The success of students at the University College Isle of Man was celebrated at the Villa Marina during the college’s annual awards ceremony.

Sixty-three awards were presented during the evening to students who had achieved academic excellence, who had succeeded under difficult circumstances and for volunteering in the community.

In his opening address the Chief Minister Howard Quayle celebrated the opportunities available at UCM where students are offered the choice of a wide and diverse range of courses covering a number of subjects and skills.

He went on to relate this to the needs of the island’s economy and also to the fast moving jobs market.

’In an ever changing world, UCM works to deliver courses that are relevant to the needs of the employer,’ he said.

Mr Quayle congratulated all UCM’s students who have achieved this year, particularly those who were to receive awards during the evening.

The UCM Principal Jo Pretty spoke about the need for young people to be adaptable and flexible in order to meet the needs of an expanding, technology driven world of work.

She urged students to ’keep developing, keep growing. Continue to build upon what you have started here today and be great ambassadors not only for the Isle of Man community, but for yourself’.

She added: ’We want to continue to see you and support you in your lifelong journey and ask that you visit us again sometime.’

One student the college said deserved particular mention was Lee Chapman, who accepted the BTEC L3 Business Award.

Lee not only won this internal recognition, but he was also highly commended in the BTEC International Student of the Year Award.

Mrs Pretty said: ’Lee’s commendation came in the business and entrepreneurship category and demonstrates an enthusiasm, commitment and ability of which he should be very proud.

’UCM is pleased to celebrate with him.’

Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney was unable to attend the ceremony and he spoke to the audience of staff, students and their families and friends via a pre-recorded video message.

As well as commending the winners on their awards, he noted UCM’s role in ’fulfilling people’s wishes across a very wide range of educational and vocational interests’.

UCM is recruiting students for courses starting in September.

To contact the college ring 648200 for a copy of this year’s prospectus or visit the web site www.ucm.ac.im.