January 2023 - Capital City College Group

Make 2023 the year for a new career on our FREE online courses

Posted on January 31, 2023January 31, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Capital City College Group (CCCG) runs an extensive range of FREE short courses that can be the first steps towards furthering your education or a new career.

Many of these courses are available online, giving you the flexibility to gain or develop your skills at your own pace from the comfort of your own home or while on the move, which can be ideal if you are employed, have children or other responsibilities.

With no sign of the current cost of living crisis ending soon, online learning can save you money on travel costs. They can also be beneficial to the disabled who may struggle to attend college.

We began running FREE courses up to Level 2 regardless of age or income in 2018.

Currently, three quarters of those completing our FREE short courses go on to full-time education while a fifth enter paid employment.

Here’s 10 of our FREE online short courses:

Business Administration Principles Level 2 Certificate

Learn to produce business documents and manage information including storing, retrieving and archiving. Understand business communications and develop teamworking and customer service skills.

Start Your Own Business

Discover how to bring your business idea to life including how to make your pitch, marketing, cashflow forecasting and financing, networking and selling. Gain practical advice and resources to help your venture succeed.

Team Leading Principles Level 2 Certificate

Develop your team leadership skills to help you provide better guidance, direction and instruction. Gain the skills needed to effectively manage and motivate employees.

Introduction to Digital and Social Media Marketing

Learn how to create social media marketing plans to promote products and services. Understand different audiences and how social media can be used to engage with them.

Cisco Network Engineer

Get the skills needed to be a Cisco certified engineer. Learn the technical knowhow to provide online support and maintenance of Cisco routers, switches and operating systems.

Introduction to Cyber Security

Gain an understanding of IT security threats and the methods used to protect against them including data encryption and cryptographic techniques. Develop your knowledge of the legal requirements affecting security of IT systems.

Health And Safety in a Construction Environment

Get the skills and the recognised qualification needed to apply for a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card to work on a construction site, including risk assessment and safety when manual handling, working at height and around machinery.

Logistics – Team Leadership in Supply Chain

The UK has faced many challenges since leaving the European Union. Learn about the main areas of legislation for importing and exporting of goods in Europe and the challenges facing the logistics industry.

Counselling Skills – Level 2 Certificate

Gain an introduction to skills and approaches used in counselling for everyday life and work. This qualification covers counselling theories, diversity and ethics and counselling skills for personal development.

Equality and Diversity – Level 2 Certificate

Gain an awareness of issues surrounding equality and diversity in the workplace, society and the community. Learn about discrimination and legislation to ensure people of all backgrounds are treated fairly and with dignity and respect.

Tutors on all our free short online courses will provide workbooks and any assessments online. Students need their own PC or laptop with internet access.

See all our FREE short courses and book your place here.

Here’s why our students agree with Ofsted that CCCG is ‘Good’

Posted on January 27, 2023February 10, 2023 by Paul Cassell

This week Capital City College Group (CCCG) was rated ‘Good’ in its latest Ofsted report.

CCCG comprises City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, and apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training.

Our colleges offer A Levels, T Levels, BTEC and City & Guilds diplomas and certificates, higher education qualifications, Access to Higher Education courses, apprenticeships and many other study programmes.

‘They are enriching me with skills’

“I feel academically supported at CANDI. They have so many resources to help me excel on my course and some cool labs. At this college they are enriching me with skills to become a young adult. They are helping me in my studies but also writing CVs, understanding my progression routes and working on my confidence. Staff take the time to understand who I am and where I want to be. This makes the college feel more personalised.”

Ralph Flowerday, Applied Science student at CANDI

‘You get all the information you need’

“WestKing is the perfect college because of all the support you receive. The college community made me feel very welcome and my teachers are really nice. They’re not on your shoulder all the time and you get all the information you need to learn independently. I feel very comfortable and know if I have an issue, even if it’s outside of college, I can speak to them. They’ve helped me so much, and because of that support I feel more confident about going to university.”

Anastasia Asaeva, Games Design and Animation student at WestKing

‘I couldn’t ask for a better college’

“The teachers and staff at WestKing are friendly and give us all the support we need. They have a lot of experience working in different restaurants and take the time to explain things to make sure we understand. They really want us to improve. The college also has great connections in the industry. I’ve work been on work experience at The Ritz and Lord’s Cricket Ground. It’s amazing to get these kinds of opportunities. I couldn’t ask for a better college. It really is a great place to study.”

