Former professional footballer Dwight Gayle answering CCC student questions
In a visit to Capital City College’s Enfield campus this month, former professional footballer Dwight Gayle shared his story in an engaging Q+A session with students, where he reflected on his early passion for the game and the mindset that helped him achieve success.
Not everyone knows what career path they want to follow from a young age, and that was certainly the case for Dwight Gale. Born in Walthamstow, North East London, Dwight first studied carpentry at college, and his journey from carving wood to scoring goals was built on determination, resilience, and belief.
Asked what first sparked his love for football, Gayle credited his father. “My dad was in love with football and me being young, always saw that and got into football through him”, he says.
Growing up in Chingford, he also looked up to one of England’s most famous footballers – David Beckham, who, like Dwayne, also played for the Ridgeway Rovers in his youth career. “Being from Chingford, David Beckham was a big inspiration to me and also a reason I support Manchester United” says Dwayne – although he is yet to play for the famous Northern side, he has enjoyed a successful career at clubs including Crystal Palace and Newcastle United.
Despite training with the Ridgeway Rovers and Arsenal Youth as a teenager, his route into professional football wasn’t instant. After taking a course in carpentry and working in office refurbishment, he broke into the Football League and signed with Dagenham & Redbridge.
“It was just a climbing thing really, it was a process over time and I just stayed focused” says Dwayne. “While things like money were a factor for other people, it didn’t really motivate me like that and that’s why I think teams took a chance on me.”
He fondly recalled his first professional goal – a moment of nail-biting nerves and elation combined. “My first goal was against Gillingham for Dagenham. It was a penalty and I was really nervous and I remember just smashing the ball down the middle and feeling ecstatic.”
His proudest football moments, however, are those he shares with his family. “I have three young kids and knowing your family is proud of you and walking out with my son was really a special moment.”
Throughout the session, Dwight emphasised the power of a positive mindset and determination over natural talent – a message that resonated deeply with students.
“I’m a really big believer in mindset. I wasn’t always the most talented player, the fastest or strongest. I think blaming yourself instead of others is important and making mistakes is okay as long as you can improve on them. Making mistakes is how we grow and that’s why mindset is really important” says Dwight.
His message of perseverance left a lasting impression on students, many of whom were inspired by his honesty and determination. As a former college student himself, Gayle’s journey to Premier League pitches is a reminder of the success that can be achieved through hard work, self-belief, and the right mindset.
Want to turn your passion into a career like Dwight Gayle? Why not explore the range of courses we offer. From carpentry and construction skills, to our sports academies and more, we have something for everyone, whatever your goals.
Sixth Form students heard from award-winning youth advocate Sayce Holmes-Lewis as part of the college’s Black History Month programme.
As part of this year’s Black History Month, which focuses on the theme of “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”, students from Capital City College’s (CCC) Sixth Form in Angel attended an event on 9 October featuring Sayce Holmes-Lewis, a former professional footballer, football coach and CEO of Mentivity.
Mentivity is an organisation that provides tailored mentoring programmes as well as safe spaces for learning and development for young people through community-rooted services in the UK, Barbados, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia.
Having grown up on the Aylesbury Estate, a large housing estate in South East London, Sayce Holmes-Lewis pursued a career in professional football, coaching emerging professional players, and founded Mentivity. Following an assault by a serving police officer and numerous stop and search experiences, Sayce has also advised the Mayor of London and serves on the London Policing Board, training services on how to effectively engage with the Black community.
During his inspiring talk, Sayce shared some of his life experiences with the students, many of whom were familiar with the area in which Sayce grew up. He candidly discussed the setbacks he has encountered, highlighting how maintaining a positive mindset and reframing challenges have helped him build resilience. Sayce also talked to students about the importance of setting meaningful goals and the critical roles of both education and personal development.
The students had the opportunity to learn about the development of Mentivity House, a youth club which provides a valuable space for young people to learn and grow. Mentivity and Mentivity House are supported by a diverse network of mentors that contribute to the organisation’s various activities spanning inclusion, education, wellbeing, culture and connectedness and civic responsibility.
The event was organised by CCC Enrichment Officers, Aleena Sharif, Saranya Jeyarajah, and Fiona Small.
Fiona said: “I found Sayce’s talk to be highly engaging and inspiring. From a young age, he developed a strong internal drive, consistently setting and working towards meaningful targets, which has enabled him to achieve remarkable accomplishments. The presentation had a significant impact on both students and staff. Sayce warmly invited everyone to visit his youth club and encouraged us to take positive action.”
