Our 2021/22 cohort of university-level and higher apprenticeship students graduated on Friday. Graduation is always a magical day, to reflect on the student’s hard work and celebrate the next chapter of their lives with their friends and family.
It was lovely to hear from our students about the effect college has had on their lives and all the exciting things they plan to do next now that they have graduated and finished their studies.
We spoke to some students while they waited to be seated about their qualifications and how they felt about graduating.
Tom Stacey studied Computer Networking, He is banking some volunteer hours before he starts the job hunt for a career in Cyber Security.
“I’ve always been around computers, so it was a logical step. I enjoyed the cyber security module in the first year the most and that’s what I am hoping to go into. I have started doing some volunteer work for The National Trust and then after that, I am going to look for a job in cyber security.
It’s a bit weird wearing a suit but it’s a monumental step to be graduating.”
Kara Hawkins, a Performing Arts student has completed the first year of her degree. She is now studying for her HND and hopes to go into teaching as well as performing on stage.
“Performing arts has been part of my whole life. I’ve been doing it since I was young, and I just wanted to continue. I love every part of it. I teach performing arts at my old secondary school as an after-school club and that’s helped me decide that I want to do teaching after as well as performing on stage.”
Curtis Wright studied Operational Management and Leadership to enhance his skills in his current job role.
“I chose to study this course as I am a manager anyway, so it made perfect sense to try and enhance my skills. I wanted to do it myself for self-development. I enjoyed working on the projects the most, learning how to do this properly and thoroughly. It definitely gives me more confidence in my job.
It’s surreal to be graduating, I never expected to be at this point.”
Rachel Pemberton, a current member of staff, studied Level 4 Business Administration. Rachel loves working at college and has enjoyed building her skills around her current job title.
“I studied my Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship at college, so the natural progression was to do my Level 4. I really enjoy working at college and building my skills around my job role. It’s let me have more opportunities. It’s lovely to be graduating after covid, we are going out for a meal after to celebrate.”
Aidan Dennison, who also works here at Chesterfield College, graduated with his PGCE and has now secured a full-time role lecturing Sports at college.
“Previously, when I was at university elsewhere, it felt like you were just one in a large group, whereas at Chesterfield College it’s different because you’re in a smaller group and you really get to know the people on your course. That close atmosphere meant we received great support. Doing this course has really extended my skills and opened up new opportunities for me.”
Emma Streets also graduated with a PGCE after the Headteacher at the school she worked in encouraged her to take the next step in her career.
“This feels amazing! It’s been a very long journey for me because I left school with nothing. I left without my Maths and English GCSE so I’ve literally had to crawl to get here. I’ve had to re-sit everything and I’ve really worked my way up. I feel really proud!”