BMet Celebrates Student Success at 2025 Higher Education Graduation Ceremony

BMet honoured hundreds of Higher Education graduates at a vibrant ceremony in Birmingham, recognising outstanding academic achievement, resilience and industry partnership.

Graduates from BMet celebrated their achievements at the college’s annual graduation ceremony on Monday 17 November at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

The event was also attended by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal, MBE, JP and award-winning athlete, Jamie McAnsh, who delivered a motivational speech as keynote speaker.

Recognising Student, Staff and Employer Excellence

Alongside the formal graduation of HE students 26 awards were presented to students, staff and employers. Awards presented included: Academic Excellence Award, Inspirational Student Award, Outstanding Engagement Award, Innovation in Curriculum Award and Student Support Champion Award.

Morgan Hunt Recruitment Agency sponsored the Resilience and Determination Award and employers, Roxanne Blackwood from Kimmiu and Louise Pinnington and Karen O’Donovan from Edge Creative, were given Fellowship Awards for their support that has enabled students to progress in their careers.

Family and friends of graduates were invited to the inspiring event alongside BMet staff, which included two performances from BMet’s Sutton Coldfield College Performing Arts students.

Inspiring Graduate Stories

Karen Hemmings, Department Manager for Early Years at BMet graduated with a Leadership Certificate in Post Compulsory Education (Cert Ed) and also obtained a Resilience and Determination Award. She said:

“I’m very excited about being at this awards ceremony, as it means a lot to me to have achieved what I have at this later stage of my life.

“The support I have received whilst studying has been invaluable from teachers, as well as family – some of which are here with me today! I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped me along the way.”

Elijah Lewis, who graduated on his HND Cloud Networking Course and achieved an Inspirational Student Award said:

“I’m so very happy to be recognised for my hard work and it has been a long time coming! It feels like a testament to all my efforts and I never could have imagined being awarded how I have been today.

“My action plan of studying computing at BCU is now one step closer and I feel I am on the path to securing a career in Cyber Security.”

Employer Partnership Recognition

Roxanne Blackwood, founder and creative director of fashion brand Kimmiu, won a Fellowship Award in recognition of the work she has done to champion BMet and to developing employability skills for students.

Roxanne said: “Winning the award today is a huge honour in what has been a mutually beneficial journey for both students and myself!

“As well as helping learners on their career paths, I have learnt how to tailor my work in ways that can be meaningful and motivating to a target group of people. I have personally grown a lot and developed during my time working with BMet.”

Principal’s Message

Pat Carvalho, Principal and CEO at BMet, said: “Our annual HE graduation is an important milestone in the lives of our graduates. It is a time when we can recognise and celebrate the academic journeys of our higher education students.

“It is a day, which signifies and marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another – not only for the students themselves, but also for the families and friends who have supported and encouraged them throughout this journey.

“This year we also presented a variety of new awards to pay tribute to our talented students, staff and valued employers who have accomplished great things for themselves and also for the college.”

Higher Education at BMet

BMet offers a wide breadth of Higher Education courses across its three colleges – James Watt College, Matthew Boulton College and Sutton Coldfield College – including Foundation Degrees, Higher Level Apprenticeships, Higher Technical Qualifications, Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas.

The college also delivers a range of programmes in partnership with Birmingham City University and the University of Worcester, covering subjects such as Art and Design, Business Law and Accounts, Cloud Computing, Engineering and Manufacturing, Health and Social Care, Public Services, Science, Sport, Teaching and Learning, and Travel and Tourism.

Photo Gallery: See Highlights from the Graduation Ceremony

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