Cheshire College Higher Education Learners Celebrated at Graduation Ceremony

The accomplishments of Higher Education learners from across the region were celebrated yesterday at Cheshire College’s Graduation Ceremony.

Held at The Chester Cathedral, the ceremony welcomed graduates from across the region, their friends and family, along with the College’s staff and stakeholders to celebrate this academic milestone.

The graduates in attendance all studied a Higher Education course at one of the College’s three Campuses in Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Chester, achieving a range of qualifications from full Degrees, Foundation Degrees and PGCEs to Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Higher National Certificates (HNCs).

Held on the fifth anniversary of Cheshire College’s inception, the ceremony included an inspirational introduction from the Dean of Higher Education, Claire Barton, and empowering speeches from Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, Dhesi, and Guest Speaker, and former Higher Education Governor at Cheshire College, Ewen MacRury. A former Cheshire College Higher Education graduate himself, Ewen is currently Principal Visualisation Specialist at McLaren Automotive and has previously held positions at Bentley.

Claire Barton, Dean of Higher Education at Cheshire College, said: “Attending a graduation ceremony is a huge milestone in any learners’ academic career but after the last couple of years, it’s been fantastic to all come together in person and celebrate the achievements of our graduates.

“Completing a Higher Education course takes hard work, determination and commitment. I am proud to say that every single one of our graduates have demonstrated this. I wish them all the best as they move forward into their chosen careers and truly make a difference in their communities.”

Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, Dhesi, says: “Over the last five years, we've seen over 3,000 of our Higher Education learners progress onto further studies with ourselves or at University, enhancing their career opportunities and continuing to inspire us.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off our five-year anniversary celebrations than to shine a light on the incredible learners we have at the College, and everything they’ve achieved during their time with us.”

Guest speaker, Ewen MacRury, focused on the topic of resilience during his speech and said: “The students have fought through tremendously difficult times over the past three years and to show the fortitude to continue and finish their studies is an amazing achievement. I wish them all the best for the future in whatever path they decide to pursue.”

Higher Education at Cheshire College offers high-quality teaching from industry and academic professionals at a lower tuition fee with smaller class sizes to ensure learners are able to get the most out of their studies and achieve the qualification they have always dreamed of. 

With a range of courses available across subjects such as Digital, Engineering, Construction, Education and Business, there’s never been a better time to Stay Near, Go Far. To find out more about Higher Education at Cheshire College visit: 

https://www.ccsw.ac.uk.      

• Cheshire College is the largest provider of post-16 education in the region offering exciting opportunities to 11,000 learners and 1,000 Apprentices.   
• Their modern Campuses across Cheshire in Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Chester have world-class facilities which are the result of a £140m investment in the latest technology and real work environments.  
• The College provides learners with the skills, experience and qualifications that will prepare them for their future career or higher-level study and encourage them to become confident individuals who will make valuable contributions to businesses and the local economy.   
• With extremely important values which guide the way they work with each other, their partners and within communities, Cheshire College empower individuals and nurture talent, taking the time to listen, help and care, whilst always acting with honesty, integrity and trust.    

• Cheshire College offers a range of courses from Entry Level to Level 7 in: A Levels; Full-time courses; Apprenticeships; Part-time courses for adults; Access and Higher Education courses; bespoke training for employers; Maths, English, IT and ESOL courses for adults; programmes for International learners; Futures Programme for learners aspiring to progress to university.    
• They are also the only Further Education College in Cheshire to have been selected by the Government to offer a new two-year qualification, T Levels, from September 2021.    
• Cheshire College works with key stakeholders and leads on initiatives to provide high-quality education for all ages in Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Chester.   
• They also work with employers, industries and organisations to drive economic growth through the development of future e-focused skills.   
• Cheshire College is on a mission to develop digital across the community with their new five-year project, ‘The Digital Hub’, which is part of a £5m investment made by Cheshire and Warrington LEP. The Digital Hub aims to deliver skills and career pathways in additive manufacturing and Virtual and Augmented Reality, as well as improve Advanced Manufacturing Skills to expand digital infrastructures in existing workforces and facilitate access to technology within community organisations.   

• The College has strong links with local businesses of all sizes and work with many major employers such as Bentley, Brownlow Furniture, Ecolab, Vauxhall Motors, Scottish Power, Unilever, Brunning and Price and National Grid.   
• Cheshire College are an approved Apprenticeship provider and can support local employers who are using the Levy system to recruit and train Apprentices within their business.