Creative Media students from City and Islington College (CANDI) have won two-week work placements at an award-winning animation studio after impressing with their own short films.
Cainan Corlett, James Wallace-Budd and Jayden Fortunato all secured placements with Blinkink after taking part in a competition to showcase their creative talent.
Creative Media Production Level 3 Diploma students were asked to create a short film using an audio clip from their favourite scene in a film, TV show or animation on the Islington studio’s website.
Cainan created his own stop-motion version of Blinkink’s animation Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared using part of the original soundtrack, while James did the opposite and created his own audio to a video clip from the Channel 4 series that started on YouTube.
Jayden used audio of a poem read by the late world boxing heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali over a video of the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Captain America.
Cainan Corlett’s version of Blinkink’s animation Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared.
The three students were among a group of Creative Media students who visited the company near the college’s Centre for Business, Arts and Technology last month.
During the visit the group were given presentations by Blinkink animators Reg Isaac and Ewa Luczkow who shared their advice on how to get into the industry.
They also spoke to students about different types of animation and the animation process including storyboarding, concept art, model making and character design.
Cainan, 17, said: “When I was younger, I would play on my brother’s PS2 and wanted to get into games design, but as I got older I started looking at animated music videos by bands like Gorillaz and thought I want to do something more like this.
“I originally did GCSE Media Studies, which further sparked my interest and then I came to college to study it further. I began to think I can make this work, especially with opportunities like this with Blinkink. The future is definitely looking bright.
“I’m interested in animation, but not sure personally how good I am at it. They say you miss every shot you don’t take, so let’s see what I can do. If I put my head down and work towards it then it definitely could happen.
“You think it is impossible to get a foot into this industry, but being at Blinkink and hearing how many animators start freelance and then go on to work with a production studio, has made it feel much more accessible.”
Mohamed Elsherbiny, 18, who also visited the studio, said: “My passion for animation comes from gaming and watching animated movies. I’ve always been interested in seeing behind the scenes and how it’s done and think I would really enjoy it.
“My family would always push me to draw, make videos and use my creativity. I’ve learnt a lot about things that I wasn’t familiar with before about mood boards and storyboards. That really impressed me. I didn’t realise it took so long to create all the scenes.”
Blinkink is part of Blink, a BAFTA award-winning production company established in 1985, which has also scooped accolades at the Cannes Lions Festival, British Television Advertising Awards and British Animation Awards.
Find out more information and apply for Digital Media and Creative Computing courses at CANDI here.
Gain skills and experience in an actual paid job while studying for a degree without any tuition fees.
The number of people taking degree apprenticeships is continuing to rise.
According to GOV.UK, the number starting degree apprenticeships in 2022-23 was up by 14 per cent to 20,060 compared to the previous academic year.
Increasingly, students and apprentices at Capital City College Group (CCCG) are looking to degree apprenticeships as an alternative to full-time study at university to get the skills for their career.
So, what are degree apprenticeships and what are the benefits?
Degree apprenticeships are actual jobs that enable you gain a degree while you work, typically spending 80 per cent of your time at work and 20 per cent studying at university.
Note that degree apprenticeships in Scotland are called graduate apprenticeships and in Northern Ireland most higher apprenticeships are only up to Level 5, the equivalent of a foundation degree.
Degree apprenticeships are open to all ages and entry requirements are similar to those for university, such as A Levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification or apprenticeship. However, it is also likely you will have to go through an application process and attend an interview with the employer.
There are certain professions where you cannot take a degree apprenticeship, such as a doctor, but there are so many areas where you can. These include accounting, business, construction, engineering, law, nursing, agriculture, hospitality and IT.
While you will not get the full experience of going to university, you will be able to apply what you are learning in a real work environment, gain knowledge from people already working in the sector and learn additional skills.
Apprenticeships are also an opportunity to impress an employer who might take you on after you have completed your training. They are also a chance to develop soft skills all employers want including leadership, teamwork, decision making, time management and problem solving.
He saw the fact that the apprenticeship was giving him a career and an education as a real advantage in the industry, not to mention his employer would be paying his tuition fees.
