February 2026

Celebrating progress and championing diversity for LGBT+ History Month

Posted on February 28, 2026February 27, 2026 by Erin Johnson

Thumbs up for LGBTQ+ history month — Thumbs up for LGBT+ history month

Capital City College’s campuses hosted special events as part of LGBT+ History Month 2026.

Students and staff at Capital City College’s (CCC) campuses took part in an LGBTQ+ History Fair this month, with students being treated to fairs at Westminster and Angel, and a bulletin board of LGBTQ+ heroes at Enfield.

CCC Enrichment Officers, Saranya Jeyarajah, Fiona Small and Aleena Sharif reported back about the popular event held at our Angel campus.

The event, which took place in the canteen, focused on the theme of this year’s LGBT+ History Month, Science and Innovation, celebrating progress and highlighting the importance of equality and diversity within this field.

Students were able to engage with organisations, learn about community-groups and discover new ways to champion equality and diversity through interactive stands. The students were able to have meaningful conversations with the representatives and ask questions. Various representatives from the organisations praised the college’s exceptionally warm and welcoming atmosphere and commented on the proactivity and engagement of the students with the topics being highlighted at the event.

The LGBTQ+ History Month Fair also included Q&A sessions which offered insights into different perspectives. Speakers and representatives from organisations included, Metro Charity, Switchboard, Gendered Intelligence, Moorhead, Brook, Islington Mind, Blossom LGBT and Mosaic.

During these interactions, students were able to learn more about LGBT+ History Month and gain insight into the important work done by external organisations to support young people who identify with the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to providing an opportunity for discussion and learning, the event also had a celebratory and festive feel, with music, fresh popcorn, and a souvenir station.

Celebrating LGBTQ+ history month at Angel

Preparing the popcorn at our LGBTQ+ history month fair at Angel

The event was organised by Saranya Jeyarajah, Fiona Small and Aleena Sharif with support from CCC students.

Saranya said: “The turnout from both students and organisations was outstanding, and it was fantastic to see such strong engagement across the community. The Student Union’s contribution was especially valuable and played a key role in making the event a success.”

Fiona said: “It was encouraging to see such strong engagement from our students with the range of organisations in attendance, each offering valuable information within their areas of expertise. Our student helpers were excellent ambassadors, supporting the event by distributing merchandise and positively engaging with their peers. Overall, the atmosphere was extremely positive and reflected the strength of our college community.”

Aleena said: “It was wonderful to see the student body come together in such a spirited and inclusive way. From the engaging organisation stands to the music and popcorn, every detail contributed to a wholesome environment that made everyone feel welcome. It was a brilliant celebration of community spirit and a testament to the importance of hosting such diverse and educational events on campus. A big thank you to the student executive team who helped support the running of the event.”

Events such as the LGBTQ+ History Fair are an important aspect of College Life at CCC – showcasing how the Enrichment team work alongside the Student Union to organise events that benefit the college community.

At CCC, our students benefit from opportunities to celebrate together, support each other, and can join an exciting range of student-run activities. If you’re interested in studying within an inclusive and diverse college community, take a look at our excellent range of courses.

BBC One spotlights student opinions on Meta’s new Instagram safety alerts

Posted on February 27, 2026February 27, 2026 by Erin Johnson

The BBC One film crew interviewing CCC Westminster students

Yesterday, a BBC film crew interviewed Capital City College (CCC) students to discuss upcoming rules being rolled out by Meta about young people’s use of Instagram.

Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, is due to introduce suicide alerts, notifying parents on their phones if their children are accessing content on Instagram related to suicide and self-harm.

While this subject is proving divisive among members of the public, the BBC was curious to hear from young people to learn their thoughts.

Five Front-of-House students studying hospitality from our Westminster campus sat down with the film crew to talk about it.

Some CCC students at our Westminster campus — Some of the CCC students at our Westminster campus

Tyler, a second-year student said: “I think it’s a really good idea because protecting the children should be a number one priority for all companies.”

Bea, a fellow student disagreed: “But also at the same time, it could also be really invasive for the child who might not want their parents to know about this.”