During the challenge, students from Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business and Level 3 Extended Diploma in Marketing courses worked on developing an original marketing campaign to answer the question “How do you get an 18-year-old to save rather than spend?” The project brief tasked the students with finding innovative ways to encourage their target audience to save money effectively.
As they worked in groups to generate ideas and build their proposal, the students received support and guidance from members of Aviva’s marketing team, including David Erixon, Marketing Director at Aviva Group. The students enjoyed having the opportunity to respond to and tackle a real-world business challenge, and they were able to develop their problem-solving skills, apply critical thinking and flex their creative muscles as they worked to hone their campaign and create their final pitch.
As well as enhancing their teamworking capabilities, the project also gave them exposure to professional methods of communication and creative collaboration. At the end of the day, the students presented their proposals to David Erixon and Desmond Corlis, Curriculum Manager for Business Studies at the Holloway campus.
The groups delivered a number of innovative ideas in their presentations, including social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, budgeting apps, and educational content designed to make saving money more attractive for young people.
The winning group of budding marketing professionals were each awarded a £10 Amazon voucher, and all of the participating students were presented with a certificate of attendance to recognise their effort and contribution to the challenge.
The team visiting from Aviva
CCC students learning about marketing
CCC students hard at work on the Aviva Marketing Challenge
Thumbs up for the Aviva Marketing Challenge
All smiles for the Aviva Marketing Challenge
Having fun in the Aviva Marketing Challenge
Taking part in the Aviva Marketing Challenge
Aviva Marketing Challenge winners
David Erixon, Marketing Director at Aviva Group said: “It has been a real pleasure to spend the day at Capital City College’s Holloway Centre working with such an engaged and creative group of Business students. Through the Aviva Marketing Challenge, students gained first-hand experience of how our marketing teams operate and think, while we benefited from valuable insights into the perspectives and aspirations of the next generation of consumers. It’s been a mutually rewarding experience that truly reflects the power of collaboration between industry and education.”
Desmond Corlis, Curriculum Manager for Business Studies, said: “The Aviva Marketing Challenge was an outstanding opportunity for our Business students to connect theory with practice. Seeing them respond creatively to a live industry brief and present their ideas with such confidence was incredibly rewarding. Collaborations like this not only enhance our students’ understanding of marketing and consumer behaviour but also inspire them to see the relevance of their studies in shaping real business decisions. We are deeply grateful to Aviva for investing their time and expertise in supporting our learners’ professional growth.”
Godwill Prinye Allison, a student on the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business course, said “My time with Aviva was very enjoyable. I felt as if i was able to show off my leadership skills as a class representative and listen and understand ideas given from my peers and the Aviva staff member who was with my group. I really enjoyed it and although their stay was short with us, I really learned a lot from the session. I really appreciate the support and knowledge they provided us.”
Uesli Balla, also a Business Student, said: “Working together showed me how important teamwork and communication are, and it gave me more confidence in sharing my thoughts. Even though I didn’t win the voucher, it was still a really good experience because I learned a lot and enjoyed working with others to bring our ideas to life”.
Capital City College continues to build strong partnerships with leading industry employers like Aviva. Our partnerships and interactions with a range of businesses and organisations mean that our students are frequently offered opportunities to gain practical experience, engage with professional networks, and develop the industry-specific knowledge needed to succeed in their future careers.
In visits to Capital City College’s Tottenham and Enfield campuses this October, researcher and historian Bill Hern gave informative talks about the lasting legacy of the Black football pioneers who broke down barriers and inspired change on and off the pitch.
Bill has always had an interest in and deep respect for Black history. “I am a historian, and I love all sorts of history”, says Bill. “I love Black history because there’s a lot to discover. I love football, but not many teams knew who their first black player was or didn’t care, but this is something I think is important to highlight.”
A powerful example of this history can be found close to home, as near our Tottenham campus is the world-famous Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, home to Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspurs, who welcomed their first Black player in 1909. Walter Tull, the grandson of an enslaved man from Barbados, played as half back and inside forward for the team for two years.
In 2020, Bill co-authored the book Football’s Black Pioneers, in which he explores the story of the first black player to represent each of the Football League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspurs’s Walter Tull and Arsenal FC’s centre-forward Brendan Batson, who signed with the club aged 17.
As Bill says, these clubs are just a few miles away from CCC’s campuses and “have a really important part to play in black football history”, and proudly champion their former players’ legacies.
Bill’s visit also opened up important conversations about modern-day racism in football. When asked what can be done to tackle racism in the sport, Bill was clear: “It’s not a football problem, it’s a society problem. Zero tolerance is really important and we need to make sure we always take action. We’ve seen examples of racist behaviour from crowds, which is totally unacceptable, and it must be challenged every time.”