“I’m interested in many different aspects of IT. On the one hand I’m interested in the hardware side, but since I’ve been at IBM I’ve been shown some new aspects of software and cloud-based technology that I never knew about, which has also piqued my interest,” he said.
Imtiyaz, whose interest in tech began at an early age. explained that his diploma at CANDI gave him a realistic expectation of what it would be like to work in IT.
“This is a potential career opportunity at a great company that’s well known within the industry, which will give me the skills and experience over the next three years that I might not get just at university,” he said.
CCCG does not offer degree apprenticeships but we do offer a range of apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 5 with many large companies, which can lead to progression with them at a higher level. More than half of apprentices on our Surveying Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship progress to a degree apprenticeship with their employer.
Finding a degree apprenticeship is easy. Employers advertise for them on their own websites, GOV.UK, Linkedin, job boards and other recruitment sites as well as university websites.
Find out about more about our courses and apprenticeships here.
Sector Insight Event at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday 28 February from 11am to 2pm
Capital City College Group (CCCG) has teamed up with LIFT and Arsenal in the Community to give people the chance to find out how they can boost their career prospects.
Jobseekers can learn more about gaining skills at CCCG’s Mayor of London Academy Hubs at a Sector Insight Event at Emirates Stadium on 28 February from 11am to 2pm.
Last year CCCG successfully bid to run four Academy Hubs specialising in the Creative, Digital, Hospitality and Green industries, to support the capital’s economic recovery from COVID.
The event will give people the chance to gain an insight into careers in these sectors and training opportunities available through the Academy Hubs and CCCG’s industry partners.
Attendees will be able to apply for live vacancies on the day, visit employer stands, take part in workshops and get help and advice to improve their employability skills.
They will also have the chance to sign up to follow-up sessions to get more information on specific jobs and courses along with further advice from employers at Arsenal Community Hub in March.
The Academy Hubs aim to support adults hardest hit by the pandemic including those from diverse ethnic backgrounds, those with SEND, carers and other underrepresented groups.
Find out more about CCCG’s Mayor of London Academy Hubs and other Skills Academies here.
LIFT is a programme across Camden, Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets that aims to help people into tech, digital, creative and science careers, and support businesses in these sectors.
Places at the Sector Insight Event must be booked in advance on Eventbrite here.
Stands and Sessions at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday 28 February
Creative
Digital
Green
Hospitality
Partners
Camera Skills with Middlesex University
Coding Games with 01Founders
Jobs in the Green Industry
Making Mocktails
Promotional Stall of Opportunities with LIFT
Be a Graphic Designer
What is User Experience (UX)?
Green Quiz
Coffee Beans Competition
London Square – Building Modular Kits
Media Make-up and SFX
Get The Best Out of Linkedin
Green Courses and Jobs
Breakout Job Coaching Booth
Islington Adult Community Services – Courses
Video Editing and VFX
Digital Jobs and Employer Q&A
Employability information
Make Hospitality Work For You
iWork – Employment Support
Film London – Equal Access Network
Breakout Job Coaching Booth
One-to-One Job Support
A World of Opportunities
Sector Employer Stands
Follow-up Sessions at Arsenal Community Hub in March (exact dates and times TBC)
Week Commencing
Creative
Digital
Green
Hospitality
6 March
Production Crew – Lighting and Electrics
What are the Digital Skills in Demand?
An Introduction to Green Skills Industries
Imperial London Hotels
13 March
Production Accountant
CV and Interview Tips
Introduction to Building Envelopes
The Ivy Group
20 March
Games, Animation and VFX
Learning How to Code
Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment
Greene King
27 March
Set Decorator, Designer, Costume and Make-up
Morgan Hunt – Jobs, Tips and Advice
Level 3 Award in Electrical Vehicle Charging Point Installation
InterContinental Hotels Group
Find out more information and to apply for all our courses and apprenticeships here.