Scott added: “I am giving consent for them to see what I’ve been watching, but for it to go on behind my back… I’d feel a bit uncomfortable.”

The clip aired on BBC One during the six o’clock news programme and again at ten that evening.

Determination and direction: Former student Isaac Kamidiora on finding his North Star

Posted on February 26, 2026February 24, 2026 by Erin Johnson

How to find your way when you don’t have the exam results you wanted? For one former CCC student, disappointment on results day was the catalyst for change.

As a youth activist, Isaac Kamidiora advocates for stronger youth participation in decision-making and policymaking. He serves as Chair of Springpod’s Future Makers Advisory Board, as one of the youngest members of the EY Foundation’s Youth Voice Forum, and as a Youth Advisor to novi FUTURES.

Alongside this, Isaac represents youth voices across high-profile platforms, delivering speeches at the House of Commons, the Council of Europe, and the Institute of Student Employers. He is also a presenter and a 2025 BAFTA Young Presenter Finalist, having hosted award shows such as Springpod’s The Shift and presented content for global organisations including LinkedIn.

But a year ago, former Capital City College (CCC) student Isaac’s career was just beginning. Following a disappointing GCSE results, Isaac worked hard to succeed in his resits and began a T Level course in Media at CCC. He credits his time at CCC as being influential in helping him find his passion for youth advocacy.

Tell us about your post-GCSE education journey?

It began in 2024 when I got my GCSE results — they were below the national average. But I made a promise to myself that I was going to turn it around.

At the time, I was really interested in media, so I enrolled onto a T Level at CCC. The course gave me experience and really helped me develop my identity as a creative.

But I still felt I had more to give academically, so I started reaching out to sixth forms. I did eventually get an offer from my current sixth form, but the condition was that I’d need to resit my English GCSE and improve my grade.

There were moments where I questioned my abilities, but I’m grateful for the ups and downs that experience gave me. I’ve just sat my first A Level mocks and came out with an A*, an A, and an A, which shows that those early labels don’t define where you end up.

What changed things for you?

I got into a programme through CCC where my teacher recommended me for Career Ready, a programme where I was matched with a mentor and got a paid two-week internship at a major real estate firm.

That played a huge role in rebuilding my confidence and mindset. Career Ready opened my eyes to a pathway I’d never thought was achievable for me before.

How did you get into public speaking?

While at CCC, my T Level class came second place in a competition. There was a really cool opportunity to be on a panel with the Mayor of London, and I offered to speak.

I loved it. It felt incredible to share my perspective in a room full of important people and feel like my views were being valued. I even got to network with people afterwards and was offered another opportunity on the spot. Since then, I haven’t stopped.

You were a finalist for the 2025 BAFTA Young Presenters competition. What was that like?

One of the best experiences of my life. Being at CCC was amazing for getting me on my feet and connecting to the organizations that I work with now. While I was there, they took us to BAFTA for a taster day, where they were also promoting their Young Presenter competition, so I filmed a self-tape and sent it off.

Then I got an email from BAFTA saying I’d made it to the finals. It was the first time I’d ever reached the final of anything, let alone a national competition with over a thousand applicants.

Even though I didn’t win, I got so much out of it. This led to opportunities like hosting a national awards show and presenting content for LinkedIn’s global Jobs on the Rise report.

So even if you don’t “win”, the platform you can build from putting yourself out there can be just as powerful.

You’ve spoken in Parliament twice. Tell us about that.

I’ll always remember a few months earlier, walking past Parliament on Westminster Bridge with a friend and saying, “I’m going to be in there by the end of the year.”

The first time I was invited to speak, it was for a five-minute speech where I spoke about my journey and why real-world skills matter. From being someone who got poor GCSE grades, to be delivering a speech in the seat of power in my country, it genuinely was one of the best moments of my life.

I was later selected for a roundtable discussion with a Lord on identity, race and being a minority in Britain. From that conversation, I was chosen to speak at the Council of Europe, bringing together parliamentarians from across the continent. These experiences pushed me to start advocating for youth inclusion at the highest levels of decision-making.