Ruzilsa Cardoso, Patisserie and Confectionary student at WestKing

‘Everyone wants to help me’

“I’m glad to have the opportunity to study at CONEL. I came to England from Ukraine seven months ago and this is a real chance for me to improve my knowledge and experience, as well as to find a good job. I like my classmates, and It’s especially nice that everyone wants to help me as a new student. We have very good teachers who explain and convey information very intelligibly. When my friends ask where I study, I’m happy to talk about CONEL and the opportunities it provides.”

Kostiantyn Lieontiev, Creative Media Production student at CONEL

‘I feel very confident about my future’

“My apprenticeship is very well structured and has given me a good knowledge and understanding of the building industry. I’ve learnt about construction principles and design and gained experience in scanning for property defects on site. The teaching has been really good. My tutor has provided me with the competencies I need to complete for my end-point assessment. He tracks my progress and tells me what areas I need to improve. I feel very confident about my future.”

Omar Khan, Surveying Technician apprentice with CCCT

Find out more about courses and apprenticeship with CCCG and apply here.

Staff and students at Capital City College Group celebrate impressive successful recent Ofsted outcome under new enhanced inspection framework

Posted on January 26, 2023January 27, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Capital City College Group (CCCG) – London’s largest Further Education college group – has been awarded a rating of ‘Good’ in its latest Ofsted inspection report.

CCCG rated GOOD against all key judgements and provision types
CCCG recognised for STRONG contribution to meeting skills needs

CCCG, which comprises City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, and apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training, was inspected from 5-12 December 2022.

Ofsted judged the College to be ‘Good’ in all of its key judgments and provision types. Furthermore, under the new enhanced framework, the colleges contribution to meeting skills needs was acknowledged to be ‘Strong’, the highest rating possible.

CCCG was praised for offering a “rich and challenging curriculum” that students enjoy, which enables them to gain “highly relevant knowledge and skills to help them progress.”

Ofsted recognised that “learners and apprentices, no matter which campus they study at, or which course they are on, have a positive experience.”

The report particularly highlighted that A Level students gained a deep understanding of their subjects and apprentices gained skills they can apply successfully in the workplace.

It further found the high number of adults on English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses improve their communication skills and gain confidence to carry out tasks in their daily lives.

Inspectors also noted students with SEND and other high needs receive very good support from teachers and staff who enable them to access the curriculum and other activities.

Overall, Ofsted found the majority of students successfully completed their courses and there had been an increase in those achieving high grades in GCSE English and maths due to the “notable improvements” in the teaching of these subjects.

Inspectors highlighted students’ “positive attitudes to their learning” and how they are supportive and respectful towards each other and their teachers.

Teachers were recognised for how they plan and teach the curriculum and use their “subject and industry expertise to good effect” to ensure “learners and apprentices gain highly relevant knowledge and skills to help them progress to their next steps”

The report noted teachers’ use of effective assessment methods to identify gaps in knowledge and how they encouraged debate and use IT applications to check students’ understanding.

It added that teachers gave clear and comprehensive explanations, carefully crafted questions and useful and helpful feedback on students’ work to help them make improvements, resulting in their work being either good or better.

College leaders, managers and staff were all praised for working hard to improve the quality of education. Senior management and governors were recognised for having a good understanding of the college group and putting in place clear actions and effective processes that lead to improvement including good, continuous professional development for staff.

Ofsted’s recognition of the colleges’ strong contribution to meeting skills needs was particularly pleasing. It reported leaders and managers work very closely with a range of external stakeholders and these partnerships result in a rich curriculum for learners. It added the curriculum meets skill priorities, supports employers, provides good progression for learners and ensures learners from a range of backgrounds engage in learning.

Kurt Hintz, Executive Principal of CCCG, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Capital City College Group has been awarded a rating of ‘Good’ in its latest Ofsted report, which recognises the incredible work that goes on across our colleges every day.

“Teachers and staff across all our colleges have all worked exceptionally hard to make sure we attained this excellent result, and I want to thank each of them wholeheartedly for making this happen. It is a tremendous achievement and one they can be rightly proud of.

“Of course, we will not rest on our laurels, and are already looking to build on this success so we can offer an even better education experience to all our learners.”

Find out more about our courses and apprenticeships and apply here.