A Level History students Ben Stanley and Anastasia Burlakova from City and Islington College (CANDI) were given the chance to visit Auschwitz-Birkenauand hear from a survivor of the former Nazi concentration camp to mark Holocaust Memorial Day last month. They shared their experience in the article below for the Sixth Form College’s student online newspaper The Toast and podcast The Jam with student Sean Voitov who went on the trip last year.
Lessons from Auschwitz by Ben Stanley and Anastasia Burlakova
Over 75 years have passed since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the other Nazi concentration camps. Approximately six million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, 1.5 million of whom were children. We must never forget those who were persecuted during the Holocaust and should understand its meanings for us today. It is imperative that the Holocaust remains a period of history that is forever talked about, and that it is appropriately taught to young people.
The Holocaust Educational Trust is a British charity that shares these values, aiming to educate the youth about the Holocaust, and ensuring that it is taught within the national curriculum. We enrolled in the charity’s Lessons from Auschwitz Project, where we heard testimony from a Holocaust survivor, visited Auschwitz, and completed our Next Steps project, which involved us passing on the lessons we learnt from our visit, and sharing it with the local community.
Prior to our visit to Auschwitz, we attended an orientation seminar, which provided us with many case studies showcasing pre – war Jewish life. This highlighted the fact that those who were killed were human beings with aspirations and livelihoods, so much more than just a statistic. Additionally, we were taught about the persecution of Jewish people throughout history, this informed us of the dangers of historic Jewish discrimination, and drew our attention to modern day antisemitism.
Hear the podcast History, Memory and the Holocaust with Ben Stanley, Anastasia Burlakova and Sean Voitov, here.
We then undertook a day trip to Auschwitz itself, arriving in Krakow and visiting the city of Oswiecim. We learnt that Oswiecim was a city rich in Jewish culture before the outbreak of the Second World War. Tragically, a lot of the history was lost to Nazi occupation, such as the ‘Great Synagogue’, a symbolic and grand synagogue within the city, which was burnt down by German soldiers. Visiting Oswieicm gave us an insight into pre-war Jewish life and history, and reminded us of just how swiftly and callously it was taken away by the Nazis.
Following the visit to Oswiecim, we attended a guided tour of Auschwitz I. Upon arrival, we underwent rigorous security checks, these were introduced following inappropriate behaviour at the camp, showcasing how antisemitism remains rife in modern day society. Having gotten through security, we encountered the ‘arbeit macht frei’ sign, a cruel expression used by the Nazis declaring ‘work sets you free’. Once inside Auschwitz I, we witnessed some incredibly challenging sights, most notably the gas chambers, human hair, possessions belonging to the victims, and footage of some of the prisoners living out their ordinary lives before the war. In addition to these artefacts, we came across the ‘book of names’, which presented over 4.2 million Jewish lives that had been taken by the Nazi regime. The ‘book of names’ really showcased the magnitude of just how many people had been killed, simultaneously enabling visitors to humanise those who had lost their lives, with each victim presented with their full name and date of birth.
We then went to Auschwitz Birkenau. We saw the freight cars, often used to carry cattle, used by the Nazis to transport their prisoners into the camp, presenting how the Nazis would dehumanise their victims before killing them. Also, we visited the housing that the prisoners were subject to, which were not dissimilar to stables, with overcrowding, starvation and disease all rampant, further outlying the brutality of the Nazi regime. Furthermore, we witnessed the crematoria, another former gas chamber, capable of killing up to 3,000 people imminently.
By the evening, we listened to an engaging talk by a rabbi associated with the Trust, who emphasised the importance of virtues such as respect and tolerance in order to overcome modern day antisemitism. Our final act was to lay candles by the memorials of those who had lost their lives. This part of our day encompassed why one should visit Auschwitz Birkenau, to reflect and pay respects to those who died there.
Following our trip to Poland, we heard a testimony from Janine Webber, who articulately reflected on her experiences of the Holocaust. Janine had suffered immensely in her early life, losing almost all of her immediate family and grandmother to the nazis. Janine only narrowly survived herself, having to change identity and move location on many occasions. In 1956 Janine moved to the UK, where she met her husband and had two children and grandchildren.