What is your advice for other young people?

First, you have to be your biggest cheerleader. Sometimes you’ll be the only person who believes in your potential. You need to back yourself before anyone else does, because doors don’t open for people who play small about who they are or what they’re capable of.

Secondly, never take “no” as the final answer. You genuinely never know what can come from a follow-up email, or simply asking again.

Finally, give yourself time. There’s so much pressure to have everything figured out, but it’s okay if you don’t yet. You will find your North Star, just give yourself time. Mine has always been knowing that I have something to give to the world, whatever form that takes.

If you’re thinking about your next step post-GCSE, CCC can offer you a range of pathways. Whether you are interested in A Level courses at our Sixth Form in Angel or our A Level courses at our King’s Cross campus, exploring T Level courses or apprenticeships, there are options to suit students of all backgrounds.

Crossing continents, building futures: South Korean students thrive through CCC’s exchange programmes

Posted on February 24, 2026February 24, 2026 by Erin Johnson

The arrival of a South Korean delegation marked the start of a series of international exchange programmes, where Capital City College (CCC) hosted visitors from Pohang University and Hansung University.

This January, students arrived in London as part of a three-week Global Training Programme. Specialising in engineering, hospitality as well as nursing and physiotherapy, students were treated to activities to help increase their confidence in speaking English while gaining practical insight into education, employment and professional life in the UK.

Their schedule included city tours and cultural visits to museums and exhibitions alongside industry field trips and specialist workshops based on their area of study, including to the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, the Tower Bridge Engine Rooms, and the Royal College of Nursing.

A visit to the Tower Bridge Engine rooms

Behind the scenes at Westminster's kitchens — Behind the scenes at Westminster’s kitchens

Exploring skills, building confidence

Students from Pohang University took part in internal workshops tailored to their fields of study. While the hospitality group explored baking skills at Westminster, and the nursing and physiotherapy students attended a workshop at our Tottenham campus, the engineering group carried out a practical activity to experience how engineering is run in the UK further education sector. They were paired up with Level 3 Year 2 students to guide them with the practical activity and answer their questions about life and education in the UK.

Keen to show the students the value of their course and skills in the real world, our Enterprise, Employability and Careers team delivered interactive, discussion‑led, classroom‑based workshops as part of the wider three‑week exchange and the college’s broader workplace skills provision.

The sessions focused on career development, understanding global labour markets, exploring career journeys and job sectors, and using LinkedIn. This careers‑focused element gave students opportunities to gain confidence speaking English by describing their skills, interests and future aspirations while developing professional connections for long‑term career development.

Philippa Cooke, Employability and Careers Manager at CCC, said, “It was a pleasure to work with such a thoughtful and engaged group of students. The sessions were about giving them space to reflect on their direction, build confidence in using professional English, and see their future careers as something that can grow and change over time.”

The success of this visit in supporting international visitors, strengthening global partnerships, and equipping students with transferable skills follows on from the Global Startup Programme, delivered in partnership with CCC’s Visionnaires team, convened in two phases.

Pitching business ideas

The initial online project saw 50 students from Hansung University pitch a potential business idea, and the 17 shortlisted visitors arrived in London for a two-week scheme which included face-to-face sessions with Visionnaires tutors, an internal market test and a networking experience in a co-working space to give them a better idea of how start-ups and businesses operate in the UK.

The course concluded with a pitching presentation, which saw the students present their business ideas to a team of four judges and receive valuable feedback to prepare them for real-life product pitching.

The judges included representatives from Grow London Local, each of whom had a virtual £50,000 to invest in any projects they saw potential in, but there could only be one winner – congratulations go to Eo Yunmi, who won an impressive £52,000 in virtual investments.

The positive feedback from students showed the impact of the exchange, with student Sangha Im calling it “the best programme”, and “a great opportunity to broaden my global perspective.”

