Gen2 recently held its sixth Higher Education Ceremony at Energus, in Lillyhall, where 50 students were graduating.
The ceremony was a joint celebration in partnership with Sellafield Ltd, which marked the achievements of the Gen2 Higher Education learners.
All students were presented with certificates and special awards, after completing their studies part-time, while in full-time employment with a number of companies including Sellafield Ltd, James Fisher Nuclear, Morgan Sindall, James Walker, Shepley and Nestle.
Mike Smith, Gen2’s chief executive, said: “This event is unique as normally ceremonies such as these are reserved for universities and colleges, not work-based training providers. It is also unique because of the nature of the programmes that we run with our partners and employers.”
He added that the students are working full time, while undertaking an academic degree.
“This is the real strength of our degree programmes as our students gain real first-hand on-the-job training and experience whilst getting a formal qualification,” said Mr Smith.
“This means that they are often judged to be more work-ready, savvier and definitely more capable of immediately contributing to their employer’s bottom-line, when compared to their peers straight out of university.”
Kevin Rumney, Gen2’s higher education manager, said “The higher education department is very proud that we can offer students the chance to study engineering degrees without the need for them to leave the county.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here