Dream jobs, career changes and university places. These are just some of the positive outcomes for the graduates of Bishop Auckland College’s higher education class of 2023.
On Thursday night, HE students picked up their scrolls after years of study in subjects ranging from art and engineering to career guidance, counselling, healthcare, music, sociology and criminology, sport and teaching.
They included James Garland, who was recruited by global pharmaceutical giant GSK as an engineering technician at its Barnard Castle plant after passing his Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering at the college’s specialist engineering and plumbing centre South West Durham Training.
James, 23, from Shildon, said: “I enjoyed the course; the tutors made it enjoyable despite me being much more of a practical-minded person as opposed to classroom-based. Passing this course has allowed me to become an engineering technician at GSK.”
Principal and Chief Executive of Bishop Auckland College Natalie Davison-Terranova told the graduates one of the most influential moments in her own educational journey was when she was in her first year at university in 1990.
Nelson Mandela, having been released from prison after 27 years just a few months earlier, made his famous speech to a packed hall at a school in Boston, Massachusetts, in which he said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to prepare our youth for their role as leaders of tomorrow” – an inspirational address that “perfectly captures what learning means to me”, she said.
Passing on key insights from her own education and career, guest speaker Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen added: “Embrace the power of passion of the subject that you love. Find what truly ignites your interest and pursue it relentlessly. Remember, success is not solely measured by external achievements but by the fulfilment and happiness you derive from your work.”
In all there were 106 students who passed their higher education programmes last summer, including HNCs, HNDs, Diplomas, Foundation Degrees, Honours Degrees and teacher training qualifications.
Former graduates who want to join the college’s higher education alumni group can do so by emailing alumni[@]bacoll[.]ac[.]uk.
For information about HE courses at the college click here or register to attend the college’s next open evening on Tuesday October 24 from 5pm to 7pm here.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