Student Hanjun Lee said “The Visionnaires mentoring sessions helped me realise how important it is to build strong English conversation skills and communicate clearly. I also learned that having a well-structured presentation and a deep understanding of the topic makes a big difference. Overall, the feedback was practical and improved my confidence and direction during the CCC programme.”

The resounding successes of these visits were keenly felt by participants and teaching staff, who valued the opportunities they offered for strengthening their business acumen, improving their English skills, and bolstering their confidence – transferable skills that will support their future careers, both in South Korea and in an increasingly global world.

Empowering Green education: Taiwanese visitors explore the Green Skills Academy

Posted on February 20, 2026February 23, 2026 by Erin Johnson

2026 Taiwan TVET Green Skills Delegation

Capital City College hosted delegates from Taiwan University at the Green Skills Academy for a day of inspiring and insightful international knowledge exchange.

A group of 16 delegates from Taiwan University visited the Capital City College (CCC) Green Skills Academy at our Tottenham campus to learn about green energy and sustainable technology education practices. The group included professors, assistant professors, teachers, department leaders, principals and directors from Taiwan’s technical and vocational education (TVET) sector.

The visit began with an informal networking session and a presentation about CCC and the Green Skills Academy, which highlighted the academy’s mission and shared the key milestones achieved since its launch in 2022. This was followed by a tour of the academy’s Green Labs, where the visitors saw examples of student work across green technology, retrofitting, renewable energy, sustainable construction and future‑focused skills development.

Taiwan TVET Green Skills 2026 delegation

During the visit, the delegates explored effective ways to integrate renewable energy skills into curriculum design, which will help to inform their work within Taiwan’s vocational training systems. The visiting educators enjoyed learning about the teaching methods, industry partnerships and seeing the hands-on learning environments available at the Green Skills Academy. They were impressed by the clear staff investment in student progress and both the visitors and Green Skills Academy representatives enjoyed sharing their knowledge and insights while discussing different perspectives and ideas.

Mishary Alfahad, Head of Academy Green Industries at CCC, said: “We’re proud that our work is reaching international audiences and contributing to global conversations around sustainability and green skills. A huge thank you to our visitors from Taiwan for making the journey and for the meaningful discussions – we look forward to future collaboration.”

The Green Skills Academy aims to address the longstanding skills shortage in the construction sector and target green careers. Our flexible courses also include employability skills, work experience, support with applications, careers sessions with industry partners and mentoring – all while supporting the emergence of a skilled workforce with the ability to retrofit environmentally friendly energy systems and reduce emissions.

If you’re interested in green careers, take a look at our Green Skills Academy Courses.

São Paulo Education Ministry explores UK apprenticeships at Westminster

Posted on February 18, 2026February 16, 2026 by Erin Johnson

Last month, Capital City College (CCC) welcomed a senior delegation from the São Paulo State Secretariat of Education to its Westminster campus.

The delegation formed part of an official UK visit focused on skills, vocational education and apprenticeships. Delegates were meeting with the UK Government and leading skills providers to explore developments in the UK skills and technical education system, including CCC.

Their visit to our campus focused on gaining insight into:

How qualifications and apprenticeships are delivered
Technical and higher-level apprenticeships
The role of employers, colleges and awarding organisations
How programmes are designed and supported by employers

The São Paulo Ministry was particularly interested in how elements of the UK apprenticeship model could be adapted to support skills reform in Brazil, and in identifying opportunities for future partnerships and exchange programmes.

During the visit, CCC showcased how its post-16 skills and apprenticeship system operates in practice. A highlight of the day was a visit to CCC’s Level 3 Culinary Arts apprentices, where the delegation met apprentices working in the kitchens as they prepared lunch in a busy, professional setting.

Following the visit, discussions are underway on potential future collaboration.

Debbie Houghton, Group Principal Apprenticeships, Partnerships & Innovation at Capital City College, said: “We were very pleased to welcome our guests from São Paulo. Visits like this help us share ideas and learn from each other, while supporting skills development around the world.”

This visit highlights CCC’s role as an international player in apprenticeship delivery, and its growing contribution to global skills development through partnerships.