For many students, the session was more than just a history lesson – it was a spark of inspiration and encouragement.
Pedro Mongo, who is studying Level 3 Sport Extended BTEC, said: “I really liked the presentation because it highlighted the Black pioneers of sport. As a Black person myself, hearing about the people who came before me and how they had to fight to reach the professional stage really inspired me. It made me want to learn more about the history and how long people have been fighting to be treated equally.”
Reflecting on his visit, Bill said he was impressed by the college and its students: “I was absolutely delighted to be invited to come and speak. The students were engaged and curious, and I hope they’ve gone away having learned something. These stories are very relevant today – when they hear one of [the players’] names in the future, I hope they’ll remember what we discussed.”
The inspirational talk was a reminder that understanding the past is essential to building a better tomorrow, and the skill and determination of football’s Black pioneers continue to inspire new generations not only to pursue their dreams, but also to challenge injustice, and in doing so, build a fairer future for all, on and off the football pitch.
This year’s Capital City College (CCC)’s Saturday Club members have completed their 30-week Film&Screen programme. The course, which is now in its second year at CCC, involved weekly sessions which ran from November 2024 to June 2025 and took place on Saturday mornings. The next cycle of the club is due to start on Saturday 8th November 2025 and will run every Saturday from 10am to 1pm until July 2026.
The National Saturday Club is a free initiative that offers young people aged 13-16 the opportunity to explore a number of activities and skills at their local college, university or cultural institution. National Saturday Clubs encourage participants to learn more about their abilities and discover new talents while meeting new people.
This year, Saturday Club members enjoyed an exciting and enriching schedule, including visits to Central Saint Martins and the Whitechapel Gallery in London. They also participated in a trip to Warner Brothers Studios, where they took part in a masterclass and gained insights into careers within film production. For the upcoming cycle, the London visit has already been booked for 22nd November at Central Saint Martins, followed by a cultural visit to the Imperial War Museum.
CCC’s Saturday Club Film&Screen programme also included a number of hands-on workshops. The Art of Movie Makeup, inspired by the Harry Potter films, enabled members to learn about physical aspects of character creation using wigs, makeup and prosthetics from the Harry Potter franchise. During the Costume Distressing workshop, they broke down the process of designing and producing costumes, analysing how and why costume designers create realistic wear and tear on garments to bring characters to life. In The Art of Foley, members discovered the crucial role of sound in film, getting first-hand experience as a foley artist.
To celebrate the completion and the achievements of CCC’s Film&Screen programme, the National Saturday Club hosted a Graduation and Summer Show at Somerset House from 12 to 15 July. The event showcased the fantastic work of National Saturday Clubs across the country across a variety of creative subjects.
Natasha Amegbe, Lecturer in Creative & Digital Media at CCC and Saturday Club Film&Screen Tutor, said: “Our National Saturday Club Film&Screen at Capital City College has been a good way for younger individuals 13+ to develop practical skills in their chosen area of interest, using equipment and developing projects that they might not have an opportunity to do so at school. As it is run on-site at college, it allows them to begin to experience education, post school. Which in turn is helping to foster future career choices, building social skills and inspiring creativity.”
If you’re aged between 13 and 16 and are interested in taking part in the next National Saturday Club Film&Screen programme at CCC, register your interest for 2025-2026 here.
Current aviation professional M’hamed Zakaria Benourida shares his experience of studying at Capital City College and details how transferable skills from his course supported him in developing a career in aviation.
Ever wondered what our students go on to do? So do we! We caught up with former Capital City College (CCC) student M’hamed Zakaria Benourida, who used skills developed during his course such as problem-solving, collaboration and creative thinking to support his move into a career in aviation.
I chose CCC because of its strong reputation for supporting students and providing excellent resources for creative courses. I chose this course because of my passion for gaming. Although I’d never done anything like it before, I was excited by the prospect of learning how to design and develop games.
What did you like best about your course?
I really enjoyed the creative freedom the course offered, allowing me to develop my own game ideas. It was fulfilling to see concepts evolve into playable games.
What did you like best about the college?
The support system was exceptional. Whenever I struggled to understand something, there was always someone to help. I also appreciated the extracurricular activities which enriched my college experience. The highlight was the sense of community and collaboration with fellow students and the opportunity to showcase our projects.
Did you face any challenges during your course? If so, how did you overcome them?
One challenge was adapting to the technical aspects of game development, as I’d never done it before. I overcame this by seeking help from tutors and collaborating with classmates to improve my skills.
