Wiltshire College & University Centre celebrated students’ performance and achievement at its end-of-year Student Awards.
The annual event marks the end of the WCUC academic year and is a celebration of students’ outstanding work as well as their effort and dedication to their studies since September. Alongside academic performance, the awards also recognise those students who have contributed to the wider college community.
The cross-college ceremony was held at the Civic Centre in Trowbridge, with award recipients selected as not only the winners from their own campus but from all four WCUC campuses across the county at Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury and Trowbridge.
Alongside the wide variety of full-time courses for post-16 students, WCUC is also a provider of apprenticeship training programmes, part-time courses for adults and Higher Education programmes, and students from right across the breadth of the curriculum offer were celebrated.
Awards were presented by WCUC Principal & CEO Iain Hatt alongside guest speaker Rich Garland, Account Director – Central Government and Defence at Mitie. Around 120 guests were in attendance, including students, their guests, WCUC staff and other dignitaries, and the ceremony began with a brilliant performance by student band Overcast.
Iain Hatt said: “The Student Awards is always a special occasion, and it was wonderful to celebrate the end of the academic year by recognising learners from across the breadth of our wide curriculum offer.
“Throughout the year, there have been many occasions where our students have excelled on their courses, and the winners have received well-deserved recognition for their outstanding work. We have also celebrated students for going above and beyond the requirements of their qualifications by engaging in community projects, supporting their peers, and contributing to a positive and inclusive college environment.
“Congratulations to all our award winners. Your hard work and commitment to learning has paid off. You have demonstrated that with dedication, focus, and determination, anything is possible.”
Rich Garland said: “On behalf of Mitie, it was truly a privilege to be able to support the recent Student Awards event at Wiltshire College & University Centre. The variety, maturity and ingenuity of all the winners on the night was clear to see and they should all be justifiably proud of this recognition of their efforts. I look forward to hearing the stories of how they continue to develop in their future careers and wish them all the very best of luck and success.”
Riley was named Early Years Student of the Year for his outstanding attitude and performance both in the classroom and with his employers during industry placements.
Riley said: “It is a bit unexpected but it’s very nice to get recognition with an award like this. I have loved studying the course. I have always wanted to work with children as I always looked up to my teachers and were inspired by what they did. Doing a placement as part of my course is really beneficial as you really put into practice all the things you learn at college.”
Missy won the Services Industries Student of the Year prize for showing excellent progression over a number of years at the college.
Missy said: “I studied Level 1 Hair & Beauty first, then Level 2 Media Make-Up and I have just finished the Level 2 Beauty Therapy course. I am planning to move up to the Level 3 course next. I have always wanted to work as a beautician and the college has really helped me to develop my skills. The staff are so supportive and we have some fantastic facilities to work in.”
Applications remain open for all full-time post-16 courses at Wiltshire College & University Centre starting this September. To find out more and apply, visit www.wiltshire.ac.uk.
Full List of Winners
Adult Learner of the Year: Ben Davies
Agriculture and Land based Studies Student of the Year: William Eades
Apprentice of the Year: Finley Parsons
Automotive and Motorsport Student of the Year: Dawid Kozula
Animal Care and Equine Student of the Year: Luke Sowerby
Business and IT Student of the Year: Todd Brazauskas
Construction Student of the Year: Alfie Sutherington
Creative Arts Student of the Year: Ruby Wallace
Criminology and Public Services Student of the Year: Terzie Gibbons
Early Years Student of the Year: Riley Adams
Engineering Student of the Year: Ben Galpin
English & Maths Student of the Year: Oliver Boyd
English for Speakers of Other Languages Student of the Year: Mashid Miralikhil
Health and Science Student of the Year: Millie Bunce
Higher Education Student of the Year: Molly Holland
Media and Games Student of the Year: Benjamin Bodie
Pathways and Inclusion & Support Student of the Year: Amy Cottle
Performing Arts Student of the Year: Izzy Bayford
Pre-16 Student of the Year: Rhiannon Bullock
Services Industries Student of the Year: Missy Liddington
Sport and Leisure Student of the Year: Josh Burns
