The City of Bath College has celebrated the success stories of more than 50 students at their 2013 graduation ceremony.
Friends and families packed into Bath Abbey to watch the Higher Education graduates pick up their qualifications on Tuesday afternoon.
Graduates had completed courses at Level 4 or higher in a wide range of subjects including computing, early years, fashion and textiles, music, and professional qualifications.
Many of the graduates had inspirational stories to tell about how they achieved success while juggling home and work responsibilities alongside their studies.
Among those graduating was Deborah Lewis, 36, who returned to education to turn a hobby into a career after her husband lost his job.
She started with an Access to Higher Education course then progressed to a BSc in Computing.
Deborah, who has two children aged 13 and nine, said: “I used to enjoy repairing and upgrading computers so I thought I’d try to learn more to make some money out of it.
“It was a great course; I learnt so much and gained lots of new skills. I now have a better future to look forward to. I want to find work; worthwhile work that I enjoy.”
Lynzi Tiner, 27, enrolled at the College after having children to “fulfil her dream” of gaining an Early Years Foundation Degree.
She now plans to progress to the third year of an Early Years Honours degree programme at Bristol while continuing to work full-time at a nursery.
Lynzi said: “The College offered me exactly the right course I wanted to do.
“It was hard to fit studying in with my other responsibilities but it can be done and it’s definitely worth it.”
Principal Matt Atkinson said: “We have the upmost respect for our Higher Education students and the graduation ceremony is a celebration of all their hard work.
“Their determination and commitment deserves to be admired.”
Guest speaker Professor Peter Hawkins, chairman and founder of the Bath Consultancy Group, said it was an honour to be part of the graduates’ special day.
He said: “We recognise how much you have learnt. The most important thing you have learnt is that you are someone who loves learning.
“The ability to continue to learn and love learning can serve you for the rest of your life.”
City of Bath College is able to provide a wide range of well-respected higher education courses through its excellent working relationship with the University of Bath and Bath Spa University.
