HTP Apprenticeship College recently celebrated the achievements of its learners at a Graduation Ceremony, recognising Higher Apprentices who have completed qualifications across a wide range of professional and vocational disciplines.
The ceremony took place at Newport Minster on Friday 16th October, with graduates joined by family, friends and employers to celebrate their achievements. This year’s event was HTP’s biggest graduation yet, with the Minster filled with graduates and their supporters.
Among the guests were the Island’s High Sheriff, Nigel Hartley, and Helen Curel, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce. The guest speaker was Richard Quigley MP, Member of Parliament for Isle of Wight West.
The celebrations brought together apprentices from businesses and organisations across the Isle of Wight, London and the south of England, including Formula One, The Dorchester, Britten-Norman, Carnival UK, Portsmouth International Port, the Isle of Wight Council and Portsmouth City Council.
Graduates were recognised for qualifications in areas including management, human resources, hospitality, teaching, adult care, early years education and quality assurance, reflecting the breadth of Higher Apprenticeships and the opportunities they offer people at different stages of their careers.
Opening the ceremony, HTP’s Chief Executive and Founder Rachael Randall reflected on the achievements of the graduates, many of whom had previously doubted their ability to succeed in education.
“So many of you didn’t achieve at school and thought learning wasn’t for you, or rather you were told that. Over 90% of you here in this room, have never graduated before. Many of you thought you never would, but you have proved that you can do it and we’re proud of you all.”
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Richard Quigley spoke to congratulate the graduates and highlighted the importance of recognising vocational education as a valuable alternative to traditional academic routes. He said:
“University shouldn’t be seen as the only measure of success or the only route to fulfilling a rewarding career. We don’t always celebrate the apprentice who is now running their own business, the engineer keeping our infrastructure going, or the skilled technician who is earning a great living and making a real contribution to society. Those stories matter too.”
The ceremony also celebrated the individual journeys of graduates who had progressed through successive apprenticeship qualifications, balanced work and family commitments with their studies, and achieved promotions and new responsibilities as a result of their learning.
Rachael Randall paid tribute to the families and employers who had supported the graduates throughout their apprenticeships. She said:
“It isn’t easy holding down a job and studying. Today is a tribute to your determination and the support of your families and employers too. Jobs are not just about what you earn, they’re about who you are, giving you a sense of self-worth and participation in society as well as being an example to others.”
With the ceremony complete, graduates gathered outside Newport Minster in the autumn sunshine for the traditional hat-throwing group photograph, bringing a celebratory conclusion to an afternoon recognising their achievements.
