Graduation Day, an extremely proud moment for students and parents alike but for two young ladies, accepting their accolades at a ceremony in their home town of Torquay has put them a degree above the rest….and on top of the world.

Valerie Yeo and Tracey Ward, who both work for the Riviera International Centre at Torquay were among the hundreds of students who recently received their degrees at the South Devon Graduation Ceremony held at the Centre.

Like hundreds of other students across the region, Valerie and Tracey spent agonising hours studying day and night to achieve their goal and here we look at the hard work and determination that ensured they succeeded.

Valerie successfully completed the CIPD Certificate in Personnel Practice earlier this year. Out of her group she was one of two who achieved a Distinction. It was as a result of this outstanding achievement that Valerie was nominated for a Further Education Award.
At the time of undertaking this qualification Valerie was employed in a generalist role and upon achieving the Certificate in Personnel Practice was seeking to develop her newly gained skills in a dedicated human resources and training function.

Within a week of passing the CIPD Certificate of Personnel Practice, Valerie saw the role of HR & Training Administrator advertised at the Riviera International Centre at Torquay. The Certificate in Personnel Practice was an essential requirement for the job advertised and inspired Valerie to apply.

Valerie, who was successful and started work in mid July, explained: “I am thrilled to be working in a business  which enables me to develop my newly gained skills in an exciting & challenging role"

Claire Newberry, HR & Training Manager at the Riviera International Centre has applauded Valerie, explaining: “I think this is a fantastic achievement and reflects the level of enthusiasm and commitment that Valerie puts into to all that she does. On behalf of the Centre and personally, I would like to congratulate Valerie on her achievement."

Tracey Ward decided to study a Tourism Management Degree because she believes Torquay’s main business is in tourism. She also wants her children to aspire to her and motivate them to want to take a Degree when they’re older.

Tracey explained: “At the age of 19 I attended Anglian University in Chelmsford, but because it was so far away things didn’t work out so I didn’t complete it and came home to Torquay. I admit I was very home sick.

“That was 11 years ago and I had always had a regret about leaving Uni. But, during the years I married have had two wonderful boys, Jacob 6 and Oscar 5, which has been the most rewarding thing I’ve done,” she said.

When the boys started school, Tracey decided it was time to study for the Degree she had always wanted to do.

She started the Tourism Management Degree in September 2003. The course-involved modules covering:

• Human Resource Management
• Marketing In Action
• Business Environment
• Business Finance
• Tourism Planning
• Alternative Tourism
• Heritage Tourism
• Countryside Tourism
• Tour Operations Management
• Travel Agency Operations

Having a family, husband and home to run, Tracey found at times it was really hard to get everything done and would be working long hours to ensure she completed her assignments.

“At times I never thought I would do it, but with a lot of encouragement and support from my dad and my husband I was determined to do it. One particular low time I remember my dad buying me a ‘Educating Rita DVD’. I sat and watched it and thought to myself, I can do it,” Tracey recalls.

After completing the course and having applied for a Conference & Events Co-ordinator job at the Riviera International Centre, Tracey and her family all feel very proud.

Tracey added; “The Graduation ceremony gave me an amazing feeling of nerves, excitement and most of all proud of my achievement. I also felt very important that day and with my husband, dad and children there to share the day with me I wanted them all to know that I did it not only for me but for them as well.

“All the hard work, late nights and balancing things between assignments and with my family was all worth it in the end,” she added.