High achieving students from across Cheshire celebrated with their families and friends, along with the Lord Mayor of Chester Cllr Razia Daniels, at South Cheshire College/West Cheshire College’s Higher Education Graduation Ceremony at Chester Cathedral.

The packed Chester Cathedral celebrated the success of more than 200 students who have studied at the College’s Campuses in Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Chester.

Shannon Booth, 24, from Crewe, who studied a HNC in Business and works at Senate Training in Alsager, said: “I started working at Senate Training in 2011 and this course has really helped me in my day to day job role. I achieved a Distinction in all areas of the course and it’s been a wonderful evening to celebrate that achievement.”

Keynote speaker for the event was entrepreneur Tony Stone who co-founded the porridge firm Stoats.

Tony said: “I’m delighted to be here in Chester and in this amazing setting for the South Cheshire College/West Cheshire College graduation ceremony.”

Tony gave an inspiring speech about his successful career. He added:

“What I’ve always done and would recommend is that you do something you’re passionate about. The world in 2017 really is your oyster, there is an opportunity for everyone to take even the smallest thought and turn it into a business and turn their passion into a career.”

Students graduating have studied more than 40 different higher education qualifications including Foundation Degrees and Higher National Diplomas in subjects such as Computer Science, Fitness and Health and Construction, as well as professional qualifications such as AAT Diploma in Accounting, CIPD Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management and CMI Diploma in Management.

Dhesi, Principal and Chief Executive at South Cheshire College/West Cheshire College, said: “This is our first Graduation Ceremony since we merged earlier this year and our HE and Professional qualifications are a very important part of our curriculum.

"With more than 400 students enrolled on our courses, the majority of whom study part-time, ensure that students can study whilst allowing for employment and family commitments.”

South Cheshire College/West Cheshire College’s Higher Education and Professional courses enable people of all ages and backgrounds to gain qualifications from Level 2 to Level 7.

As a partner College of local universities the College can offer those undertaking Foundation Degrees and Degrees a range of progression routes and other additional benefits.

Father of two George Hinks, 36, from Flintshire, won overall Student of the Year which was announced on the evening, after completing a BTEC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Level 4, said: “I’m a Multi-Skilled Engineer at Morrisons in Deeside. I started on my Level 3 course in 2013 and have now completed my Level 4. It’s a huge honour to have won Student of the Year this evening.”

For more information about studying Higher Education and Professional courses at South Cheshire College/West Cheshire College, contact the college hotline on 01244 656555 or visit west-cheshire.ac.uk or 01270 654654 or visit scc.ac.uk.