West Lothian College welcomed over 230 graduates and 600 guests to its graduation ceremony on 26 October to celebrate the achievement of a wide range of higher education qualifications.
The special ceremony took place at the college’s Livingston campus where graduates were joined by families, friends and college staff who supported them through their studies.
Pass rates for higher education qualifications improved on the previous year, with 85% of Higher National Diploma (HND) and 93% of Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) students gaining their qualifications.
Graduates achieved qualifications that sit at the same level as first, second, third or fourth year of a university degree. Hundreds of HNC and HND graduates are now at university, with many going straight into second or third year of their degree.
Lidia Polomka graduated with HNC Professional Cookery and was awarded the Alex Linkston Award for Outstanding Student. She was recognised for excellence and representing the college at events like Royal Ascot where, as a Commis chef, she showed real professionalism. Lidia is now assistant pastry chef at Heritage Portfolio where she contributes to exceptional dining experiences in iconic locations in Scotland and London.
Margaret Clarke from the Institute of Hospitality presented the Scotland Region Quaich Award for 2024 to Alessia Crolla who graduated with HNC Professional Cookery. Alessia’s talent was recognised earlier this year when she was awarded a Hospitality Industry Trust Scholarship.
Student of the Year Awards were presented by Sue Cook and Tony Sharkey, Chair and Vice Chair of the college’s board of governors. They went to Anna Jablonska (HNC Business), Nicole Pinion (HNC Social Science), Jo Mainka (HND Childhood Practice), Jack Brodie (HND Mechanical Engineering) and Clare Tait (HND Software Development).
MD Rezaur Rahman, Chair of the West Lothian Community Race Forum, was announced as the latest Lifetime College Ambassador in recognition of his support for the college.
Jackie Galbraith, Principal of West Lothian College said: “Our graduates are a fantastic expression of educational excellence in West Lothian and their success inspires others. It is no wonder that West Lothian College is the top choice of school leavers in the county who choose to study higher education qualifications, higher than any individual university. This is testimony to our wonderful staff who have students at the centre of everything they do. I know that our graduates will make a difference in whatever they do and I wish them success, good health and happiness for the future.”
The graduation event had a festival feel with a blistering performance from Drums N’ Roses in the college square.
Generous donations from sponsors were instrumental in enabling the college to stage such an outstanding celebration- sponsors included Persimmon Homes, Ameresco, JBT, Developing the Young Workforce, Glendrummond, Curries Print, Winchburgh Developments, Education Support Solutions, and Maxi Construction.