March 2025

Female tech experts tell students, ‘believe in yourself’

Posted on March 7, 2025March 25, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Capital City College hosted a Women in Tech event at their Mosaic@Soho campus.

Organised by the Digitals Skill Academy and run by Digital Influx, the event, International Women’s Day: Empowering Women in Design, Product & AI, featured four guest speakers who are leaders and pioneers in UX design, ethical AI tools, and more.

The speakers were: Alberta Soranzo, VP of Design, Experience and Research at Elsevier; Nimisha Patel, Head of UX Design at Symphony AI; Tara Espinosa, UX Lead at Verity; and Meg Porter, VP of Product at Vault Platform.

To a packed room, the women talked about their experiences, burnout, imposter syndrome, highs and lows in navigating careers and barriers in the tech industries for women. But with these stories came a clear love for the field of technology, and as Alberta put it, “I fell in love with interactions between humans and the machine.”

Nimisha explained that for young women just starting out and thinking about possible careers, they should consider “what skills do I have, and what job would I thrive in? What sorts my nature?”

Meg explained that “know the barriers are only as real as the industry makes them. Connect with communities, there are a lot out there who want to help. Believe in yourself, and find that confidence.”

Tara explained that for many women, starting out means that “to be good means being perfect, if not better,” in a discussion on perfection, standards, potential burnout, and ways of working.

The event was extremely popular with the audience, and we spoke to some of the CCC students attending the evening.

Niamh, a student studying T Level media and broadcast production, said: “The speakers were really good. It’s made me question and think about what opportunities there are for me as a woman, as well as what can I do and how can I push myself.”

Issac, a student studying T Level in media and broadcast production, added: “I thought the event was really lovely. They shared some great insights, and I think especially as a minority, we are really underrepresented. Just to see in a space like this, it being encouraged and fostered is something really wonderful to see. To have the opportunity to be seen and heard, it’s just beautiful. We need more things like that.”

Carl Boyd, Assistant Principal for Mosaic@Soho, said, “It was amazing to have so many people here to celebrate International Women’s Day. The topics discussed were intriguing, and the discussion of the use of AI in tech really caught my attention. Also hearing from each of our panellists who had such strong stories about how they got into tech, and the barriers they faced, was really inspiring.”

Carlo Liu, Head of Academy – Digital, added: “At the Digital Skills Academy, we don’t just celebrate women in tech—we empower them. For this year’s International Women’s Day, we hosted an incredible event dedicated to breaking barriers and creating opportunities. Our mission is that no one should be held back by financial constraints, lack of experience, or self-doubt. We provide free training, mentoring, and support to help women and underrepresented groups thrive in the digital sector.”

Want to dive into the world of media? Have a look at our T Level subjects and see if our Digital Media and Creative Computing courses could be right for you.

In2Science treat CCC students to STEM talks

Posted on March 6, 2025March 25, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Last week, the students at Capital City College (CCC)’s King’s Cross centre were treated to talks about career pathways into STEM, presented by volunteers from In2scienceUK.

Created in 2010, In2scienceUK aims to provide opportunities, knowledge and confidence for young people from low socioeconomic and under-resourced backgrounds and to improve diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.

Sitting down with early career researchers

Oran Tarjan, Employability and Progression Lead at Capital City College, said: “Today we invited In2scienceUK, who brought along a panel of speakers, which included a mix of young people studying degrees and PhDs within the STEM fields.”

From early career researchers to PhD students and TikTok stars, students learned about pathways into university and STEM research such as into the fields of genomics, pharmacology, physics and more.

However, not all career paths follow a conventional academic route, and the volunteers from In2scienceUK shared stories about their backgrounds and other routes into careers in STEM. Students also learned about the benefits of social media and networking, and they had the opportunity to ask questions about internships and work experience opportunities.

The speakers at In2science UK event. — *The speakers from In2science UK*

The student perspective

Hussain said: “I really enjoyed the programme. One thing that I liked was that there was a broad range of students that were picked, all of them obviously with different backgrounds and the courses that they picked were also very different from one another as well. It’s given insight to how each course was and also the path they took together, they explained it really well.”

Simona added: “I liked the programme. To be honest, it feels very helpful and I’m planning to ask them some questions one-on-one, because I was a bit shy to ask it like in public. Yeah, but every single talk, it was perfect because I like that they talked through the experience and what they’ve been through, their feelings and worries.”

