An annual highlight of the Access to Industry calendar, our Certificate Ceremony 2026 took place on Wednesday 24 June in Binks Hall at Greyfriars Charteris Centre. The up-scaled venue allowed us to bring together a larger crowd than ever to celebrate the students from across our various courses, classes and groups who have achieved this year.
Our 25/26 academic year saw a whopping 414 achievements by 250 students. The courses awarded were: Digital Media; Access Photography; Access Data; Creative Writing; Photo Arts Group Empowerment (PAGE); as well as our various Community College classes and qualifications, which include ICT; First Aid; Recovery Volunteer Training; Improving Wellbeing; Driving Theory; Gardening; and many, many more.
We were also thrilled to award Volunteer of the Year to an inspiring volunteering mentor; Partner of the Year to Edinburgh College – Routes to Education and Employment; and The Angus Whyte Award (for personal achievement) to a special student who's done great things this year.
Finally, we were honoured to have three student speakers on the day, who took to the stage to speak about their personal journeys and how Access to Industry has supported them – it's always so moving to hear them share their story with an audience. Plus two partner speakers – Eddie Conroy (Head Therapist at LEAP) and Graham Zajac (Lecturer in Health and Social Services at Edinburgh College).
Adele Hill and Sally McGreevy, Access to Industry’s Co-Chief Executives, said:
'We're thrilled with the achievements and turnout for our Certificate Ceremony 2026! Hosting it for the first time in the bigger venue of Binks Hall, at Greyfriars Charteris Centre, allowed us to invite even more students, and guests, to celebrate their amazing successes this year. Going forward, as the biggest team that we've ever been, we hope that we can support even more individuals to get the training, accredited qualifications and support that they need to progress into their positive destinations. A big congratulations and thank you to all the people who help to make this happen – our hard-working students, brilliant tutors, and incredible staff.'
