Shetland College Students Celebrate Success

Students from Shetland and beyond attended Higher Education (HE) graduation and Further Education (FE) award ceremonies for Shetland College UHI on Friday 7th September after completing a wide range of courses in the last academic year. The ceremonies took place at Mareel and were attended by students with family members as well as staff.

Professor Crichton Lang, Deputy Principal of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) presided over the ceremony and presented graduation certificates to students. Dr Gary Campbell, Dean of Science, Health and Engineering, along with Highlands and Islands Student Association (HISA) Vice President for Higher Education Sorcha Kirker and Dr Michael Foxley Chair of the Further Education Regional Board were also in attendance. Guest speaker for the Further Education ceremony was Maggie Sandison, Chief Executive of Shetland Islands Council.  

Almost 250 students have completed studies across a range of courses including Business, Management, Education, Heritage, Contemporary Textiles, Early Education and Childcare, Social Care, Computing, Carpentry and Joinery, Accounting, Art and Design, and Music.

Rhea Kay from Whalsay recently completed the university’s BA (Hons) in contemporary textiles. She received the Shetland College HE Student of the Year award in recognition of her exceptional academic achievement, professional attitude and creativity.  Rhea has been attending Shetland College since she was in S3 at school and has steadily progressed in her chosen field over the years.  Superbly talented she is a worthy winner of this accolade.

The Shetland College FE student of the year is Tegan Patterson, who successfully completed an NC in Early Education and Childcare.  Tegan is also a valued member of HISA making a huge contribution as a class representative and representing Shetland at events on the mainland. Tegan is continuing her studies at Shetland College having just started the HNC Child Care and Practice course.  It is also hoped she will continue as a class rep for the next year.

Shetland College know it is important they provide a diverse range of courses to meet the needs of both students and the Shetland community. This year saw the welcome continuation of industry sponsored prizes for students, with local business awarding a total of fourteen class prizes.

Councillor Peter Campbell, Chair of the Shetland College Board said: ‘Congratulations to all our graduates and other award recipients who have achieved success with their studies last year.  We wish them every success in the future. Well done to all of them and thanks to the staff at Shetland College UHI for the work they put in to help everyone realise their potential. 

Willie Shannon, Interim Joint Principal said: “It is great to see the students celebrating their successes along with families and friends.  We would also like to thank all the local businesses who have provided prizes this year, demonstrating our shared commitment to link courses with industry sectors”.    

All graduating students were able to enjoy the remainder of their evening thanks to the generosity of Fjara, Saffron Restaurant, Busta House Hotel and Shetland Arts.

Note: Local businesses who contributed prizes are:

A9 Partnership; Business Gateway; RSM UK; NB Communication; Jamieson and Smith; Shetland Wool Week; Shetland Arts; Shetland Arts and Crafts; Shetland Construction Training Group; Buildbase Shetland; Greig Seafood and Gary Couper’s friends and family for the Gary Couper Memorial Shield.