“The college provided continuous academic support and career guidance, which helped me build confidence in pursuing new opportunities.”
How did the college support you during your course and as you moved into your next step?
The college provided continuous academic support and career guidance, which helped me build confidence in pursuing new opportunities.
What advice would you give to anyone considering your course?
Be open to learning and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Dive into projects with enthusiasm, and make the most of the resources and support available.
What are you doing now?
After college, I chose a different path and pursued a career in aviation. I obtained my pilot’s licence in July last year and I’m currently working towards my Flight Instructor’s Licence. I work for British Airways, having started as a Customer Experience Representative, I moved into Reservations and Ticketing, and recently began a new role as an Integrated Operations Control Flight Dispatcher. In my current role, I create flight plans for both long-haul and short-haul services, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.
Has your college course supported you in your current career?
While the course was not directly related to aviation, the problem-solving skills, creativity, and teamwork I developed have been invaluable in my professional journey.
What’s next for you?
I am focused on completing my Flight Instructor’s Licence to advance further in my aviation career.My ultimate goal is to become a commercial airline captain. However, I still enjoy playing and developing games in my free time, keeping my passion for game design alive.
M’hamed’s course was one of our many Digital Media and Creative Computing Courses, offering state-of-the-art facilities and industry-informed training to students at all levels.
Capital City College T Level students Natavius and Niamh
To celebrate T Levels week, we’ve highlighted five things that make this modern qualification a tip-top way to study.
Ever wondered about the benefits of taking T Level Courses? We’ve spoken to Capital City College (CCC) students and industry partners to get real perspectives on what makes these industry-based courses uniquely valuable.
Time Split
T Levels are two year courses that are the equivalent to three A Levels. Aimed at post-GCSE learners, they offer a unique time split combining theoretical learning and practical experience.
Typically, a T level course involves 80% classroom learning and a 20% industry placement. This means that you have time to develop your technical knowledge with your teacher while also putting it into practice on your placement.
At CCC, we make the most of this combination, using our long-standing and established experience in education along with our ever-growing network of industry links to offer placements with a range of organisations such as the North London Partnership Consortium, NHS trusts, Amazon and Willmott Dixon.
A Senior Programme Manager at Amazon said:“What made me work with Capital City College was the fact that they have a really good curriculum, they have a great partnership with us as an employer, and they are super flexible in their approach.”
Samuel Mir, a second year student studying T Level Accounting and Finance, said: “I chose this course because it was worth 3 A Levels and incorporated a mix of in class study and work experience. The thing I enjoy the most about this course is the ability to put the theory into practice when completing my work experience. […] I also like the opportunities to meet professionals from organisations such as Barclays, Amwins and C.Hoare & Co.”
Training
T Level courses enable students to get stuck into a newly designed curriculum which has been shaped to incorporate extensive practical training. A T Level also provides 315 hours (approximately 45 days) of industry placement, meaning that students get a sustained and significant period of hands-on training in a real-world setting.
Natavius Boateng-Tyndale, who is currently doing a T Level in Content Creation (Media, Broadcast and Production) said: “I enjoy doing practical courses such as filming and editing as I feel it allows me to develop my skills in these areas.”
Niamh Sammon, who is also doing a T-Level in Content Creation (Media, Broadcast and Production) chose the course due to the vast opportunities and hands-on experiences available alongside studying. She said: “I really enjoy the creative side of my course, especially coming up with ideas for projects and seeing them come to life. It’s also great working in a team and learning how the different roles in media all connect.”
Omari Bramble, who is pursuing a T level in Content Creation (Media, Broadcast and Production) said: “I chose to do T Levels because of the work experience that was offered and the versatility that they offered in the course. Through the T levels, I’ve learned how to edit, how to direct and how to act, and I think that will help me go through with whatever I want to do, whether that’s uni or a degree apprenticeship.”
Transformative
T Levels have redefined technical education for students aged 16-18 by offering them the opportunity to gain practical experience while they study without compromising on theoretical study. This regularly leads to a transformative experience for students and employers alike.
Reflecting on her placement at Amazon, Niamh said: “It’s going really well so far! I’m learning a lot about how large-scale productions are managed and getting hands-on experience with different tasks. […] It’s a great mix of classroom learning and real industry experience. The placement part really helps you understand what it’s like to work in the industry and prepares you for future careers or higher education.”
Rebecca Davies, Social Value Manager at Willmott Dixon Interiors said: “T levels have been amazing for opportunities within our business, to allow young people to come in and provide a fresh perspective on a lot of our processes that we have as a business. It’s also been a really great benefit to be able to showcase our early years recruitment process and have some feedback on that and what it looks like.”
