'Why it's a privilege to share celebrations with Sheffield Hallam graduates' - Professor Liz Mossop

Over the coming weeks, almost 9,500 students will don their caps and gowns to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, determination and personal achievement. For each graduate, this represents an important milestone: the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. For their families, friends and supporters, it is a moment of immense pride. And for me, as Vice-Chancellor, it is a privilege to share in those celebrations and recognise what our students have achieved.

But graduation is about more than celebrating individual success. It is also an opportunity to recognise the contribution these talented, ambitious and highly skilled people will make to our region in the years ahead.

Universities are deeply connected to the places they serve. At Sheffield Hallam, that connection is particularly strong. More than half of our students come from within 25 miles of the university, with the majority of those from South Yorkshire. They study here, build friendships and networks here, and increasingly choose to establish their careers and futures here too.

That matters enormously. Our region needs skilled, talented people to support its public services, strengthen its businesses, drive innovation and help shape the communities in which we live. As a skills and innovation engine for the region, Sheffield Hallam and our graduates are an essential part of meeting that need.

Findings from the latest Graduate Outcomes survey also shows that Sheffield Hallam is the top university in the country for graduates going on to highly skilled employment within the public sector.

Among those graduating this November are almost 1,700 students from health-related courses, including nursing, paramedic science and physiotherapy, alongside more than 1,250 students from teaching-related programmes. Many are already making a difference in vital roles across our NHS, schools and wider public services.

The demand for highly skilled professionals across these sectors has never been more important.

But out graduates’ contributions extend well beyond health and education. We have more than 900 students graduating from our Creative Industries Institute, representing the next generation of talent in areas such as design, media, performance and the wider creative economy. At a time when Sheffield is celebrating its City of Culture shortlisting, it is particularly exciting to see the role our graduates can play in strengthening the city’s cultural identity and creative ambitions.

Our food and nutrition graduates are also helping to shape public health policies, working to prevent disease and address health inequalities as well as supporting education and behaviour change around sustainable eating.

Across business, technology, engineering, the built environment and professional services, our graduates will also be bringing fresh thinking, specialist expertise and entrepreneurial ambition into the regional economy.

Keeping this talent in our region is vital. As our Mayor Oliver Coppard set out in his vision for South Yorkshire, we want to create the conditions for everyone to be able to stay near and go far. South Yorkshire has huge potential, with ambitious businesses, major public institutions, a growing creative sector and opportunities emerging across a range of industries. To realise that potential, we need to retain and attract the people with the skills and ideas to make it happen.

That means creating opportunities for graduates to build rewarding careers here, working closely with employers to ensure skills meet future needs and continuing to strengthen the connections between universities, businesses and communities. It is something we take seriously at Sheffield Hallam, through our partnerships, industry-focused courses, placements and commitment to preparing students for the world of work.

We want our graduates to see South Yorkshire not simply as the place where they studied, but as a place where they can thrive, progress and make a difference. Their success and the success of our region are closely connected.

The impact of graduation will also be felt across the city more immediately. This November, our graduates will be joined by more than 23,000 friends and family members, bringing a real sense of celebration to Sheffield. From meals in local restaurants to overnight hotel stays, the ceremonies provide a welcome boost to local businesses. Our Sheffield Business School estimates that this year’s celebrations could generate around £3 million for the city’s economy.

Sign up for our newsletter today, where we bring you all of the breaking news and recent stories from across Sheffield and South Yorkshire

Ultimately, what makes graduation so special is the people at its heart. Every student has their own story: the challenges they have overcome, the sacrifices they and their families have made, and the ambitions they are now ready to pursue.

I hope our graduates leave Sheffield Hallam with a real sense of pride in what they have achieved and confidence in what they can contribute. They are the teachers, healthcare professionals, food industry specialists, creative thinkers, business leaders and skilled experts who will help shape our region’s future.

To every student graduating this November, congratulations. We are immensely proud of you. Wherever your journey takes you next, you will always be part of the Sheffield Hallam community. And if you choose to build your future here in South Yorkshire, you will be helping to shape an even stronger, more prosperous region for us all.

By Professor Liz Mossop, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University

• RELATED: Families say autism and ADHD referrals blocked by rule they did not know about
• RELATED: Sheffield school ranked fourth worst in country for children not attending class
• RELATED: Work starts on £86m university super-lab a year after 'pause' due to funding crisis