BELFAST Metropolitan College has celebrated the achievements of its `class of 2020' in a virtual ceremony.
Principal Louise Warde Hunter said she was incredibly proud of what students achieved during a very difficult year.
The higher education graduation is one of the most prestigious events in its academic calendar.
While the pandemic took away the opportunity for students, their families and staff to mark the event together "it is still a wonderful day of celebration", Ms Warde Hunter said.
Among the outstanding graduates was Sarah Toal, who lives in Ballyclare, who completed an Access Diploma in Combined and Behavioural Science.
Sarah moved to Northern Ireland five years ago from Melbourne where she grew up.
"My parents are from Northern Ireland, so we moved back here when I was 17 to spend more time with my grandparents and relatives," she said.
"Belfast Met was really great for me, as I didn't know anyone my own age when I got here, and I've made some really good friends now.
"My teachers were really supportive which helped improve my self-confidence. We went on a trip to the Jordanstown campus at the University of Ulster to find out more about course options, and I'm
now in my first year studying psychology there. I’m looking forward to the placement next year when I can decide which area to specialise in."
Michael Gardiner from south Belfast completed a part-time Cloud and Applications Development Foundation Degree.
The skills that he has gained on the course helped him to get a job in March this year as a junior software developer at Applied Systems.
"My interest in IT was sparked through video gaming when I was younger, and over time I became more interested in web and application development," he said.
"I started university a few years ago but found that the course didn't suit me. When I found out about the part time foundation degree at Belfast Met, I applied as I was working and needed to fit my studies around my job as a manager at McDonalds.
"The course has really helped my self-confidence and expanded my IT skills. My lecturers motivated and encouraged me to build my CV and gave me some really useful feedback. This gave me the confidence to apply for jobs in IT, and I'm now enjoying working as a junior software developer.
"I have a good network of friends from the course that I will stay in touch with, and I'm enjoying the challenge of working on bigger and more complicated IT projects with a larger team. I'm very much looking forward to continuing my learning journey and to job promotions in the future."
Meanwhile, the college each year awards Honorary Fellowships at graduation, the highest and most prestigious honour it can bestow. It recognises individuals who have achieved excellence in their field, career or personal journey.
This year it presented two honorary fellowships, to David Mawhinney, Managing Director of Equiniti-ICS, and to Joe O'Neill, Chief Executive Officer of Belfast Harbour for their contribution to industry.
:: For more information about Belfast Met visit www.belfastmet.ac.uk.