Young chef travelling 5,000 miles to represent England in international culinary competition

Posted on January 25, 2023February 27, 2024 by Paul Cassell

An aspiring chef from Westminster Kingsway College is jetting off to India to put his culinary skills to the ultimate test in a global competition.

Jackson Carter, 18, will be representing England and competing against chefs from more than 50 countries in the ninth International Young Chef Olympiad from 29 January to 4 February.

He said: “It’s a great feeling to have performed well enough for my chef lecturer to pick me and I will be flying out to take part in an international competition. Just to be going there is incredible.

“I’ve always tried very hard to improve my skills, and over the past month I have been pushing myself and practising every day to do even better.”

The first round of the competition run by the International Institute of Hotel Management will see the participating chefs split into groups competing in Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad or Goa, before the 10 leading chefs compete in the grand final in Kolkata.

Jackson, from Brent, who is studying for a Professional Chef Level 3 Diploma, started out on a Level 1 diploma at WestKing in September 2020 before progressing to Level 2 and Level 3.

He said: “Since I was in Year Six at school I’ve been cooking with my mum and always really enjoyed it. I’ve grown up around food and it’s always something I’ve loved and had a passion for.”

Jackson began to consider a career as a chef while studying food technology at secondary school, which later led to him choosing to train at WestKing after being impressed the college’s facilities.

He said: “There are not many other colleges that can match WestKing, especially in London. There are other colleges that have a small section dedicated to training chefs, but every corner you turn here you’re in a new kitchen or production room.”

WestKing students have a good history in the competition. Beth Collings won Bronze in 2020 and last year Joe Slater came fourth and won Best Vegetarian Dish.

Jackson has been mentored by WestKing Chef Lecturer Chris Basten, a former chair of the Craft Guild of Chefs, who also prepared Beth and Joe for the competition.

He was chosen for the contest after a cook-off against a selected group of Level 3 students at the college, which was judged by Chris, Chef Lecturer Norman Fu and Head of School Paul Jervis.

“Chris has been really great, showing me tips and tricks, and showing me small things I might not have noticed but need to know to really excel,” said Jackson.

“The college has done well in the competition so far. Hopefully, I can keep the trend going.”

Apply now for Hospitality and Culinary Arts courses and apprenticeships here

10 top tips for success on virtual work experience

Posted on January 24, 2023January 23, 2023 by Onik Hassan

The world has changed dramatically with rapid changes in technology impacting how we work and study but also creating exciting opportunities to gain virtual work experience.

More and more students are now taking advantage of online placements to further develop their skills with employers and deepen their knowledge for their future careers.

Since COVID, companies are increasingly offering hybrid working with employees wanting more flexibility and bosses realising the benefits of a less tired and more productive workforce. However, the aftermath of the pandemic and the current economic climate have also made it more challenging for businesses to prioritise in-person work experience in some sectors.

Springpod works with Capital City College Group (CCCG) to offer virtual work placements and other enrichment opportunities to students. It has around 400,000 students from colleges and universities nationwide gaining online experience with top employers including Siemens, Deloitte, Airbus, Fujitsu, Barclays and the NHS.

Students from City and Islington College (CANDI), which is part of CCCG, recently completed an employability workshop with Springpod to help them prepare for work. Upon completion, 94 per cent rated their awareness of employability skills as good or excellent and 90 per cent felt confident about finding a job in the future.

Advantages to virtual placements include not being restricted to working for companies close to you, enabling students to gain much broader experience and save money on travel costs. They are also beneficial to those who may find it difficult to attend in-person placements due to a disability or health reasons.

While there are many benefits to in-person work placements, students should also consider gaining online experience, or combine both, so they leave college with a CV that stands out to employers.

Here’s our top 10 tips on making the most of virtual work placements:

Start building up your virtual experience now. Why not push yourself out of your comfort zone and try various careers? Find out what Springpod offer here.
Check the deadlines for applications and dates of the placement, and make sure you have all the equipment you need in advance so you’re ready to work.
Virtual experiences are a safe way to try out new areas and develop new skills without having to adjust to a new environment and meet new people.
Practice your communication skills by asking questions in online meetings. Typing in an online chat can be a less intimidating way to find out what you need to know.
Take the opportunity to really connect with employers who may have job opportunities in the future. It can be really impressive if you refer back to your experience in job applications.
Ensure everyone at home is aware of times when you need to focus and make sure you plan breaks, including a lunch break, as you would if you were at work.
Think about what you want to learn from the experience. Reflect on your own skills and think about whether or not this career is right for you.
With more employers now offering hybrid working, virtual placements offer the chance to become proficient using applications such as Teams and Zoom.
Keep notes on what you have learned so you can add the experience to your CV and refer back to them when you are completing UCAS and job applications.
Overall, be professional and enthusiastic in your approach and make the most of these valuable opportunities.

