Hundreds of students celebrate at Venue Cymru graduation ceremony

The achievements of more than 400 students were celebrated at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s annual graduation ceremony in Llandudno.

The Venue Cymru bash marked the culmination of years of dedication from learners studying higher education courses and professional qualifications.

Hundreds celebrated achieving undergraduate and foundation degrees, PGCEs and higher national certificates at Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor.

Others gained professional qualifications through Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, in areas such as management and leadership, human resources, accounting, marketing and business.

Twenty-four graduates achieved first-class Honours degrees, while another 51 were awarded distinctions in their foundation degrees, PGCEs, professional awards and other qualifications.

Many were balancing other commitments such as work and family, while others pursued their qualifications despite battling health problems. But all succeeded in taking their education and skills to the next level, opening doors into new careers or improving their prospects of promotion.

Former Cardiff Blues rugby player Rhun Williams gained a BSc (Hons) Degree in Construction Management, having enrolled on the course after his playing days were ended by injury.

Rhun, from Caernarfon, said: “It means a lot to have gained my degree. I enjoyed it, I learned a lot. I was very glad I was working alongside the course. I was learning in college and learning on site, day in, day out.”

After starting his course at Coleg Llandrillo, Rhun gained employment with John Kelly Construction Services, who funded his tuition fees. Last year, Rhun was presented with a quality award at the National House Building Council’s ‘Pride in the Job’ ceremony, for his work with John Kelly Construction Services on the Bro Eglwys development in Caernarfon.

Louise Baker, from Abergele, completed her Foundation Degree in Health & Social Care while expecting her first child and working in a care home.

Baby Noah was at the ceremony where his mum was rewarded for her hard work over the past two years.

Louise said: “It was a challenge trying to juggle it all and have the motivation to do coursework. I had to stay up late at night sometimes, and other times I was doing work in my car.

“But I enjoyed the course and made quite close friends. My tutors at college were very supportive - they offered me extended time but I didn’t take it, I just got on with it.”

Louise studied Level 3 Health and Social Care at Coleg Llandrillo in Rhyl, before progressing to the foundation degree at the Rhos-on-Sea campus.

She said: “I have a house with my partner and I enjoy my work so I didn’t want to move away for uni, I wanted to stay near family. I’m coming back in September to do my honours degree.”

Hannah Evans achieved a First-Class Honours degree in Health and Social Care.

She said: “I’m so excited to be graduating with a first, it means an awful lot to me. The course was absolutely fantastic, and the tutors were amazing. My plans for the future are to do a Masters in social work.”

Samantha Russell also achieved a First, in her BA (Hons) Culinary Arts degree.

She completed her degree full-time, while also working part-time as a Catering and Hospitality lecturer at Coleg Llandrillo.

Samantha said: “This course allowed me to develop lots of skills and knowledge to take forward into my teaching. My plan for next year is to do a Masters at University College Birmingham and combine this with teaching at Coleg Llandrillo.”

Jordan Griffiths-Bell graduated with a BSc (Hons) Sport Science (Sports Coaching) - having made huge progress since starting at college studying Level 1 Sport and Public Services.

Jordan, from Colwyn Bay, said: “When I started at college it was never part of the plan to go to uni. I just wanted to get as many qualifications as I could.

“But at the end of my Level 3 course my tutor at the time, Gareth Harding, asked me if I’d thought about going to uni, and it went from there.

“I had offers to go to other unis, but I wanted to stay close to home, and stay with the college where I started at Level 1.

“It was a good course, challenging at times, but the tutors are understanding and I enjoyed the freedom you get.”

After taking a gap year to go travelling, Jordan plans to work in coaching disability sports.

“I did my dissertation on disability sports,” he said. “I feel there’s not much awareness of disability sports and I want to help change that.”

Hannah Hughes, from Bethel near Caernarfon, completed her PGCE while expecting a baby.

She said: “It has been challenging at times balancing studying, teaching and preparing for motherhood.

“However, it is very rewarding to complete the course alongside my colleagues who have all been a massive support over the past two years.

"My course has been a transformative journey, equipping me with the skills, knowledge, and passion to inspire and educate the next generation.

“The unwavering support and guidance from my tutors have been instrumental in shaping my development as an educator and I thank Grŵp Llandrillo Menai for the opportunity for continuous professional development."

Sallie Roberts, a lecturer at Coleg Glynllifon, celebrated completing her PGCE.

She said: “I am very glad to have completed the PGCE course. I have enjoyed meeting people who teach in different fields and have made good contacts within the world of education.

“This course has developed my teaching skills and made me more confident in using new teaching methods within my role as an agricultural lecturer at Glynllifon college.”

Chloe Jones, from Llandudno, completed her Level 4 Certificate in Digital Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

She said: “Receiving a qualification from The Chartered Institute of Marketing is a great achievement. My tutor Andrea Adams’ sessions were full of insightful readings, group work and knowledge to support my studies. She also offered very helpful one-to-ones for any extra guidance needed to complete the assignments on time and to a high standard.

“As I’m currently employed in marketing, this course has given me the opportunity to strengthen my existing skills and have wider knowledge within the digital marketing industry. I look forward to seeing how this course will further support me in my career and future.”

Aled-Jones Griffith, Chief Executive at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, said: “It was a pleasure to host our 2024 graduation ceremony - congratulations to all of our students on their achievements. We wish them well for the future and look forward to hearing where their career takes them.

“Grŵp Llandrillo Menai continues to expand its portfolio of Higher Education courses, and we’re proud to be the largest and most diverse provider of Higher Education courses within further education in Wales.”

Do you want to improve your career and promotion opportunities? Grŵp Llandrillo Menai offers extensive higher-level qualifications, including Foundation and Honours Degrees, primarily validated by Bangor University. Click here to learn more