Students and higher apprentices from Chesterfield College celebrated their graduation today after studying for university-level qualifications. In the first graduation ceremony for two years, proud friends, family and employers attended a special ceremony at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield.
Graduates who completed their courses over the last two years were finally able to celebrate achieving their university-level qualifications in a wide range of subjects and levels following their studies during the pandemic.
Achievements in higher national certificates and diplomas as well as foundation, full and postgraduate degrees in engineering, public services, social care, education, sports and creative media were all celebrated. Those celebrating success with higher level professional qualifications in business, human resources, management, accounting and education were also recognised in the ceremony.
Read some of our graduate stories here
Student Vote of Thanks
James Dietsch, graduated with a BSc Hons in Software Development and was chosen to give the student vote of thanks at the ceremony.
Studying for a degree in computer software development at Chesterfield College gave James the chance to develop a career in something he loved after he was made redundant from a job in retail. He is now working with the college to develop the new digital technology centre which recently opened, providing students on a range of courses from construction and engineering to computing and art with industry standard equipment to develop their skills.
He said: “The fact that we have made it here today to attend our graduation is not only a testament to our commitment to complete a course, but also to the hard-working staff members of the college who have supported us throughout this journey.
Graduates, we have all progressed into a unique club of individuals and have the power now to determine our own path, so with that I ask that you simply follow your dreams and do whatever makes you happy.”
Congratulations to resilient and determined students
Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group congratulated the graduates at the ceremony. She said;
“I am delighted we are able to hold our graduation ceremony today. It feels very special for the graduates to celebrate the incredible achievements with family, friends and employers. Every year I see students show remarkable dedication but I believe the class of 2021 have shown extra resilience and commitment in achieving such success in such unprecedented circumstances. On behalf of The Chesterfield College Group and our partner universities, I would like to congratulate each and every one of you and I wish you every success for the future.”
Working with partner universities
Chesterfield College works alongside a range of partners to deliver university-level and professional courses, including Sheffield Hallam University, University of Derby and Pearson. This allows people who want to work towards higher education qualifications the opportunity to access flexible, affordable and quality higher level skills with their local college.