Graduates celebrate university qualifications

Students from Furness College crossed the stage to receive their hard-earned degrees in a special celebration this week.

The students crossing the stage were among nearly 200 to receive their higher education qualifications at the annual Furness College Graduation ceremony.

Guest speaker Mayor of Barrow Hayley Preston conferred the degrees and honours degrees in health and social care, education, engineering, construction, business and computing.

She addressed the graduates about the dedication they have shown in studying alongside other commitments.

“We are a unique borough known for our resilience and being here tonight has solidified my belief in the Barrow spirit,” she said. “Not everyone would be able to overcome obstacles, be it work or family life, to graduate with a degree. Without you all, our education system wouldn’t be the same and our town is richer for the different experiences you all bring.”

Furness College’s Director of Curriculum, 14-19 and Higher Level Learning Kate Colebourn, who led the event, said it was fantastic for everyone to be able to celebrate in front of family and friends.

“Tonight is about celebration and recognition and how proud we are of you,” she said. “Studying at a higher level is always a challenge, and you have shown incredible dedication.”

Two awards were also presented in memory of a former lecturer as part of the glittering ceremony at the Rating Lane campus.

The Frank Cairns Award for Outstanding Commitment in Technical Engineering went to Mathew Robson and the Frank Cairns Award for Outstanding Commitment in Construction went to Cory Griffiths.

Frank’s daughter Charlotte presented the winners with their awards, which recognise the values of resilience and contribution to college in students alongside commitment to academic achievement. His wife Christine was also there to congratulate the recipients.

Graduate and mother-of-five Michelle Webber was delighted to receive her Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care from the University of Central Lancashire.

“I got back into higher education for myself, as I’d only be letting myself down if I didn’t. It was also nice to be able to prove to my kids that you can do what you want later in life and you don’t always have to decide straight out of school,” she said.

“I’m a support worker, so I wanted to further my career and better myself,” she said. “I’ve had to be organised and it takes a bit of juggling and a lot of commitment, but I would advise other people to absolutely go for it.

“The feeling of self-progression and achievement is massive when you hand in assignments.

“I’m really excited and proud of myself.”

Daughter Delilah added, “It’s a special day for mummy, there’s lots of emotions.”

Students packed the theatre at the sixth form campus joined by college staff and family and friends who have supported them through their studies. The qualifications they have been awarded are accredited by Furness College’s tertiary partners including Lancaster University, UCLan, University of Cumbria and Pearson and are taught at Channelside in Barrow.

Student Voice speaker Chris Durkin who achieved a first-class Bachelor of Engineering Honours degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Lancaster University, spoke on behalf of the students.

“My learning journey started in 1995 when I did my apprenticeship, but I didn’t go back into education until 15 years later when I did a bridging course, then a HNC and I now have my Honours degree.

“I returned to education out of my own interest and realise that I could use my learning in my engineering role.

“I couldn’t have asked for better tutors and lecturers, and if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here. I’ve built really good relationships with the Furness College team.

“There were lots of diverse people in my class, with people of different ages from a range of different companies.

“Higher education opens up a world of possibilities and it has empowered me to contribute to my field with confidence, knowing that I have the underpinning knowledge.

“Higher education makes me realise that learning isn’t finite, it’s continuous and I will continue in the future.”

Principal and Chief Executive Andrew Wren said graduation was his highlight of the year.

“I work alongside amazing people, who show dedication, passion and skill to help you achieve what you set out to achieve.

“For some people, particularly those who didn’t enjoy school, the lightbulb goes on and you see an amazing transformation and they go on to do amazing things.”

Furness College offers wide range of higher education courses in subjects ranging from IT, engineering, health and social care, business, construction and teaching. There are around 500 students currently on its programmes, which offer both full-time and part time study options for those already in employment.

For more information about higher education courses at Furness College visit the website www.furness.ac.uk/university-education or email info@furness.ac.uk