Shetland Graduations 2019
Shetland unites for graduation
Students and prizewinners werehonored for their academic achievements and dedication today (Wednesday 14August) when Shetland College UHI and NAFC Marine Centre UHI, part of theUniversity of the Highlands and Islands, celebrated a unique graduationceremony.
Held at Mareel in Lerwick, the event saw a full auditorium packed withfamily and friends coming together will college staff and invited guests. Thehistoric occasion brought together graduating further and higher educationstudents from both colleges for the first time.
A packed auditorium at Mareel as the graduation ceremony begins
In this last year almost 330 students have completed studies, with many nowin employment or embarking on further study. Together Shetland College UHI and NAFC MarineCentre UHI offer an extensive range of courses. These areas include Aquaculture, Business and Hospitality, Engineering,Computing, Maritime, Health and Care, Creative and Cultural Industries andConstruction.
“Willie Shannon - NAFC Marine Centre UHI (Interim Director) said: “I amdelighted to see so many of our students graduate today. It has been a yearfull of marvelous moments and this joint graduation with Shetland College UHIis a fitting pinnacle. Whilst we miss our students unable to make thecelebrations today, we wish everyone a great success as they embark oninternational sea careers or pursue other on and off island employment orfurther study.”
The colleges’ partnership with industry isreflected in the fifteen business sponsored prizes. Susan Berry, Shetland College UHI (ActingPrincipal) described the significance of these relationships for further andhigher education students: “The supportwe receive from local business and industry is vital. It underlines that thequalifications being achieved are equipping our students for the future worldof work. All our students should be proud of their achievements and can stepforward with confidence in their abilities and skills.”
Awards were also presented tofour UHI students of the year. NAFC UHI students of the year Alasdair Bendall(further education) and Huw Baxter (higher education) who are both deck cadetswere at away at sea so unfortunately unable to attend.
Lailey Sinclair who has completed the NC in Child, Health and Social Care is the Shetland College UHI further education student of the year.
Lailey Sinclair - Shetland College UHI further education student of the year
Danny Gold who graduated with HNC in Computing is the Shetland College UHI higher education student of the year.
Rachel McLeod studying an HNC in Childhood Practice received the SQA local college prize.
Shetland Students’ Green Team were named as the HISA Society of the Year.
Source: Shetland College UHI link
-Ben