Higher Education students at Wiltshire College & University Centre (WCUC) were honoured at a special Graduation Ceremony at Salisbury Cathedral on Friday 20th October.
In total, more than 120 students who have recently completed university-level, degree-level and higher apprenticeship programmes at WCUC graduated surrounded by their families and friends in the spectacular setting offered by the Cathedral.
Ahead of the ceremony, graduates took part in the traditional procession through the city as they paraded from Salisbury Playhouse to the Cathedral grounds in glorious autumn sunshine.
Stacey Hunter, Chief Executive of Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, was the guest speaker during the ceremony, while WCUC Principal & CEO Iain Hatt and Chair of Governors Dr Carlton Brand also gave speeches on the day.
Representatives from the Royal Navy were also in attendance to celebrate serving members achieving the Chartered Management Institute Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership.
After the ceremony, graduates had time to celebrate with family and friends within the grounds of the Cathedral.
WCUC Principal & CEO Iain Hatt said: “Once again it was a real pleasure and privilege to be able to celebrate those students who completed Higher Education programmes with us this year at our annual Graduation ceremony. The stunning surroundings offered by Salisbury Cathedral mean this is always a day to remember for everyone involved.
“The achievements celebrated at Graduation are an important milestone for students – they will open doors to opportunities both now and in the future. All students should rightly feel proud of their success having shown such commitment to their education over the last few years.
“I would like to thank all WCUC staff and the many employers for the help and support they have given our graduates during their studies, and I wish all those who graduated every success in the future.”
WCUC offers a wide variety of Higher Education courses across its campuses around the county through its University Centre, including a number validated by top UK universities such as Bournemouth University and Oxford Brooks University.
Peter Robinson was amongst those graduating on the day, having completed the BEng (Hons) Motorsport Technology degree at WCUC’s specialist centre at Castle Combe race circuit.
He said: “It was a really lovely day. I haven’t seen some people since we finished the course, so it was nice to get together again and celebrate. I really enjoyed the course, and the staff are all really helpful and supportive. I’m working for a motorsport team now which is exactly what I wanted when I started the course, so I would definitely recommend it.”
Naomi Pullen graduated from the Higher National Certificate in Animal Management and said: “It is such a beautiful setting at the Cathedral and it made for an amazing day. We all really enjoyed it, and everything went so smoothly. It was great to see everyone again and so nice to get all of the courses together for one special event.”
WCUC is grateful to everyone at Salisbury Cathedral and Salisbury Playhouse, without whose support the ceremonies would not have been able to take place.
For more information on WCUC’s Higher Education provision, click here.
