University Centre Celebrates First-Ever Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026

Preston College University Centre marked a historic milestone on Friday as it hosted its inaugural Graduation Ceremony, honouring the achievements of the Class of 2026.

The ceremony brought together graduates, their families, friends and staff to recognise the dedication, resilience and commitment shown by students throughout their higher education studies.

Graduates from a range of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and Level 4 programmes, including Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology courses, were recognised for successfully completing their qualifications. Many balanced their studies alongside careers, family life and other commitments, making their achievements all the more remarkable.

During the ceremony, each graduate was presented with their graduation scroll by Principal and Chief Executive, Simon Nixon, marking their success and the University Centre’s first graduating cohort.

Speaking after the ceremony, Simon Nixon said, 

“Our first graduation ceremony is a proud and significant milestone for Preston College, providing an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our graduates and recognise the partnerships that have helped make their success possible.

“I would like to thank the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology for its continued support, collaboration and commitment to championing technical education. Through this partnership, we are helping to provide students with industry-relevant skills, creating pathways to rewarding careers and supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce across our region.

“Most importantly, our graduates deserve massive congratulations for their remarkable achievements, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their professions, industries and communities in the years ahead.”

The ceremony recognised graduates from programmes across Construction, Engineering, Counselling and Accountancy, celebrating the technical knowledge, professional expertise and practical skills they have developed in preparation for rewarding careers across a range of industries.  

Mark Taylor, Director of the School of Construction and STEM, who presented awards to graduates from the schools, said:

“Today’s graduates have demonstrated exceptional dedication to developing the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours that employers value. They leave Preston College equipped to make a real difference within the construction, engineering and technology sectors, and we are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved.”

Samantha McKenna, Director of the School of Business, Health and Uniformed Services, added:

“It has been a privilege to celebrate the achievements of our graduates today. Their commitment, professionalism and determination have been outstanding, and we are confident they will go on to make a positive impact across the health, business and professional sectors.”

The ceremony also celebrated excellence through the presentation of the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology Future Skills Awards, recognising students who have demonstrated exceptional technical ability alongside the professional skills, innovation, teamwork and leadership that employers value most.

Following the formal presentation of graduation scrolls and awards, graduates and their guests came together to celebrate the occasion at a reception held in the College Atrium.

As the University Centre looks ahead to the future, the success of its first graduation ceremony highlights its commitment to providing high-quality technical education that enables people to study locally, develop industry-relevant skills and progress into rewarding careers.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on this outstanding achievement.

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Please follow this link to view the pictures taken from the morning ceremony.

Please follow this link to view the pictures taken from the afternoon ceremony.