CIRENCESTER College recognised the achievements of its 40 graduating apprentices with a celebratory ceremony last week.

Held at the end of National Apprenticeships Week, the event, which took place at the college on Thursday, March 6, was attended by some of the town’s biggest employers.

Sue Kingston, recruitment manager at St James’s Place, said that a constant flow of good business has meant the firm has taken on several apprentices over the years.

“We want to nurture the young people in Cirencester and be able to watch them forge a career with us,” she told attendants.

“It’s been a wonderful experience for us to have been involved with Cirencester College. Having apprentices around the place really adds value to our business and the young talent coming through really does make a difference for us.”

Cirencester College offers more than 15 different apprenticeship programmes in areas such as accounting, digital media, business and administration and marketing.

Currently the college has more than 100 people, of all ages, following one of the various programmes.

Kim Clifford, principal of Cirencester College, was on hand to congratulate each of the graduates on their successes.

“You have chosen to earn and learn. We are all so proud of you and that you are representing Cirencester College in the wider world,” she said.

Anybody who would like more information on apprenticeships should contact Nicki Williams or Sally Turner at Cirencester College on 01285 626143 or visit www.cirencester.ac.uk/apprenticeships.