A Tangible Trajectory
T Levels enable students to access higher education or employment. With T Level grades equating clearly to UCAS points, students have access to higher education and can apply for university courses that align with their career aspirations.
Completing a T Level course has enabled many of our current students to develop a clear vision for their next step:
Niamh said: “Right now, I’m focusing on my placement at Amazon and continuing my T Level work. I’m building my skills in production and broadcasting and thinking about what area of media I’d like to specialise in next.”
Natavius added: “I would like to go on to university to study Multimedia Journalism in hopes of becoming a journalist.”
Samuel said: “I would recommend doing a T Level to others because it gives you experience and helps you develop key transferable skills in your choice of study. My next goal is to complete my year 2 projects and secure a degree apprenticeship or university place.”
T Levels support the development of a talented and employable workforce. In fact, around a third of students who go into employment after their T Level course get jobs with their T Level Industry Placement provider. They must be doing something right!
A Senior Project Manager for the NHS in North Central London Cancer Alliance said, “We have chosen to work with Capital City College because of the commitment to developing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our workforce strategy is looking to future-proof the NHS.”
A Senior Programme Manager at Amazon said: “The biggest benefit from having T level students is really having that diversity of thought coming into your early talent pipeline. We are seeing T level students becoming our degree apprentices and delivering amazing programs and projects within the organization.”
Capital City College currently offers the following range of T Level Courses:
Tania from On the Record, delivering a workshop for CCC students
Last week, Capital City College (CCC) students were challenged to think differently about law and society, thanks to a thought-provoking workshop run by On the Record, a non-profit organisation that specialises in oral history, co-production and creative media.
Held over two days at our Angel campus on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 October, the sessions were delivered during a tutorial session to A level students studying mixed subjects, to help them learn how old laws still affect life today.
Students looked closely at images, talked about what they saw, and worked together to understand how unfair treatment in the past still affects people today. The sessions encouraged critical thinking and conversation.
CCC students working together at On the Record workshop
A whiteboard of students’ thoughts for On the Record workshop
CCC Enrichment officer Saranya Jeyarajah said: “I really enjoyed how interactive the workshop was. Learners stayed fully engaged throughout, which made the experience much more meaningful. By the end, I felt I had gained a much clearer insight into how historical events and laws continue to shape the world we live in today.”
Enrichment officer Fiona Small added: “The workshop was truly eye-opening and very informative. It shed light on important issues that are often overlooked and sparked valuable conversations among the learners.”
Enrichment officer Aleena Sharif said: “The workshop was well-rounded and thoughtfully designed. It created a safe space for students to think critically and ask questions, which I believe really boosted their confidence in analysing and interpreting information.”
At the end of the workshop, students shared their ideas on a whiteboard. This showed how much they had learned, from looking at pictures to understanding how laws affect people’s lives. Workshops like this help students ask questions, think for themselves and understand the world better.
Want to learn more about the connections between law, history and society? Why not have a look at the courses we offer? From applied science, hair and beauty, to history and English literature and more, we have lots of courses to choose from.
Trent Building, University of Nottingham. Photo by Barry Mangham, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
We hear from former student Artur Florowski and learn about how completing a T Level course helped him to pursue his interest in science at university.
Ever wondered what people go on to do after T Levels? We chatted to former Capital City College (CCC) student Artur Florowski to find out about his experience of completing his T Level Science course with us and where it has led him.
When I was in Year 9 or Year 10, someone came in and gave a talk about T Levels. After my GCSEs, I was hoping to get into my high school sixth form, but I didn’t get the grades they wanted.
I met with a group of my friends and we started visiting other schools. We found a school that did a T Level in Science, and I decided to do it. I didn’t really enjoy the first year – it was more about the theoretical side of things, which was a bit harder than the practical work. I decided to switch to Capital City College for my second year.
What did you like about Capital City College?
I really appreciated the fact that the careers team tried their hardest to find me a work experience placement because I needed to pick up my hours. In T levels, you need to have 315 hours completed by the end of your course to pass, and I hadn’t done any with my previous school in my first year of T levels.
The main reason I switched to Capital City College was that I didn’t really want to be spoon-fed. If I wanted support, I knew I could go up and ask for what I needed. I also really liked the fact that the college employs highly-skilled and qualified tutors to teach the subjects.
What did you like about your course?
I really enjoyed the fact that the assessments for the second year weren’t exam-based or written assessments, but were practical activities like experiments.
Where was your placement?
After my initial placement didn’t work out, the careers team at the college worked really hard to find me one near the Angel campus at Meira GTX, which is a privately owned laboratory that specialises in making vaccines and treatments for lots of different diseases.
