Celebrations as college students toast graduation

In total, 123 students wore traditional gowns and caps to receive their certificates from college principal Peter McCann, chair of governors Geoff Alvy, guest speaker Kate Hardcastle and Andrew Walker from Training Qualifications UK.

The ceremony saw students receive awards including qualifications in art, design, computing and many more subjects.

Huddersfield-born Kate Hardcastle gave an inspirational talk to students about her 21 years in business and supporting charities.

Her work has seen her travel the world and she is a renowned TV business expert, with 25 national and international awards to her name.

She said: “As part of my work with young people and inspiring confidence, it was a great honour to give a speech and be involved with the presentation to graduates at Kirklees College.”

Principal of the college, Peter McCann told graduates: “Today is a culmination of two or three years of learning, endeavour and personal development to reach this point where you have demonstrated the higher level skills you, employers and indeed the economy of our country need, if we are to become competitive within a global economy.

“Everybody needs a support team behind them to smooth the way for their success and push them to their potential.”

He added: “It is also a day of achievement for the college team who have also worked hard to support you and also challenge you to get to this day.”