Listening to the stories of those who were detained at concentration camps is more important than ever, as many of those who had been persecuted during the Holocaust are no longer with us. Hearing accounts by survivors enables conversation regarding the Holocaust to continue into the 21st century, educating many, and honouring those who were killed.
Holocaust education is mandatory under UK law, however there is no guidance by the government on how it should be taught, leading to inadequate and superficial teaching of one of the most important aspects of history. This was one of many reasons why we chose to enrol as ambassadors of the Trust, broadening our knowledge of the Holocaust amongst thousands of other students in the UK, and relaying on what we had learnt through the Lessons from Auschwitz programme.
Bigotry towards Jewish people remains at an alarmingly high rate in the present day; 2,255 incidents of antisemitism were reported in 2021 alone, the highest figure ever recorded in a calendar year. Education is fundamental in overcoming discriminatory views, and by informing the youth of tomorrow regarding the history of the Holocaust and the ramifications of antisemitism, perhaps a more tolerant future is on the horizon.
Antisemitism is unfortunately a global issue, fuelled by those on the radical left and right of the political spectrum. However, reinforcing teaching the Holocaust within the curriculum and educating oneself and others about the history and present day ramifications of antisemitism and bigotry can help in overcoming Jewish hate.
The Holocaust was the murder of approximately six million Jewish men, women and children by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during the Second World War. The Holocaust Educational Trust provides students with a deep understanding with the events that took place, whilst also informing them of important inferences that are not always considered, such as that of the humanisation of those involved within the Holocaust, including the perpetrators.
Antisemitism is rampant in modern day Britain and across the world, making it increasingly important for charities such as the Holocaust Educational Trust to inform the youth of the dangers of bigotry and hate. It is vital that the worst atrocity committed in human history is remembered, no such event can take place ever again.
Find out more about studying A Levels at CANDI and apply here.
A former police officer has told how taking an apprenticeship with Capital City College Training (CCCT) led him to promotion in his new in career working in immigration at Gatwick airport.
Dave Hopper, 44, joined professional services giant Mitie as a Detainee Custody Officer in 2020 having previously worked for Kent Police and in the retail, hospitality and logistics industries.
The company’s care and custody division is the largest provider of immigration services for the Home Office, providing care for 13,000 detainees across the UK and overseas.
“At the time the apprenticeship was a part of our training package. I believe greatly in training and relished the challenge,” he said.
“I saw the opportunity to gain skills, experience and ultimately an official qualification. It was a great course that allowed me to work a pace that suited me around my day job.
“The apprenticeship compounds the on-the-job learning by putting it on paper and demonstrating your understanding. It helped me to understand my role better as a Detainee Custody Officer and gave me the confidence to apply for promotion.”
Dave also used the opportunity of returning to college to gain Functional Skills qualifications in English and maths having mislaid his exam certificates from school.
He had no hesitation in recommending CCCT and praised his trainer Sandeep Patel who was “brilliant, supportive and easy to talk to,” from the outset of his apprenticeship.
Dave is primarily responsible for returning people who no longer have leave to remain in the UK and providing them with care and welfare support while they are in custody.
“No person is the same and their circumstances can be very different. Each job has its challenges, and you often have to wear several hats – custodian, authoritarian, shoulder to cry on, a friendly face and someone to offload on,” he said.
“It’s a bit of a cliche but no two days are the same. You can turn up expecting one thing based on your risk assessment and find completely the opposite.”
Dave advised anyone looking at a career as a custody officer needs to have the ability or be able to gain the skills to think outside the box and manage people effectively.
The Custody and Detention Officer Level 3 Apprenticeship covers the role of a custody officer, policies and procedures, security and violence reduction, patterns of behaviour, recognising and understanding mental health issues, caring for the vulnerable, undertaking searches and health and safety.
“There’s a lot to gain from completing an apprenticeship. You’ll learn new skills meet new people, it’ll help you enhance your skills and knowledge and at the end you’ll have some new qualifications to further your career,” said Dave.
