Tameside learners celebrated at inspiring graduation event

An evening of pride and celebration unfolded at Tameside Stadium, home of Curzon Ashton Football Club, as learners from the Tameside Skills Centre marked their achievements at a special graduation ceremony on Thursday 10 July.

The event, hosted by GC Education & Skills, part of the Growth Company, brought together students, families, tutors, and local dignitaries to applaud the hard work and dedication of those who had successfully completed a range of vocational and academic programmes.

Learners were recognised across subject areas including Maths, English, Construction, Customer Service, Health and Social Care, and Employability. Each graduate received a certificate, with additional honours presented for ‘Most Improved’ and ‘Overall Achievement’ in each discipline.

The coveted ‘Overall Learner of the Year’ title went to Hadi Raza, whose commitment and progress stood out among the cohort. Other notable award recipients included Kasey-Leigh Walton, recognised for exceptional improvement in Health and Social Care, and Layton Williamson, who earned the ‘Overall Achievement’ award for Employability and is set to take up a new role with Ashton Pioneer Homes.

Layton’s mother, Rebecca Williamson, said: “He was always quite shy, so to hear how he’s been helping others and growing in confidence is just amazing. I’m so excited for what’s next for him.”

Tameside Council’s Youth Engagement Officer, Suzanne Hatherill, added: “It was a lovely way to give learners a boost as they take their next steps. The pride on their parents’ faces said it all.”

The Tameside Skills Centre continues to support young people and adults to gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed in work and life. Many of the learners will return in September to begin the next level of their studies.

For more information about courses and opportunities at the centre, visit https://www.gceducationandskills.ac.uk/tameside-skills-centre-2526/