Ali commented, “I like the programme, it showed actual students’ experiences, so it gave a refreshing insight of students and their journeys and how they progressed and they aren’t all just traditional students, like some did international study and it was nice getting those different views.”

Brian said, “I really enjoyed the panel. It was quite an inside look into, you know, the top processes behind students going into STEM. It was a really interesting look and I enjoyed like all the diverse personalities on the board.”

Oran concluded: “This was a great insight into getting into the STEM industry. It was great to hear about the speakers’ career journeys and why they decided to pick their STEM subjects. We had quite a diverse range of the panel who were able to offer insights, advice and guidance about getting into careers and STEM, but also how to get experiences and network with individuals either online or in person. The speakers gave lots of really great advice to the students, such as how students could think about where they want to get to in the future, but they’re not going to know the answer straight away and should try different things.”

See online for more information about fascinating careers in science, and what courses students can take in STEM fields at CCC.

National Careers Week

Posted on March 5, 2025March 25, 2025 by Erin Johnson

What’s your dream job, and what do you have to do to land it? This week, Capital City College (CCC) has been packed with inspiring events with top employers and expert speakers, all here to help students take the next step towards their future as part of National Careers Week.

A group of Year 12 A-Level film studies student attending an event

National Careers Week is a week-long celebration of careers guidance and educational resources across the UK to help young people develop awareness and excitement about their future pathways.

Capital City College has a wealth of resources for potential and current students looking to explore possible career paths. For students who are curious about becoming barbers, carpenters or careers in STEM fields and the digital sector, CCC has a lot to offer.

Events taking place at CCC this week:

Year 12 A Level Film Studies students from the King’s Cross centre attended a BAFTAs/ Into Film for ‘Career Insights’ event, which featured an interview with actor Susan Wokoma, who talked about her journey, experiences and insights on the industry. This was followed by a panel session of industry professionals discussing how they got into their roles and offering advice and guidance to young people on how to break into the film industry.
Creative students will be treated to a networking event for creative and digital media students hosted by Production Futures.
Dr Chinedu Agwu, a Lecturer in Biosciences at Brunel University, will be holding a talk with science students
Finance sector companies, Investment 20/20 and Fulcrum, will give a talk on how to apply to work experience opportunities.
The Investment Association in the City will be hosting Year 12 A Level students
And all week, ERIC, the free careers app for young people interested in entering creative industries, are delivering online talks about creative careers including advertising, fashion, film and TV, games, writing and journalism.

Wondering where to start?

Read some of our most clicked-on blog posts for simple, step-by-step guides on careers in construction, education, digital industries, and more!

Want to know more?

Come to one of our open days to find out more about how our courses can kick start your career.

Prospective students and parents can learn more about the courses on offer at some of the upcoming open days.

Capital City College hosts Korean students on Global Start-Up Programme

Posted on March 5, 2025March 25, 2025 by Hannah Fenton

Students from Hansung University in South Korea visit London to take part in the Global Start-Up Programme.

Capital City College (CCC) welcomed a group of 12 students from Hansung University in South Korea for the Global Start-Up Programme. The programme offers a unique course of study supporting the development of innovative and entrepreneurial activities.

The Global Start-Up Programme, which took place between the 20 January and the 31 January at the college’s Westminster centre, represented the second phase of an ongoing partnership between CCC and Hansung University. In November 2024, a group of 31 students from Hansung University took part in an online training programme with CCC which covered business basics, finance, customers and marketing. After completing the online programme, 12 participants from the Enterprise Hub at Hansung University were selected to take part in the two-week Global Start-Up Programme in London.

During the London-based programme, the Korean students attended sessions with the Visionnaires team and visited relevant departments within the college to learn more about their subject areas. They also completed presentations where they showcased their business ideas at various college centres, allowing them to discuss their enterprises and gather feedback from CCC students. In addition to their course of study, the students also enjoyed exploring London with a number of exciting sightseeing trips and cultural excursions such as a visit to the vibrant Camden Market.