Find out more about Work Experience and Volunteering here.

Students show flair for architecture in Design in Practice project

Posted on January 23, 2023January 23, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Students from City and Islington College (CANDI) showed off their talent for building design when they took part in a project with professional architects.

The Design in Practice career programme was run by the college in partnership with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and architectural and interior design firm Hollaway Studio.

Students across the curriculum took part in the 10-week project, which introduced them to architecture, what it is like working in the sector and what they need to do to become an architect.

This included looking at design-related subjects at university, careers linked to those subjects along with advice on what to include in portfolios and how to prepare for university and job interviews.

During the project, students were tasked with designing a six square metre room where they could relax and enjoy their hobbies such as cooking, reading, gardening, gaming and watching films.

Each week the students were set different design challenges including learning how to draw in plan, section and elevation, understanding and drawing to scale, learning about sustainable design, model making and presenting designs.

The project culminated with the students sharing their final designs with each other and professional architects at Hollaway Studio’s offices in Camden.

A Level student Mariana Boycheva, 17, said: “The project was really useful because I want to study architecture in the future.

“For the task we had to design a room and make sure it was to specific measurements and made of sustainable materials. I created a room for reading and an area to chill out. I couldn’t fit everything into the space, so I added a second floor.

“We also asked the architects questions about what we needed to do to study architecture at university, how to get into the industry and learnt about the different roles we might want to do in the future. It was really inspiring hearing about their personal journeys and experience.”

CANDI runs various projects with RIBA to introduce students to architectural design. In 2021, a group of A Level and Engineering diploma students took part in a town planning workshop.

On the latest project, Sophie Draper, Learning Manager at RIBA, said: “We were all really impressed by the students’ standard of work and the designs and models they created.

“The research, drawings and models the students produced really were of an exceptional standard, especially considering that none of the students had previously studied architecture. They created some really exciting, beautiful, unique and workable designs.

“The project has been a fantastic collaboration and one which we are looking to participate in again. We hope the students enjoyed it as much as we did.”

Find out more and apply about courses and apprenticeships at our colleges and apply here.

Former CANDI student Naomi Ackie nominated for BAFTA for starring role in Whitney Houston biopic

Posted on January 19, 2023January 23, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Former City and Islington College (CANDI) student Naomi Ackie has been nominated for a BAFTA for her starring role in Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

Naomi, 31, who studied for her A Levels at CANDI from 2007-09, has won rave reviews for her portrayal of the pop sensation who burst on to the music scene in the 1980s and tragically died in February 2012 aged 48.

She is in the running for the BAFTA Rising Star Award alongside Sheila Atim (The Woman King), Daryl McCormack (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande), Aimee Lou Wood (Living) and Emma Mackey (Emily).

On her nomination, Naomi said: “I’ve followed and been inspired by the BAFTA Film Awards for so many years, so to be recognised amongst this incredible group of artists is huge!

“This nod from the Rising Star jury, and to be recognised for my work in the country that I’ve grown up in, is also a nod of encouragement, to continue to create stories that speak to people. What a beautiful experience to be a part of.”

*Naomi Ackie and friend celebrate their AS Level results at CANDI in 2008. Picture courtesy of Islington Tribun*e.

Before her lead role in the biopic directed by Kasi Lemmons, Naomi appeared as in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), the final film in the sequel trilogy of the epic saga.

Naomi does not sing all the songs in the film, but she does show off her vocal talents in scenes where Whitney is singing alongside her mother and when she is choosing a new single.

Critics have praised her portrayal of the music icon whose biggest hits include I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Greatest Love Of All, How Will I Know, One Moment in Time and I Will Always Love You.

Empire magazine’s Kelechi Ehenulo wrote: “As the legendary star, Naomi Ackie delivers a commanding performance, channelling every iota of Houston’s mannerisms and magnetism … Ackie’s uncanny embodiment reminds you of Houston’s soul-stirring power.”

The Evening Standard’s Charlotte O’Sullivan referred to Naomi’s “blistering on-screen presence,” adding she is at her absolute best in scenes with Clarke Peters who plays Whitney’s father John.

