Students studying on degree level courses at the University Centre Wigan & Leigh College celebrated their achievements at the annual Higher Education Graduation ceremony.
The event, held at All Saints’ Parish Church is always a special day in the College’s calendar and students who achieved diploma and degree level qualification in 2022 were invited.
Graduands received their cap and gowns at the College before the traditional procession up Market Street led by Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association Pipes and Drums along with College staff and governors.
Proud family members and friends eagerly awaited their arrival in a packed church and once again due to increases in higher education study at the college two ceremonies took place during the day.
The morning ceremony was dedicated to the graduation of awards in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects, including degree apprenticeships, while the afternoon focused on students graduating in health, teacher education and business and professional qualifications such as accounting and human resources.
Councillor, David Molyneux MBE provided the key note speech for the morning ceremony and concluded with: “I'm proud of each and every one of you. We are extremely proud of what you have achieved."
Lisa Nandy, Labour MP for Wigan gave the afternoon key note speech, commenting: "Today is about you, who have put in incredible work and sacrifices to be here today. You are going out to help build the future. This town and this country has a better future."
Simone Wilson graduated from the Level 6 Nuclear Scientist/Engineer Integrated Degree Apprenticeship with BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering. She now works full time with Sellafield Ltd as a design engineer.
“The five-year experience has been a good one and it has moulded me as an engineer. It’s been priceless and it’s set me up with industry experience and a degree at the end of it while getting paid too,” said Simone.
Jade Cartwright completed the Level 5 CIPD course in order to progress her career within the NHS. The former paralegal joined the NHS after returning from maternity leave and has seen her career flourish with promotion to HR Project Lead with Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust.
“I was able to apply for higher level roles as this qualification opened doors to more opportunities. The flexibility of the course was important for me in terms of accessibility. I can apply management skills more confidently and apply what I have learnt on the course in my job role.”
College Principal, Anna Dawe said: “All our graduates’ hard work has been worthwhile. There are lots of opportunities in front of them and we are very proud of their achievements.
“I’d like to congratulate every single student who has graduated and wish them a successful future. We hope they enjoyed their celebrations with friends and family.”