Graduation 2012

Caps and gowns were the order of the day at the Waterside Arts Centre in Sale this week as family, friends, tutors and guests celebrated the successes of more than 100 Trafford College students graduating from their university level and professional courses.

Students at the College this year achieved an impressive number of firsts and distinctions at HND and foundation degree level across a range of subjects from the College’s HE offer, which includes Business and Accounting, Hospitality, Childcare and Teaching to name but a few. Crucially, a large proportion of the students graduated in the field of Engineering, helping to address the worrying skills shortages in this sector.

One student celebrating his graduation was Gideon Leighton, from Prestwich. Working as an Electrician, Gideon enrolled on the HNC Electronic Engineering course to enhance his career prospects and help him open new doors in the world of Engineering.

Continuing to fit his work around his studies, Gideon learned about a wide range of both theoretical and practical subjects, including electronics, engineering and business management. Since graduating, Gideon has gained employment with a large North West based construction company and is now working as a Project Manager, managing large electrical installation building projects in buildings across the region.

Gideon commented: “I would not have got the job I am in today without my HNC qualification. I felt really prepared to take on the challenge of my new role.  I am so glad I finally completed the course which has enabled me to progress in my career”.

College Principal, Sir Bill Moorcroft, praised Gideon along with his fellow graduates on their achievements. He commented, ‘Our graduation ceremony is testament to the hard work and achievements of our HE students and I’m particularly pleased that so many of our graduating students will go on to bridge the current skills gaps across the country in areas that have been hit hardest, such as Engineering. With a brand new specialist Engineering and Technology centre in development, due to be completed in 2013 at the College’s Talbot Road Campus in Stretford, students looking to pursue a career in this field can look forward to gaining the theoretical and practical skills they require in a state-of-the-art facility.”

For more information about higher level courses at Trafford College, click here.

*Source – ‘Meeting the Challenge: Demand and Supply of Engineers in the UK