She further described her performance alongside Danielle Singleton, who plays Bobbi Kristina, the daughter Houston the singer had with her husband Bobby Brown as “electrifyingly raw.”

Now in its 18th year, the BAFTA Rising Star Award recognises up-and-coming acting talent and is the only award at the BAFTAs voted for by the British public. Past winners include James McAvoy, Tom Holland, John Boyega, Shia LaBeouf, Kristen Stewart and Tom Hardy.

Nana Brew, Curriculum Leader for Performing and Visual Arts, said: “Naomi studied for her A Levels at CANDI before I joined the college, but her teachers who were here tell me she was a hard-working and incredibly talented student.

“Everyone at CANDI is hugely proud what she has achieved in her acting career and will be cheering her on to win the BAFTA.”

*Naomi Ackie with broadcaster Edith Bowman and the other BAFTA Rising Star Award nominees. Picture courtesy of BAFTA.*

Naomi was born in Camden and raised in Walthamstow. She took A Levels in Drama, English Literature and Textiles at CANDI, initially studying these subjects at AS Level, and later went on to study at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

She made her TV debut in Doctor Who and later appeared in Netflix comedy-drama The End of the F***ing World, for which she received a British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Her breakthrough film role was in Lady Macbeth (2016) for which she won the British Independent Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer. She subsequently appeared in Idris Elba’s directorial debut Yardie (2018).

TV and radio broadcaster Edith Bowman announced the BAFTA Rising Star Award nominees at The Savoy Hotel on 17 January. Voting is now open at ee.co.uk/BAFTA.

The winner will be announced at the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall, which will be aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, on 19 February.

Find out more about studying A Levels at CANDI and apply here.

Six fantastic reasons to choose college over school next year

Posted on January 18, 2023May 15, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

With the academic year halfway through, many Year 11 students are now knuckling down and revising ahead of their GCSE exams this summer.

Many will also be thinking about their future, and it is important for them to realise that staying on at school sixth form is not the only or always the best option.

Capital City College Group (CCCG) Is London’s largest further education college group and comprises City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London and apprenticeship provider Capital City College Training.

Here’s six fantastic reasons why those leaving school this year should choose CCCG’s colleges over school when it comes to taking the next step in their education.

A bigger choice of qualifications and pathways – Whether you want to take the academic or technical route to university or employment we have the right course for you. Choose from A Levels, T Levels, BTEC and City & Guilds diplomas and certificates or apprenticeships with top employers.
A huge range of subjects – We offer A Levels in many subjects along with courses in accounting and business, IT, creative media, art and design, construction, childcare, engineering, hair and beauty, hospitality and culinary arts, performing arts and music, public services, science and sport.
Students are treated like adults – There’s no ‘Yes Sir’ or ‘Yes Miss’ here. Students are often on first name terms with their teachers and given the personal responsibility for getting their work assignments done. Of course, we will still encourage, motivate and support our students to succeed.
Make new friends – A chance to widen your social circle and get to know more people. The more you broaden your horizons, the more opportunities that are presented to you in work and life.
Industry experienced teachers – Many of our lecturers and tutors have worked in the fields they teach and are able to share first-hand knowledge and experience to give students the professional skills and realistic expectations of their future careers.
Fantastic enrichment and support – Students benefit from a more rounded education including trips at home and abroad, talks from industry experts, debates and workshops, competitions, community projects, sports, clubs and societies, careers advice and support with UCAS applications.

Don’t forget our Open Days

Attend one of our Open Days or drop in sessions where you will get to:

Hear from our students and teachers
Find out more about our courses
Find out about student life
Visit our outstanding teaching areas, featuring industry-standard equipment
Get information about the support we offer

Book a place at our Open Days here and apply for our courses and apprenticeships here.

Want to go to university? Don’t miss the UCAS application deadline

Posted on January 16, 2023January 16, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

The deadline for students to submit applications to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is fast approaching for courses starting in September.

Last year more than 2,300 students from across Capital City College Group (CCCG) progressed to higher education including university and degree apprenticeships.

The deadline for applications to Oxford or Cambridge, or veterinary, medicine and dentistry courses was in October, but for all other university undergraduate courses it is 25 January at 6pm.

Applications made through schools and colleges must be made by this date to give teachers and careers teams enough time to review them and provide references before they are sent to UCAS.

Students can apply after this date, but their chosen course might be full and their application will not be given priority by UCAS.

