WAES Graduation Celebrates Learner Achievement and New Beginnings

On 25 March 2026, Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) hosted a vibrant graduation ceremony, bringing together learners, staff, and distinguished guests to celebrate the achievements of its diverse student community.

The event began with arrivals and refreshments, offering graduates and their guests an opportunity to connect and reflect on their learning journeys. A sense of anticipation filled the room as attendees gathered to mark the culmination of months of dedication and hard work.

The formal ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Arinola Edeh, who set an uplifting tone for the occasion. This was followed by an address from the Lord Mayor, whose speech highlighted the importance of lifelong learning, skills development, and community impact.

Among those in attendance were Helena Zaum, Digital Transformation Specialist at Amazon Web Services; Claire Spiller, founder and CEO of The Cloud Crew CIC; and Councillor Angela Piddock, reflecting the strong industry and civic support surrounding WAES learners.

A central part of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates, recognising the accomplishments of learners across a wide range of programmes. The Lord Mayor presented awards to graduates of the AWS Re/Start programme and the Full Stack Bootcamp, acknowledging their commitment to developing in-demand digital and technical skills.

Councillor Barraclough then presented certificates for Education and Training courses, as well as the Retrofit Bootcamp, reflecting WAES’s broad and forward-thinking curriculum, from professional development to sustainability-focused training aligned with today’s evolving workforce needs.

Throughout the ceremony, learners contributed their own reflections and stories, sharing personal insights into their journeys, the challenges they overcame, and the aspirations they now carry forward. These moments added a powerful and authentic voice to the celebration, highlighting the real impact of adult education.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Alison Muggridge, before continuing into a networking session where graduates, staff, and guests connected, shared experiences, and explored new opportunities.