion week on 13th June and I have been shortlisted for the Considered Fashion award, as well as the Sustainability Award at the Fashanne Awards the following week. I have featured in Asbo Magazine and have also gained the interest of Derby Museum of Making who want to collaborate with me on a project centred on sustainability in craft and fashion. These opportunities will all increase my employability and aid me in landing a job that fits my expertise.
What are your plans for the future?
To build upon my learning and specialise in more specific roles such as garment technologist, pattern cutter and/or manufacturer. To use my connections made in industry during my 3 years of study and 1-year placement year to find positions in these roles.
What would you like to say to postal workers thinking about applying for a university bursary?
I would absolutely recommend applying to the Postal Family Fund, the bursary is very beneficial to the quality of learning and financial support of students who apply. Those who qualify should apply, the application process is simple and not too demanding, and provides support for up to 3 years.