Key UCAS dates in 2023

23 February 2023

UCAS Extra opens. Extra is another chance for students to gain a place at university between 23 February and 4 July. Students who have used all five of their choices in their application but not received an offer or have declined a place can add another choice.

Students who have not used all five of their choices can sign in to their original application and add another choice by 30 June as long as they have not accepted or declined any offers.

Students who do not have any offers by 5 July will be able to add an additional choice during Clearing.

30 June 2023

UCAS will send all applications received by 6pm on this date to students’ chosen universities or colleges. Applications received after this date will automatically be entered into Clearing.

5 July 2023

Clearing opens. Students can apply for a course through Clearing if they have not received or met the conditions of an offer or declined a place.

17 August

A Level Results Day. Students receive their exam results and can apply for a place through Clearing.

17 October

The deadline for making a final choice through Clearing. UCAS must receive applications by 6pm.

Find our more information about UCAS applications here.

Apply for our Higher Education courses here.

Former CONEL Hair and Make-up student’s joy at ‘literally painting a smile on people’s faces’

Posted on January 12, 2023August 18, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Anna Formela’s talent as a professional make-up artist, face and body painter has seen her work on everything from children’s parties to music videos.

Her artistic flair has seen her create many spectacular colourful and vibrant designs on themes of animals, sci-fi, beauty and horror to more avant-garde and abstract imagery.

Anna, 38, who is from Poland, successfully completed a Hair and Media Make-up Level 2 Diploma at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) in July.

Prior to studying at the college, she had already established her own face-painting and make-up business but admitted it was not a career that she had considered while at school.

She gained a BA (Hons) Public Healthcare and later learnt English in Liverpool before taking part in exchange programmes to New York and Belgium either side of an MA Pedagogy in Poland

“I saw a face-painter at an children’s party in Brussels. She was working with all the colours and making everyone happy. I thought this is such an amazing job, I want to do this job,” said Anna.

Anna returned to the UK and took a one-day course with a face-painting and body art business based in Hackney to increase her product and health and safety knowledge.

“I volunteered to do some face-painting for school fairs. I began to get more and more bookings for kids’ parties, office parties – it just started rolling from there. I always had a job on the side, but there came a point when I thought this is what I want to do full time.”

Anna took a business class and began networking and promoting her work on social media. Through this and word of mouth she went on to gain work for corporate events, festivals, theatres, short films and music videos. She also began teaching her skills.

“When I paint something on someone’s face or body and they look in the mirror and they smile, it’s priceless. I’m getting paid for being creative and making people happy. I’m literally painting a smile on people faces. Even if you’ve turn them into a zombie, they still smile,” she said.

Anna explained it was her love of working with people that turned her attention to make-up rather than working as a lone artist in a studio.

“I think I’ve always liked to paint on something different to paper. I remember my mum being upset when I was a child because I liked to draw on walls and different surfaces,” she said.

“When you paint in a in an art studio, usually it’s just you. It’s the human aspect of what I do and having a living, breathing canvas that gives me the biggest satisfaction.

“I cannot teach creativity, but I can teach techniques. Like everything in life, if you practice enough you’re going to do much better,” said Anna.

Work dried up during the COVID pandemic, but Anna continued teaching online while gaining financial help from a government scheme to provide income support for the self-employed.

She decided to enrol at CONEL to further develop her own skills, particularly in classical make-up and hair, which she had no experience or a recognised qualification in.

“I found there was the potential for more bookings if I was able to do 60s and 20s hair and make-up, and I wanted to add that to my services. The class was very diverse, so we were able to learn from each other and practise on different ages and skin colours,” said Anna.

“My teacher had worked in the industry and was always giving us tips. For example, if you want to work in theatre, then you also need to know about wigs; or during demonstrations she might say, ‘That’s good eyeliner but the foundation is a little off.’”

Anna, who is neurodiverse, also praised her teachers and staff at CONEL for the extra help they gave her with written assignments during her studies.

While at college, Anna came first in the Student Character category of Warpaint Paintopia Makeup Competition 2022 at the United Makeup Artists Expo in Liverpool for her version of the Marvel comic character She-Hulk.

She said: “I went into the competition just wanting to add another piece to my portfolio, and was very surprised to win because I’m the kind of person who is never satisfied with my art.”

Anna’s achievements earned her an Excellence Award from Capital City College Group, which includes CONEL along with City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and Capital City College Training.