“There’s no doubt it assisted me in my promotion to management.”
Find out more and apply for Custody Detention Officer apprenticeships here.
Many people still wrongly assume apprenticeships are for young people not academic enough to study for university.
Let’s be clear, apprenticeships are open to all ages. At Capital City College Group (CCCG) we currently have more than 800 adults compared to 185 who are aged 16 to 18 who are studying on apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 5.
According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, £2 billion of the Apprenticeship Levy over the past six years has been used on management apprenticeships for existing staff.
It stated that the number of people starting four popular management apprenticeships had grown tenfold despite apprenticeship starts falling overall with the biggest decline among school leavers.
As London’s largest further education provider, responsible for a fifth of college apprenticeship starts in the capital, we are proud of the number of adults on our apprenticeship training programmes.
But at the same time, it’s vital employers do not spend all their levy money on developing existing staff at the expense of the younger generation who are most in need of job training.
At CCCG, we know that a lot of companies are still not able to spend the full levy pot, so there is ample to support both new and existing staff if employers and colleges work together.
Employers must play a bigger role in making apprenticeships attractive to young people by providing them with well-structured career plans and offering them incentives, such as the option to progress to a degree apprenticeship and job guarantees.
Adults taking apprenticeships can also play a part by sharing their experience with young people to emphasise that university is not the only route to employment and successful careers.
While it does take more supervisory time to work with a younger apprentice, this is true of any new employee. With the recruitment challenges many organisations are facing, taking time to recruit enthusiastic young people and train them properly has never been more worthwhile.
With little sign of an end of the cost of living crisis, having an actual paid job while studying for a recognised qualification makes an apprenticeship a real option for many people, and businesses should look to capitalise on this to strengthen their workforce.
Last month CCCG was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted across all areas including apprenticeships with inspectors reporting “apprentices gain skills they apply successfully in the workplace.”
Our teachers were recognised for providing useful and helpful feedback on apprentices’ work to help them improve with the standard of their work being good or better. Ofsted also noted how well CCCG and employers plan training programmes and report on apprentices’ progress.
We remain committed to working with employers to produce skilled workers of all ages that employers need now and in the future.
Find out more about our apprenticeships and how we can support you here.
Capital City College Group offers one of the largest range of apprenticeships in London with top employers from across the capital. Here’s a quick guide to everything you need to know about apprenticeships.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is an actual paid job where you spend 80 per cent of your time working and 20 per cent of your time learning the skills for the role. However, there are many options on how this can be provided to meet both the employer and apprentice’s needs.
Are apprenticeships only for young people?
No. Apprenticeships can be taken by anyone regardless of their age and qualifications. Currently, 185 of our apprentices are aged 16-18 and more than 800 are adults.
When can I start an apprenticeship?
You can start at an apprenticeship at any time of year like any other job. School-leavers should start looking and apply now for vacancies starting in September.
Are apprenticeships for those did not do well in their GCSEs?
No. However, the grades you get in your GCSEs and any other existing qualifications and experience can determine your eligibility for some apprenticeships.
At what Levels can you do an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are set out in Levels depending on the skills required for the job.
Level 2 is for entry jobs into sectors including construction and customer services.
Level 3 is equivalent to A levels for roles requiring advanced skills such as technicians and supervisors.
Level 4 and Level 5 are equivalent to and HNC, HND or foundation degree.
Level 6 and Level 7 are Degree Apprenticeships.
Are apprenticeships only for manual labour jobs?
Not at all. While we provide excellent apprenticeship training for construction and engineering careers, there are many other areas you can take an apprenticeship in from accounting and hospitality and culinary arts to digital media, healthcare and business administration.
How much will I get paid?
How much you will be paid will be up to the employer. Whether you are aged 16 to 18 or over, you will be entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage and be entitled to holiday pay and other employee rights. Many of the employers pay significantly above this wage with the average salary for an apprentice in the UK around £20,000 a year.
What qualifications do I need to do an apprenticeship?
