Celebrations at MK College Group’s HE Graduation ceremony 2024

More than 60 students from Milton Keynes College and the South Central Institute of Technology have received certificates for their qualifications at MK College Group’s 2023 Graduation ceremony. 

The event was held on Wednesday 29^th November at the Stables Theatre in Milton Keynes. The graduates received their certificates for achieving their HNCs, HNDs and professional qualifications, which were presented to them by Milton Keynes College Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Jason Mansell and Principal of Curriculum Innovation and Pedagogy, Alex Warner. Joining in the celebrations were the graduates’ families and tutors, as well as the Milton Keynes Mayoress and the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. The celebration included an afternoon tea prepared by the College’s Catering and Hospitality students, and musical performances from Performing Arts learners. 

During the ceremony, the College Group also appointed its newest Fellow, in recognition of his contribution to the local community. Jon Manning, Founder and CEO of Arthur Ellis: Mental Health Support, was recognised for his commitment to making a difference to the mental health of children and young people, including the College Group’s own learners. 

Sally Alexander, Group Principal and CEO of Milton Keynes College Group, said: “Our Graduation ceremonies are always special events, and this year was no exception. Our Graduates have shown that they can choose to do something they’ve committed to; they can overcome obstacles and they can succeed. They will carry this achievement with them into whatever they do next, and along with all of my colleagues at MK College Group, I wish them every success for the future.  

“We were also delighted to appoint our latest Fellow, Jon Manning from Arthur Ellis: Mental Health Support. Jon has been working closely with the College Group since 2020 and in collaboration with our colleagues, Arthur Ellis provides support to our most vulnerable students, enabling them to develop their resilience and to succeed within the College. Jon’s commitment and dedication to improving access to high quality mental health support is evident in everything he does, and the impact of his service is tangible. We are proud to be working with Arthur Ellis and to welcome Jon as a Fellow of Milton Keynes College Group.” 

For more information about the undergraduate courses we offer at MK College, visit https://mkcollege.ac.uk/undergraduate/. Or to find out more about courses available at the South Central Institute of Technology, visit https://southcentraliot.ac.uk/  

Paul Fairclough

i’m always on the lookout for opportunities to learn new things and continue with my CPD, so, as I recently approached my 50^th birthday, I was looking to put myself in the best position I could for a promotion or career development, so I wanted to upskill with an industry recognised qualification. 

I first looked at the MK College online prospectus, and I spent a week or so going back and forth deciding which course was best suited to my needs and my time. Many moons ago I left school without any formal qualifications and later in life realised that if I wanted to improve my prospects, I should look at getting back into education. So, I soon enrolled at MK College as a part time adult learner and over the years I have completed a number of courses and have had many fantastic opportunities in many sectors. 

I really enjoy that on the course there is a broad range of age and experience amongst the students in my group, and everyone is very supportive of each other. The tutors are industry experts, they’re so down to earth, go at a pace that is easy for everyone to follow, and make themselves available to contact if you ever have any queries or need any support outside of the class. 

When looking for a course to study, I had to make sure that it would fit in with my family, work, and personal schedule, and considering that it’s an intensive course, it actually works out great. I am learning information and techniques that are relevant to my sector and that can be implemented immediately to the job, and I am gaining a sought-after qualification at the same time. To anyone thinking about applying and getting back into education, you’re never too old and it’s never too late!