What did you like about your placement?
I liked the fact that it was more hands-on than being in a classroom, and the real life experience of working in a laboratory, especially one that’s as big as Meira GTX. On the first day, they walked me around the whole building, and then as time went on I started to shadow different members of staff across different parts of the team. They had one part of the team which prepared all the solutions and buffers that they needed, and I contributed to that system. Also, everybody was friendly, and my supervisor was a really nice guy.
What kind of skills did your placement help you develop?
I definitely learned more about working in a team, because I had to meet strict deadlines. Most of the chemicals they were using only had a two-week or three-week lifespan, so members of the team who were making certain parts of a vaccine would message me to let me know what they needed and when, and I would have to create that buffer on that day.
How did completing a T Level support you in your next step?
I had no problems with getting offers from multiple universities, but I hadn’t applied to many of the more competitive ones. When it came to results day, I got a merit, which is the equivalent to 120 UCAS points. I went through clearing and phoned up multiple universities, including Reading and Leicester, and they all offered me biomedical or biochemistry degree courses. On the final day of clearing, I called up Nottingham, and they offered me a place to study medicinal and biological chemistry.
How has doing a T Level at CCC supported you at university?
At college you had to make your own notes, and that has really influenced me and encouraged me to use different sorts of software to make notes during lectures so that I can look over them afterwards. Uni is a big step up in terms of content and I’m finding it a bit challenging but I know I’ll figure it out eventually.
What advice do you have for anyone considering a T Level?
Don’t be discouraged by not doing a traditional A Level course as, at the end of the day, if you can get a decent grade, most universities will still accept you. It’s pretty much like doing an A Level, but you get hands-on experience at the same time. I feel that if I hadn’t done that 315-hour work placement, it would have been a lot more difficult to try and persuade higher-ranking universities to accept me onto the course.
What’s next for you?
I’m thinking about applying to be an intern at Meira GTX again over the summer, and since I’m pursuing medicine or biochemistry, it links to that sort of laboratory vaccine sourcing. But what I’m hoping for is either to work in the NHS as a lab analyst or to become a drug representative for a pharmaceutical company.
If you’re interested in a post-GCSE course of study that combines academic skills and practical experience, take a look at our T Level Courses.
To mark World Mental Health Day, we explore the things that you can do to look after your mental health in the face of various crises around the world.
It’s World Mental Health Day, an annual global event that aims to raise mental health awareness – so what better time to think about how you’re feeling. This year, the World Federation for Mental Health has outlined the theme of “access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies” – so how are current global crises affecting you?
For those facing or fleeing conflict, natural disasters or public health emergencies, mental health can be an urgent matter requiring immediate professional support. If you’re not directly affected by these events, you may feel compelled to stay up-to-date with what’s happening around the world, but it’s important to consider how you absorb and deal with this information in order to safeguard your mental health.
Feeling overwhelmed?
A desire to stay informed may lead to constant exposure to news stories all day and in every setting, making it tricky to manage how much information we take in. It can feel like the world is constantly in crisis, with bad news wherever we turn – and this can be overwhelming.
Feeling overwhelmed can lead to a number of physical, mental and emotional responses – and over time, these can impact your health.
Physical impacts: aches and pains, tiredness, digestive issues, disrupted sleep, nail biting
Mental impacts: difficulty concentrating, trouble making decisions, low motivation, problem with memory, worrying non-stop
Emotional impacts: feeling irritable, angry, sad, numb, despair, or simply feeling stuck
Set boundaries
Think about how much news and information about global events is healthy for you as an individual. Set yourself a limit in terms of time or frequency and try to stick to it. Remind yourself that it’s okay to take a break from the news and, if it’s helpful, turn off news notifications and unfollow or limit access to social media accounts that make you feel anxious. We know that using devices such as phones and tablets at night can disrupt sleep, so avoid reading or scrolling before bed.
Be present
If you are feeling overwhelmed, engage in activities that bring your focus to the present moment. You could try mindfulness exercises, talk a walk, or do something creative – whatever works to bring you back into the here and now. Having phone-free times (e.g. meal times) and places (e.g. your bedroom) can also help you to stay present and manage your exposure to a constant flow of news.
Focus on what you can do
There are lots of big, scary things going on in the world, and it’s easy to feel helpless in the face of these global crises. You can combat this by thinking carefully about what you can do. You can volunteer your time and energy to support charities, community organisations and initiatives that matter to you. You can also sign petitions and write to your MP about specific issues.
