LAKES COLLEGE CELEBRATES HIGHER EDUCATION GRADUATES AT GRADUATION CEREMONY

Higher Education students have celebrated their achievements at Lakes College’s Graduation Ceremony.

Students graduating from Levels 4 to 6 were celebrated across a range of subjects, including Decommissioning and Waste Management, CIPD, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Applied Science and Engineering. 

Principal and CEO Mark Fell praised the graduates for their hard work and dedication and highlighted the importance of their qualifications as they take the next steps in their careers and further studies. 

He said: “Graduation is our opportunity to celebrate student success. This year’s graduates join a long line of exceptionally talented individuals, who through their hard work and dedication, have completed higher qualifications. 

“These qualifications become the foundations for them to go and build a career in their chosen discipline and put their learning into practice. At Lakes College, we are incredibly proud of all our students and their successes, as well as the incredible support and guidance our staff give to help them along the way.” 

The ceremony’s guest speaker was Lydia Parlett, Head of Department at the National College for Nuclear, who spoke to graduates about their achievements and the opportunities ahead. 

She said: “ It was a real joy and privilege to share such an exciting evening with the Lakes College graduates. Their energy and ambition were inspiring, and it was wonderful to celebrate all they have achieved. They have incredibly bright futures ahead, and I wish them every success in whatever comes next.” 

During the ceremony, Deputy Principal Karen Wilson and Vice Principal Ben Robinson presented the graduates and handed out their scrolls as each student took to the stage, celebrating their success in front of family, friends, college staff and governors and community figures.  

Student speaker Hannah Bethwaite, a Waste Advisor at Sellafield Ltd, graduated from the Foundation Degree in Decommissioning and Waste Management. She is currently continuing her studies at Lakes College, studying the Honours degree in the same subject. 

She said: “ The graduation was such a special evening and a fantastic opportunity to celebrate everyone’s hard work and achievements. It was an honour to be invited as the guest speaker, and I really enjoyed sharing my own experiences and hopefully giving the graduates a little encouragement for the next chapter. 

“A huge congratulations to all of the graduates. It was lovely to see everyone celebrating what they have achieved, and I’m incredible proud to have been part of such a memorable evening!” 

Chair of Governors Nigel Holliday presented the special awards to this year’s winners. 

The Academic Excellence Award went to Victoria Young, who completed the Level 5 Leadership and Management for Adult Care course. 

Sophie Watson was named Inspiring Student, graduating from the Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering with Asset Management. 

The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Ethan Bagley, who also completed the Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering with Asset Management. Ethan said: “Receiving the award was a fantastic surprise and something I’m really proud of. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout my studies and I’m looking forward to taking what I’ve learned into the next stage of my career.” 

Emily Allison, who graduated from the Level 4 Associate Project Manager course, was awarded the  Endeavour Award. 

The final award of the evening was the Institute of Technology Future Skills Award, supported by the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology. 

The award was presented to Hollie-Sue Bell, who completed the Foundation Degree in Applied Chemistry. With Sophie Watson being Highly Commended.

Lakes College’s Catering and Hospitality students prepared and served food before and after the ceremony in the college’s Graduates Restaurant.