A career consultant at the University of Chester has achieved national recognition for his outstanding work on a CPD course based in Warwick’s Centre for Lifelong Learning.

The John Roberts Memorial Prize for Professional Achievement is awarded annually to the best student on the joint University of Warwick and AGCAS Career Education, Information, and Guidance in Higher Education (CEIGHE) postgraduate qualifications. AGCAS is the expert membership organisation for higher education student career development and graduate employment professionals.

Peter Shelston combined working as a careers consultant in the careers and employability department at the University of Chester with studying part-time for his Postgraduate Diploma in Career Education, Information, and Guidance in Higher Education. He passed at Distinction grade and combined critical thinking with creative practice in employability development.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed taking the course and it has definitely improved how I work as a career practitioner. I have also had the opportunity to share my learning with colleagues’

Peter received his award at the AGCAS annual conference dinner from David Winter, the AGCAS Learning Director and Head of Research and Organisation Development at The Careers Group, University of London.

The Career Education, Information, and Guidance in Higher Education (CEIGHE) postgraduate qualifications are studied by staff from universities across the United Kingdom and beyond. The courses feature the following elements:

· Bespoke CPD for the HE sector

· Core modules on transdisciplinary career theory and contemporary challenges

· Optional modules designed for the wide range of roles in contemporary higher education employability work

· Flexible course design with MA, PG Diploma, PG Certificate, and PG Award entry and exit routes

· Faculty scholarship published in peer-reviewed journals, edited collections, and professional journals

Dr Phil McCash, the CEIGHE Programme Director, commented:

‘We are delighted at Peter’s achievement and the contribution he has made both to his institution and students. At any one time, we have around 80 students studying here from universities across the UK which makes for very stimulating and fertile teaching and learning culture.’

The Centre for Lifelong Learning’s strategic partnerships with international, national, regional, and local professional organisations represent the new frontier for lifelong learning. The portfolio extends to teaching, research, and outreach activities in counseling, social work, career coaching, further education, and early years. These people-focused professions help individuals from all walks of life learn to participate fully in society.