Rest
Being constantly connected to global events can lead to you feeling unable to rest, and rest is essential to our mental health and wellbeing. Taking time to care for yourself doesn’t mean that you don’t care about others. Fill your own cup with creative and calming activities that bring you peace, whether it’s reading a book or chilling on the sofa with friends.
Connect with others
Connecting with others is a great way to battle feelings of overwhelm, so plan some quality time with friends and family and make time to talk to them about any feelings of worry or anxiety. It can be tricky to begin a conversation about mental health, but you can start by saying “I’ve been feeling stressed/worried/anxious and I just need someone to talk to.”
Ask for help
If you’re struggling with feelings of overwhelm, anxiety or notice that your mental health is suffering for any reason, ask for help. You may have family or friends you can talk to, but there are also plenty of external avenues for support.
If you’re a Capital City College (CCC) student and you’re concerned about your mental health, get in touch with the Support and Wellbeing team, who are there to support students with advice and information.
Last month, the staff and students at our Tottenham campus were buzzing to welcome an extra-special guest for a visit – actor and radio presenter Jassa Ahluwalia.
In celebration of World Heritage Day, Jassa, who has appeared in hit TV series including BBC’s Peaky Blinders and Unforgotten, spoke to over 250 students about his mixed British and Indian heritage and the idea of “otherness”, which are major themes in his latest book, Both Not Half.
“We were delighted to welcome Jassa Ahluwalia, author, actor and activist to our college to share his story about his heritage, his experience of dual heritage with a Punjabi father and English mum and his book #BothNotHalf”, says Bimmy Rai, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Capital City College.
“With over 250 students in attendance, his powerful talk sparked conversations about identity, belonging, and representation, and left a lasting impact on our learners. The standing-room-only event highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and inspired.”
The visit was a resounding success, and following his inspiring talk, Jassa offered students a unique insight into his career and what it’s really like working as a professional actor in the creative industry. He spoke about the highs and challenges he has experienced, shared reflections and practical tips for aspiring performers and recalled what first drew him to acting.
Jassa Ahluwalia and Bimmy Rai MBE
Jassa Ahluwalia
Actor Jassa Ahluwalia
His star power was evident from an early age, as shown in a heartwarming home video of him dancing as a child in India. Reflecting on the clip, Jassa spoke about the “deep sense of belonging and joy [he] has always found in performing”, and it’s clear that this natural stage presence has been with him since childhood.
When asked about the highlight of his work as an actor, Jassa had not one, but two answers – the flexibility and the opportunities for learning. “Whether it’s a new script, a new idea, or something new thematically, it keeps me flexible and open to learning,” he said. “No two days are the same.”
Yet while the variety is rewarding, Jassa was also candid about the flip side of the profession. The hardest part about being an actor, he explained, is “the precarity, the instability and the impact of the cost of living.” He wisely cautioned that “acting is not a stable profession.”
He also had useful advice to offer young people keen to break into the creative industry at the moment.
“Find people around you who are on the same path,” he said. “The creative industries often try and convince you that you need to be some sort of maverick, genius, or individual, going at it alone… but you’re not going to find happiness, joy, or success that way.”
working together, solidarity and collaboration…ultimately, that is where you’re going to find that day-to-day happiness
The most important thing, Jassa said, is “working together, solidarity and collaboration…ultimately, that is where you’re going to find that day-to-day happiness.”
He went on to advise that high moments in the industry, such as “performances, award ceremonies and book launches, are fleeting”, and that the friendships and relationships you build on the way to achieving success are far more valuable.
Jassa’s visit was more than just a talk – it was a celebration of identity, resilience and creativity. His honesty about the challenges of the acting profession, combined with his encouragement to value collaboration and community, left students feeling inspired and empowered.
Above all, his messages served as a reminder that success is not only about individual achievements, but about the connections we build, and the support we offer others along the way.
If you’re feeling inspired after reading about Jassa’s experiences, take a look at the acting and performance courses we offer. From theoretical knowledge to practical acting techniques, these courses are designed to equip students to pursue careers in performance.
Woman listening to music on computer – Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Interested in following in the footsteps of Fred Again or Flava D? Learn about becoming a music producer with our helpful guide.
Have you ever listened to a piece of music and noticed how the different elements come together? From the bassline to the beat, every element works together to enhance the melody or the vocals. The person responsible for placing each piece of the musical puzzle just where it needs to be is usually a music producer.
The UK is well-known for its music scene, and a city as vibrant and eclectic as London offers many opportunities for those looking to sharpen their skills and create unique soundscapes. If you find yourself getting lost in the layers of music and have an ear for orchestrating rhythms and tunes, then perhaps Music Production is a career pathway worth considering.
