Students Celebrate Success at Graduation

Students from our University Centre Wigan & Leigh College gathered to celebrate their achievements at this year’s Higher Education Graduation Ceremony.

The event was held at The Edge in Wigan, which provided the perfect backdrop for proud families and friends to watch on in admiration.

Graduands collected their caps and gowns before processing into the ceremony, accompanied by the Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association Pipes and Drums, along with college staff and governors.

This year’s ceremony recognised graduates across a wide range of disciplines. Awards were conferred in STEM subjects including degree apprenticeships as well as sport, teacher education, and business and professional qualifications such as accounting and human resources. Presenting the awards were Wigan Council Executive Leader, Cllr David Molyneux MBE and Josh Simons, MP for Makerfield.

Among the graduates was Chloe Page, who used the HNC Civil Engineering course as a springboard to further her career progression.

“The HNC was amazing. The tutors always offered guidance and support. I also found that everything I learned from industry was transferrable to the course and vice versa,” said Chloe.

Having worked for St Helens Council for several years, Chloe has worked her way up to project manager for the town’s regeneration scheme. She is also a passionate advocate for women in construction.

“Being a female in the construction industry has always been good and I have always been treated with respect. I feel empowered when I go onto a construction site wearing a hard hat and get listened to. I love what I do, and I can see myself going far in the industry.”

Fellow graduate, Abigail Barnes completed the HND International Travel and Tourism Management course and is now on an International Business Management Top-up at Manchester Metropolitan University.

She said: “I didn’t want to go to a traditional university. I chose the University Centre Wigan & Leigh College because there was more support. I absolutely love the tutors, I felt so at home, and they got me through. I owe everything to them.”

Abigail is currently in a mentoring scheme with the general manager of Treehouse Hotel in Manchester and aims to work in the hotel business after her degree.

College Principal Anna Dawe praised the dedication and determination of the graduating class.
“Our graduates have shown outstanding commitment throughout their studies, and we’re incredibly proud of everything they’ve achieved,” she said.

“They’re leaving us equipped with the advanced technical skills that are in such high demand across our local, regional and national economy. Many are stepping into new roles or progressing in their current careers, while others are choosing to continue their educational journey with higher-level qualifications.

Level 6 Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer, Jack Ring rounded off a wonderful ceremony with a moving Student Vote of Thanks ending with, “we’ve come a long way together but here we are. Let us make a positive contribution to the world.”