Entry requirements will vary depending on the Level of apprenticeship you are applying for. Typically, a Level 3 apprenticeship will require four to five GCSEs at 9-4 grades including English and maths. Sometimes these can be taken alongside your apprenticeship. Other qualifications and sector experience are also considered.
Can I get into university with an apprenticeship?
Yes. If you successfully complete a Level 3 apprenticeship with a high grade. Level 3 qualifications are the equivalent of up to three A Levels and marked Pass, Merit or Distinction. You could go on to do a degree apprenticeship with a company where the employer would cover your tuition fees.
Why should I choose CCCG for an apprenticeship?
We work with employers across London to run more than 1,000 apprenticeships each year and are responsible for a fifth of college apprenticeship starts in the capital. Our industry-experienced teachers and employer partnerships mean you will receive the highest standards of training to get the skills needed for your career.
Which employers does CCCG work with?
We work with more than 500 different employers from small businesses to large multinational employers. Here’s a few examples:
Level 2 Pharmacy Assistants with Barts, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals.
Level 3 Engineering with Alstom and Siemens.
Level 4 Procurement and Supply with the Bank of England, Currys and Transport for London.
Level 5 HR with London Ambulance Service, O2 and Ladbrokes Coral.
How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
You can see a full list of our apprenticeship vacancies here or apply for the type of apprenticeship you are interested in here and we will match you with an employer. We will support you with the application process including CV writing and advice on interviews.
Apprenticeship vacancies are also advertised on job boards and other recruitment websites as well as on GOV.UK here.
If you are an employer interested in running apprenticeships, find out more here.
Students joined former Tottenham Hotspur and England legend Jermain Defoe as he launched his new BBC podcast on his quest to be become a football manager.
The ex-striker spoke to students from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) about the podcast called Outside The Box for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds on a visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Jermain made 363 appearances for Spurs and scored 143 goals – making him the club’s sixth highest goal scorer – and won 57 senior caps for England and scored 20 goals.
He retired from playing professionally while at Sunderland in March 2022 and returned to Tottenham as a Club Ambassador and Academy Coach in the summer.
Jermain said: “Management was on my mind towards the end of my career. You get to that stage where you start to think realistically about how long am I going to play for and what will I do next?
“I’d started back at Tottenham as a coach at the academy when this opportunity came about. I’ve done a bit of media and a few podcasts and enjoyed being interviewed, but in terms of actually having my own podcast, that was something completely different.
“The concept was such a good idea. I thought I can go round and speak to managers I played for and pick their brain about what it takes to be a manager, the ups and downs, and what to expect. I’ve enjoyed it to be honest, it’s been really good.”
James Peacock, Managing Director of production company Folding Pocket, which made Outside The Box, and Junior Producer Joseph Sam, explained the process of making a podcast and gave students advice on their productions.
BBC Sport Presenter Liam Loftus, who interviewed Jermain, was later joined by Producer Olivia Portas. Both were in Qatar to cover the FIFA World Cup and shared their tips on filming and creating social media posts and reels.
Creative Media Production student Teti Purwanti, 47, said: “I’m a Spurs fan and it was amazing to meet Jermain Defoe in person and hear about his new podcast and career.
“It was great to have chance to learn more about podcasting and hear from people who work in the media about how they started. I’ve gained so much knowledge about how to create podcasts from coming up with ideas and scripting to presenting and recording. I made a podcast while at college, and it’s really inspired me to make more in the future.”
Daniela-Elena Moise, 20, who is studying the same course, said: “My ambition is to work in social media for a company or as an influencer. I began using it when I was young and started gaining followers, and that really motivated me to think I would like a career in social media one day.
“It was good to learn more about how you can really engage people on social media and potentially go viral. A lot depends on what you post, it can be something funny, sad or motivational. There’s no limits. Hearing from other people how they got there was really inspiring and gives you confidence to achieve your dreams.”
The students were also given a tour of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, courtesy of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, where they had the chance to see the club’s trophies, visit the players’ dressing rooms and the press room, walk up the tunnel, stand pitch side and sit in the dugout.
Find out more and apply for Creative Media here and Music courses here.
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