Higher education Class of 2023 celebrate success

Walsall College’s Higher Education Class of 2023 celebrated their qualifications and course achievements during a special graduation ceremony.

Over 120 students came together at Walsall Arena where they were awarded certificates for graduating from courses at Level 4 and above.  These included Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, full Honours Degrees as well as professionally-accredited qualifications including accounting, education and training, management and paralegal practice.

Guest speaker was pharmacist, Stephen Seki who congratulated graduates, urging them to be trailblazers who would encourage future generations to pursue their ambitions, overcoming adversity along the way.

Jatinder Sharma CBE DL, Walsall College’s Principal and Chief Executive said:

“We are extremely proud of our graduates for working so hard to achieve their academic, professional and personal goals.

“Their expanded their skill set and knowledge base will undoubtedly propel them forward in their careers, ensuring they make valuable contribution to their chosen industry and our wider communities.”

The graduation ceremony also included the presentation of special awards to graduates nominated by their lecturers for making outstanding academic progress, overcoming barriers to learning and becoming role models to their peers.

These were:

Sheena Johnson – STEAM faculty Higher Education Student of the Year

Jasmine Thomas – Vocational Learning Student of the Year

Kerry Lawrence – Adult and Community Learning Higher Education Student of the Year

Matthew Bestal – Apprenticeships and Work-based Learning Higher Education Student of the Year

Sheena, who graduated from a HNC Construction was also named the college’s overall Higher Education Student of the Year for 2023.

“It was amazing to have been chosen,” said Sheena, a building/property surveyor at whg.  “My higher education experience was more than I expected it to be, partly because as a mature student with set career goals, I had more of an idea of what I wanted to achieve and how to achieve it.

“My success is also down to the support I received from my college tutors and work colleagues.  I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Sheena added: “My advice to anyone thinking about studying a university-level or professional qualification is to go for it!  It’s not going to be easy, but just don’t give up.  It will all be worth it!”

Click here to find out more about higher education courses at Walsall College.