AROUND 1,000 students will be part of a traditional procession flanked with trumpeters and distinguished guests to mark Blackburn College’s graduation ceremony on Thursday.

The procession will leave the Blackburn College campus and head to King George’s Hall prior to the start of the graduation ceremonies.

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Students will be graduating at three ceremonies throughout the day at 11am, 2pm and 5pm where graduates will receive degrees, diplomas and postgraduate awards.

The graduation ceremonies will be attended by representatives of the College’s University partners, Lancaster University, the University of Central Lancashire, University of Cumbria and the University of South Wales, as well as the College’s Leadership Team and Governors.

Dean of Higher Education, Dr Janet Thompson, said the procession was a first for the College.

“We have close to 1,000 students graduating this year, which for the first time has meant having three separate graduation ceremonies to enable more people to attend. We’re the second largest provider of Higher Education for a College in the UK and as such wanted to celebrate by letting the town see our graduates in their caps and gowns. This kind of graduate procession is a first for Blackburn and should be a great sight.

“I would like to pass on my congratulations to all our students graduating this week, and thank the staff here at University Centre at Blackburn College for their dedication, commitment and professionalism in helping our students realise their full potential.”

Blackburn College graduates are making a huge contribution to the UK’s graduate economy, shadowing the national trend.

New statistics show that nine out of 10 of graduates from University Centre at Blackburn College are in work or further study, just six months after graduation for the second year in a row.

In addition, 100 percent of PGCE students were employed or in further study from last year’s intake.

There are still places available on degree courses at Blackburn College.

For more information, visit the college’s Open Event on Thursday 27th November 2014, from 4:30¬ - 8pm.