What is a music producer and what do they do?
A music producer is someone who uses their creative and technical skills to build pieces of music for artists or commercial clients.
They work with a track from its initial stages to its final release, often developing a creative vision, recording instrumentalists or vocalists, building arrangements, mixing tracks to ensure each element fits in as intended, mastering tracks, and giving them a final polish to make sure they sound great whether they’re played through earpods or giant festival speakers.
FUN FACT: British rapper and actor Little Simz studied at Capital City College and has publicly expressed her thanks to the college for accepting her onto its Music Production course.
What does it take to become a music producer?
In order to become a music producer, you’ll need a blend of creative and technical skills:
Musical ability – You’ll need a strong understanding of how music works, including harmony, rhythm, structure and other theoretical knowledge.
Technical skills – As you’ll be working with complex software and electronic equipment, you’ll need to have an interest in fully understanding how the tools of your trade work and also be driven to experiment, learn and problem solve when needed.
Innovative outlook – Being able to experiment with sounds and come up with new ideas is vital in this role. You’ll also have a knack for taking a vision and raw ideas and turning them into completed works.
Good communication – Whether you’re working with clients, artists or other studio staff, you’ll need to communicate your idea clearly, give constructive feedback and be able to build a rapport with people in a short space of time.
Persistence – Producing can be a long process, with frustrations, creative blocks and glitches popping up along the way.
A good (and attentive) ear – You’ll need to be detail-oriented, able to spot discrepancies in the mix and have a good ear for how things sound.
A brain for business – Being a music producer isn’t just about creative skills. You’ll also need to work with contracts, royalties and perhaps dabble in marketing.
Are music producers in demand in the UK?
The UK continues to be a global powerhouse in the international music scene, and the UK music industry continues to grow, both in creativity and in terms of its contribution to the UK economy.
It’s fair to say that the rise in independent artists has increased the need for skilled music producers. While artists may no longer rely on major labels to distribute their music, they still require the expert input and technical skills of a music producer to support them in building and refining their tracks.
What qualifications do I need to become a music producer?
There are various routes to becoming a music producer including BTECs, foundation or bachelor’s degrees, and apprenticeships. And while raw talent and passion are vital in this creative role, being able to learn your craft in a structured learning environment furnished with industry-standard equipment gives any budding producer a clear edge.
“Our courses offer a good mix of performance and production, and nowadays you need knowledge of both of those skills nowadays to progress into the music industry. As a learner on those courses, you have some choice about what skills you want to develop, where you want to take your musical journey and your musical learning during the one or two years that you’re with us. We provide our students with the platform to get to the next steps – a lot of our students go to university or music school, and some go straight into the industry.”
How much does a music producer make?
Earnings for music producers vary depending on whether you’re developing your own tracks or working alongside other artists. Some music producers are self-employed and provide freelance services, while others work in-house at record companies or for large entertainment brands creating large amounts of creative music content.
Music producers can earn money in different ways, such as:
Production fees – a pre-agreed payment for working on a track or album
Royalties – an agreed percentage of the money made by a song through sales, streaming and radio play
Publishing splits – a share of the publishing rights for contributing to songwriting
Many music producers work on an hourly basis, with fees ranging from £25 to £55 per hour for those starting out in the industry and increasing to up to £200 per hour for more experienced producers with well-recognised skills. A small proportion of producers with a very strong reputation for helping artists create hit records are able to negotiate higher fees and substantial royalties.
Career progression
The music industry continues to evolve with technological advances coming into play all the time, so it’s vital that you keep learning and improving your technical skills.
Bigger employers, such as the BBC, often offer training in-house, and you could become a member of an organisation such as the Music Producers Guild which offers support, training and valuable information about opportunities for funding. It’s important to stay up-to-date with current trends and opportunities by reading industry-specific publications such as Music Week.
With most producers working freelance or on fixed term contracts, you’ll have to multitask and continue working on your own projects and building your portfolio, while also promoting your skills and services to potential clients.
Working as a music producer can lead towards other creative careers such as music administration or management, studio management, or radio production.
Next steps
So what should you do next?
If you’re not already, start experimenting with free trials of music software such as Garageband, Reaper or Ableton Live. You could even start building a basic portfolio to demonstrate your skills and creativity.
Come along to an Open day at CCC to learn more about what we offer and check our industry-standard equipment.
Whether you’re keen to stay behind the scenes or step into the limelight as an artist, being a music producer is all about blending a technical understanding of music with artistic skills. With the right training and a creative outlook, you too could find yourself putting together tracks that bring people joy and set the world alight.
