SAMAJ WEEKLY UK
More than 3,000 students graduated from Global Banking School (GBS) at ceremonies in Wembley this month, with over half coming from some of London’s most disadvantaged communities and many already progressing into employment, entrepreneurship and high-demand sectors.
The ceremonies took place on 13th and 14th July, celebrate graduates who have completed career-focused higher education programmes while balancing work, family and other commitments. Many are now entering sectors facing significant skills shortages, including construction, business, digital technologies, and health and social care.
More than 58% of GBS’s London graduates come from the region’s most disadvantaged communities, highlighting the role flexible higher education is playing in widening access to skilled careers and supporting social mobility.
One graduate demonstrating that impact is Yudzhel Medzhnun Shaban, from Penge, Southeast London, who combined studying Construction Management with running his own lift installation business. After identifying gaps in his management and technical expertise, Yudzhel enrolled at GBS to develop the skills needed to grow his company. Through the programme, he strengthened his leadership, project management and technical knowledge while continuing to operate his business. He is now planning to expand the company, create new jobs and support economic growth within his local community.
Yudzhel said: “I came to GBS already owning a lift installation business, but I noticed gaps in my management and technical approach. The course strengthened my knowledge and expertise while allowing me to continue running my company. Now I’m ready to grow bigger and provide more employment in my community. GBS turned my vision into something real.”
His story reflects a growing number of GBS students using higher education not only to secure employment but also to launch and grow businesses. Through its Enterprise Hub, GBS provides mentoring, practical guidance and business support for aspiring entrepreneurs.
James Kennedy, CEO of Global Banking School, said: “These graduations represent far more than academic success. They demonstrate the ambition, resilience and determination of students who have balanced study alongside work, family and other responsibilities to build better futures for themselves and their communities. Many of our graduates are already helping address skills shortages, starting businesses, creating jobs and progressing into careers that will make a real contribution to London’s economy. That is something everyone involved should be incredibly proud of. As well as celebrating our London graduates and Yudzhel, last week – for the seventh consecutive year – we were delighted to hear GBS scored well above the national average in the newly-released National Student Survey. We’re thrilled to have received 92% across several categories, including learning opportunities, academic support and assessment and feedback, compared with a national higher education average of just over 80%.”
The graduation ceremonies also welcomed former England Cricket Captain Sir Alastair Cook as a special guest. Sir Alastair Cooke said: “It’s a real privilege to join GBS in celebrating the achievements of this year’s graduates. Success, whether in sport, business or education, is built on commitment, resilience and the willingness to keep learning, even when balancing other responsibilities. Many of these graduates have combined their studies with work, family life and running businesses, and that determination deserves enormous recognition. I hope they take great pride in what they’ve achieved and feel confident about the opportunities ahead as they go on to make a positive difference in their careers, their communities and beyond. Congratulations to every graduate on this fantastic milestone.”
James Murray, MP for Ealing North and the Health Secretary said: “Congratulations to every GBS graduate on this fantastic achievement. Education has the power to change lives, open doors and create opportunity, and it’s inspiring to see so many students balancing work, family and other commitments to reach this milestone. As these graduates take the next step in their careers, they’ll be helping to strengthen London’s workforce, support local businesses and contribute to the growth of our economy. I wish them every success for the future.”
GBS delivers career-focused higher education across its London campuses, helping students access flexible routes into higher education and develop the skills employers need. To find out more about Global Banking School, visit https://globalbanking.ac.uk/.