The programme culminated in a live pitch session, during which the students presented their seven start-up businesses to a panel of discerning judges, including Casita Sumner, Head of Visonnaires, Chris Morgan, Commercial Director, and Professor Hong Sungjae, Head of Enterprise Incubation at Hansung University. The innovative business ideas ranged from a digital reptile enclosure to a vintage clothing-sharing platform.

Casita Sumner, Head of Visionnaires at CCC said: “Participating in the programme was an absolute pleasure! To work with a young yet enterprise-mature and focussed group of people, was a privilege. Professor Hong Sungjae, the escorting member of staff from Hansung University hit the nail on the head when he said they began as learners and are now CEOs.”

Seungeun Chang, Group Head of International Development and Operations at CCC said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Hansung University on this exciting new programme which provides students with an opportunity to experience the global start-up environment. We have been so impressed with the standard of business ideas and start-ups represented by the group and look forward to seeing what the future has in store for them.”

CCC is proud to be involved in a number of international projects and partnerships and offers a wide variety of courses for international students.

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, why not apply for our Start Your Own Business course?

What are T Levels?: Our comprehensive introduction to a modern qualification

Posted on March 5, 2025March 25, 2025 by Hannah Fenton

If you’re curious about T Levels, let our clear and concise guide fill you in on all the essential details.

Are you familiar with T Level courses? Since they were introduced in 2020, T Levels have become increasingly popular for students continuing their studies post-GCSE. At Capital City College (CCC), we offer a number of T Level courses across a range of subject areas.

You may well have heard of these newly developed courses, or you may be scratching your head and asking ‘What on earth is a T Level?’ If you’re a post-16 student looking to take your next step, we’ve got you covered with our quick introduction to T Levels.

What are T Levels in the UK?

A T Level is a two-year course that combines classroom study and practical learning with industry experience via a T Level work placement to give you the skills required to succeed in a specific profession or sector. They are aimed at students who have finished their GCSEs and offer an alternative to A Levels, Vocational Courses and Apprenticeships.

T Levels are designed with direct input from employers so they help students develop relevant skills that industries need. They are ideal if you want to get hands-on experience and learn skills that will get you a job in a technical profession such as Accounting, Healthcare or Engineering, but they also include subjects such as Childcare, Marketing, and Team Leadership.

What do T Levels involve?

T Levels involve an 80/20 split between study and placement. Students spend 80% of their time in college learning about the skills they need, and the remaining 20% of their time is spent doing a relevant industry placement where they have the chance to put their skills into action.

Every T Level student spends 315 hours over the two years (around 45 days) doing an industry placement with an employer in their chosen sector. This is carried out either in a single day at a time or in blocks of days together. Being in the workplace provides students with the opportunity to refine practical and technical skills over a significant period of time, giving them greater confidence and relevant industry experience when entering the workforce.

How are T Levels assessed?

T Levels are assessed by examining core skills and through practical tests which show how you’ve developed your skills. This can include portfolio work, group work, practical projects, and on-the-job tasks set by the employer.

T Level courses are assessed across 3 main development areas:

Core component: Knowledge and understanding of relevant contexts, concepts, theories, and principles (Graded A* to E)
Core component: Knowledge and skills relating to the skills necessary for employment in your specialist area, often relating to performance outcomes. (Graded A* to E)
An employer-set project where you develop a substantial piece of work in response to an employer-set brief and to develop and apply core employability skills (Graded pass, merit or distinction)

At the end of your T Level you’ll get a nationally recognised certificate with your overall grade (pass, merit, distinction or distinction*) and a breakdown of what you’ve achieved.

Are T Levels as good as A Levels?

Firstly, it’s also to know that one T Level is the equivalent of three A Levels. However, comparing T Levels to A Levels is a bit like comparing iPhone to Android. Both are great in different ways but, in the end, it all comes down to how you learn and what your career aspirations are.

While A Level courses are designed to prepare people for university through academic study, T Levels have been developed to equip students with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge that can support them into skilled employment. That said, T Levels are recognised by a growing number of universities and are included in their accepted entry requirements, particularly for courses related to the T Level subject area.

Are T Levels the same as BTEC?

Both T Levels and BTECs are vocational qualifications with a focus on practical skills, but there are some key differences between them.

BTECs cover a wide range of Level 1 to Level 7 qualifications across a broad range of subject areas and are aimed at learners of all ages and abilities. T Levels are much more specific as they are a 2-year Level 3 industry-focussed qualification designed for students aged 16-19 who have completed their GCSEs.

