University celebrates success at inaugural Careers and Employability Recognition awards

Around 100 guests attended the special evening, which recognised the contribution of students, graduates, staff, employers and external supporters who play a vital role in the University’s employability community.

The awards celebrated achievement across a range of categories, including Intern of the Year, Internship Host of the Year, the University of Chester Volunteer Awards, Rising Star Award and Employability Champion. The evening also recognised those who help shape student success, confidence and career development beyond the classroom.

During the event, the four TechnologyOne Scholars were formally presented with the first instalment of their scholarship funding by Bridget McGinley from TechnologyOne.

The event highlighted how opportunities such as internships, volunteering, mentoring, enterprise and part-time work can help students build confidence, develop career readiness and take their next steps after university.

Guests heard from Angie Standish, Head of Careers and Access and Participation, Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons and Reverend Dr Gill Reeve, who reflected on the important role these experiences play in supporting personal development, enriching the university community and enhancing the University’s civic impact.

A panel of student and graduate speakers also shared their own experiences of growth and development through careers and employability opportunities, demonstrating the importance of support, encouragement and partnership in helping students succeed.

The event also demonstrated the University of Chester’s commitment to recognising not only achievement, but also growth, resilience, initiative and impact. From students embracing opportunities and developing new skills, to staff embedding employability into the student experience, and employers and supporters creating meaningful opportunities, the evening celebrated the many ways success is made possible.

Angie Standish, Head of Careers and Access and Participation, said: "These awards celebrate the power of community and what happens when students, graduates, staff, employers, mentors and community partners come together with a shared purpose. They recognise not only individual achievement, but also the opportunities, encouragement and connections that help our students build confidence and take the next step in their journey. We are incredibly proud of the contribution our students make to their communities and the way they seize opportunities, support others and create positive change both during their studies and beyond."

The evening was hosted by Akhil Peruri, a current student at the University of Chester, who compered the event, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere.

Akhil said: "I would like to thank the amazing team at Careers and Employability for organising such an incredible event and giving me the opportunity to host it. It was a great night of celebrating so many stories and achievements."

Rujilyn, a second year Psychology student, said: "Thank you very much for organising such a lovely event. It was a wonderful evening, and I really enjoyed celebrating alongside fellow students, volunteers and award recipients."

The Careers and Employability Recognition Awards are intended to become an annual celebration building on our previous volunteering awards, shining a spotlight on the people, partnerships and opportunities that help University of Chester students and graduates thrive.

Full list of award winners:

• UniJob Manager of the Year: Kathryn Leighton
• Internship Host of the Year: 2Engage
• Employability Supporter of the Year: Robert Pearl, Xeinadin
• Employability Champion of the Year: Simone Benhafsi, Social and Political Sciences
• TechnologyOne scholarships: Freya Mann, Yelyzaveta Pohrebniak, Zaara Rahman and Lisa Elvin
• UniJob Student of the Year: Pimpen Irlam and Chantelle Steele (joint winners)
• Peer Mentoring Mentor of the Year: Rujilyn Baldemor
• Venture Progress Award: Keren Isaiah
• Intern of the Year: Connor Bailey
• Volunteer Organisation of the Year, Community: Café 71 and Spider Project
• Volunteer Organisation of the Year, University: Chaplaincy
• Volunteer of the Year: Leanne Gray
• Careers and Employability Rising Star Award: Olalekan Aduloju
• University of Chester Silver Volunteering Award winners: Shenali Balasooriya, Rujilyn Baldemor, Elleanor Bannon-Wright, Anjaly Maria Benoy, Chinazor Dimejesi, Tharindu Fernando, Rebekah Handley, Lucy Morse, Libby Nielson, Natalia Rzymska, Catherine Trewavas, Umama Yasmin
• University of Chester Gold Volunteering Award winners: Lucy Arlow, Carys Chantler, Weijie Cheng, Mia Cox, Hannah Hall, Pimpen Irlam, Mahima Fiza Khan, Queen Odozi, Job Russon-Paul, Chantelle Steele
• University of Chester Platinum Volunteering Award winners: Lauren Adams, Caitlin Colclough, Mia Coles, Polina Ivanova, Ramitha Nittore Ramnath, Tiffany Pitts and Ellena Voice
• University of Chester Volunteering Excellence Award winners: Megan Arnold, Amy Jasmine Cooper, Lisa Handley, AJ Jackson, Leanne Peters, Ann Qian, Eleanor Stevenson.

Caption: Students, graduates, staff, speakers and partners came together at the University of Chester’s inaugural Careers and Employability Recognition Awards, celebrating a shared commitment to student success and employability.