CONGRATULATIONS: First graduation at UCNL marks major milestone for North Lincolnshire students

The first ever graduation ceremony at the University Campus North Lincolnshire (UCNL) marked a major milestone in the town’s journey to becoming a centre for higher education and skills.

Dozens of students took to the stage to celebrate years of hard work and achievement, the culmination of a shared vision to bring university-level study to the heart of Scunthorpe.

The milestone comes just a few years after the transformation of North Lincolnshire Council’s former Civic Centre into the UCNL campus – a flagship project delivered in partnership with North Lindsey College, the University of Lincoln, and the then Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Congratulations to those residents who were the first to graduate from the UCNL – it is a very proud moment for each of them and their families.

“It’s amazing to think of the success and achievement that is now being enjoyed from what started as just an idea. I’m proud to have been part of the steering group that set this up and it is truly amazing to see the achievements of so many people.

“The ceremony shows exactly what happens when we make long-term investments in people and places that matter. The Civic Centre was once the administrative heart of the council – now it’s a university campus helping people achieve their ambitions and driving growth in our local economy.

“Dozens of graduates will now go on to take up skilled jobs, start businesses and give back to our communities. These things really matter and they are being delivered right here in North Lincolnshire.”

Alison Barker, chief executive of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The UCNL graduation is about much more than a ceremony. It represents a generational change. Working with partners, there has a been a place created that opens doors for residents, raises aspirations and attracts new opportunities to North Lincolnshire.

“This is a perfect example of long-term planning and delivery that has created a thriving centre of learning and innovation, with benefits that will be felt for decades.”

The UCNL has grown rapidly since opening its doors in 2019. The campus now offers more than 100 higher education and professional qualifications in partnership with universities and employers, supporting more than 1,500 learners each year.

Cllr Waltham added: “By investing in local residents, with partners, we’re helping to build a stronger, more resilient economy – ensuring that people across North Lincolnshire can study, work and succeed close to home.”