A Vauxhall Motors manager in Ellesmere Port was named student of the year when successful learners celebrated their achievements at West Cheshire College’s higher education graduation ceremony.
The event took place in Chester Cathedral.
Sean Buckley, 49, technical manager at the manufacturer who studied strategic management and leadership, gained the title at the ceremony.
Mr Buckley has an engineering degree in manufacturing from Loughborough University. His new qualification is from the Chartered Management Institute.
Students honoured at the event had studied more than 25 different higher education qualifications including foundation degrees in subjects such as ICT, travel and tourism and public services as well as professional qualifications such as diplomas in accounting, human resources and management.
Jamie Parry, 23, from Ellesmere Port who studied a high national certificate (HNC) in performing arts and acting said: “Acting has been a part of my whole life so studying at West Cheshire College meant it has widened my knowledge of the industry.
“Before studying my HNC I completed the BTEC in performing arts at the college as well. It has been great to study at West Cheshire College, the course content is really challenging but as an aspiring actor it has only pushed me for the better.”
“I am very excited to graduate, I am really proud of myself. My plans for the future are to go to university in London to progress myself even further. After that I would love to perform in the theatre in London.”
Nigel Davies, principal and chief executive at the college, said: “This prestigious awards ceremony is a special day for each student as it celebrates individual and collective achievements.
“We are extremely proud of our students and encourage all of them to achieve their potential whether that is continuing to university, starting their own business or entering their chosen career.
“On behalf of everyone at West Cheshire College we would like to wish our students the warmest congratulations and well wishes for the future.”
Special guest
The guest speaker was the chief executive officer and founder of the MOBO urban music and culture awards Kanya King.
She said: “I’m honoured to be here and present the certificates to the students. Each student should be enormously proud of their achievements.
“Since starting the MOBOs over two decades ago, having no knowledge of the industry just a sheer passion, I have realised we can create our future with the right confidence, enthusiasm and passion.
“I started my business in my bedroom in a flat on a council estate and the key to success is to always push back at negative comments and come back stronger.
“Everybody has the chance to go out and do great things if they grab the opportunity with both hands”.