What GCSEs do you need for T Levels?

To be accepted onto a T Level course, you should be aged 16-18 and have GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or higher (or be working towards them). There may be further entry requirements depending on the subject but you can find out more about these by looking at our individual T Level courses.

Do universities accept T Levels?

A large number of higher education institutions across the UK currently accept T Level qualifications, which are the equivalent of three A Levels. In fact, 166 out of 288 UK Higher Education providers currently accept T Levels, including 17 of the 24 Russell Group Universities. The government maintains an updated list of higher education institutions that accept T Levels for entry onto their courses.

Just like A Levels, T Levels are allocated UCAS points meaning that you can apply to universities, but it’s worth noting that UCAS points are only allocated to the overall T Level grade – so you must achieve at least an overall pass grade to receive UCAS points.

Once you have achieved your T Level qualification, you have the option to apply and study at university, start a higher or degree-level apprenticeship, or move into relevant skilled employment.

What subjects can you study at T Level?

You might be surprised to learn that you can study a T Level in everything from Accounting to Content Creation. We currently offer courses across an exciting range of T Level subject areas:

At CCC, students on our T Level courses benefit from being part of our college community and have the opportunity to embrace college life. Our industry-standard facilities and equipment for T Level courses reflect our commitment to supporting T Level students and our strong employer partnerships enable us to offer a wide range of opportunities and placements to our students.

Interested in learning more? See our full list of T Level courses and come and meet us at one of our open days.

If you’re an employer looking to support your industry by supporting T Level students, why not learn more about providing T Level placements?

Capital City College teams shortlisted for Breaking Down Barriers Awards

Posted on March 3, 2025March 5, 2025 by Erin Johnson

The careers and work experience teams and Visionnaires at Capital City College (CCC) have been shortlisted for the Purpose Coalition’s Breaking Down Barriers Awards.

Run by The Purpose Coalition and sponsored by Southeastern Railway, this year’s awards recognise those teams and individuals who have made remarkable contributions to breaking down barriers and boosting social mobility across the UK.

Right Advance and Experience award

The careers and work experience teams at CCC have been shortlisted for the Right Advice and Experience ward, which recognises those who have provided exceptional career guidance, mentoring, and work experience opportunities to young people.

The teams provide tailored career advice, supporting students in navigating pathways such as apprenticeships, university applications, and vocational training. Their proactive approach includes organising career fairs, employer networking events, and mentorship programmes, bridging the gap between education and employment.

Extending Enterprise award

The Visionnaires have been shortlisted for the Extending Enterprise award. Visionnaires helps people start their own businesses by providing free workshops, mentoring, and support to turn ideas into successful ventures. Through expert-led workshops, mentorship programmes, and access to a diverse professional network, the team empowers individuals who may lack traditional business connections or resources. Their inclusive approach ensures that entrepreneurship is not limited by background, financial constraints, or lack of experience.

The Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of the Purpose Coalition and former Education Secretary, congratulated those shortlisted: “The depth and breadth of the nominees in this year’s awards are testament to the determination of our partner organisations to make a tangible difference for their colleagues, customers and the communities they serve. Measuring their activities against the framework of the 15 Goals helps show them where there are still gaps and where they can go even further in their efforts to make this country one in which everyone can reach their full potential, no matter where they are from or what their background. I look forward to meeting the winners next month when we can hear directly from organisations that are not just talking the talk on social impact but walking the walk.”

Margaret Gotlib, Assistant Principal at CCC, said: “I am immensely proud that my team, Visionnaires, has been nominated for the Extending Enterprise Award. This recognition highlights their outstanding commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and creating economic opportunities for individuals who may otherwise face barriers to starting a business.

“Visionnaires provides free, accessible support to aspiring entrepreneurs, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to turn their ideas into successful ventures. Through mentoring, investment, and community-driven initiatives, they empower individuals and small businesses to thrive. Their dedication to breaking down barriers and driving innovation makes them a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious award.”

The shortlisted teams will attend an award ceremony on 24^th March at the House of Commons.

Find out more about the work experience opportunities offered at Capital City College, and about how Visionnaires helps entrepreneurs.