Mosaic@Soho welcomes Indonesian embassy officials to explore future collaboration

Posted on February 16, 2026February 16, 2026 by Erin Johnson

His Excellency Desra Percaya and colleagues from the Indonesian Embassy at Capital City College's Mosaic@Soho campus — His Excellency Desra Percaya and colleagues from the Indonesian Embassy in the podcasting suite at Capital City College’s Mosaic@Soho campus

Colleagues at Capital City College’s Mosaic@Soho campus recently welcomed His Excellency Desra Percaya and colleagues from the Indonesian Embassy in London for a visit focused on future collaboration, global learning and creative exchange.

The visit centred on exploring how Mosaic@Soho and the Indonesian Embassy could work together to create meaningful international opportunities for students and opened up exciting conversations about long-term strategic partnership opportunities.

Discussions included the potential for international student exchange programmes and collaboration on curriculum development, enabling learners to gain valuable global perspectives while showcasing the creativity and innovation taking place in London’s thriving creative industries.

Alongside longer-term ambitions, the conversation also explored more immediate ways to collaborate. These included opportunities for the Indonesian Embassy to use Mosaic@Soho as a media and events location, as well as possibilities for embassy staff to work directly with students in real working environments. These hands-on collaborations could give students authentic industry experiences while supporting the Embassy’s communications and creative activity.

His Excellency Desra Percaya and colleagues from the Indonesian Embassy learning about international partnerships with CCC

His Excellency Desra Percaya from the Indonesian Embassy

Carl Boyd, Assistant Principal at Capital City College’s Mosaic@Soho campus, shared an account of the day:

“It was a real privilege to welcome His Excellency Desra Percaya and colleagues from the Indonesian Embassy London to Mosaic@Soho today.

“His Excellency and his team were an absolute pleasure to host and fully embraced everything our specialist spaces have to offer. They got hands on with the TV cameras in our studio, recorded a short podcast in our podcast suite, jumped onto the virtual production stage and even suited up in the VICON motion capture kit in our green screen. Seeing that level of enthusiasm and curiosity was fantastic.

“Moments like this show the power of education to build international connections that directly benefit students, staff and communities. I’m really looking forward to seeing how this partnership develops.”

Catering and hospitality students shine at 10 Downing Street

Posted on February 12, 2026February 12, 2026 by Erin Johnson

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meeting Capital City College students during National Apprenticeships Week

Our catering and hospitality students stepped into one of the most famous buildings in the country on Monday: 10 Downing Street.

As the largest FE apprenticeship delivery partner in London, we are proud to have been asked to support a high-profile reception and exhibition to mark National Apprenticeship week, which was attended by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Catering students prepared a range of savoury and sweet canapes, and front of house students delivered professional service to invited guests from across business and education.

Leading employers including McLaren, Channel 4, Benefit Cosmetics, NHS, British Airways and Amazon also hosted exhibition stands, each bringing apprentices to speak with visiting secondary school pupils about career pathways and real workplace experiences.

At our stand, Debbie Houghton, Group Principal for Partnerships, Apprenticeships and Innovation, was joined by Morgan and James, two of our hospitality apprentices. Morgan is training at St Pancras – The Renaissance Hotel doing the Worshipful Company of Cooks Commis Chef Apprentice, and James Works at The Dorchester and is doing the Worshipful Company of Cooks Commis Chef Apprentice. They spoke with school pupils about what it’s like to do an apprenticeships and the benefits over traditional academic pathways.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meeting Capital City College front of house students during National Apprenticeships Week

Capital City College students serving canapes during Downing Street reception

Culinary and hospitality staff and students outside 10 Downing Street

The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, took time to speak with our staff and apprentices, recognising the role apprenticeships play in driving opportunity and growth.

Debbie said: “It was an honour to be invited to 10 Downing Street to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. Our students showed exceptional professionalism in both the kitchen and front of house. We are proud to be a trusted apprenticeship delivery partner, and events like this show the real impact apprenticeships have on young people’s lives and on London’s businesses.”

Serving at 10 Downing Street is not something you forget. For our students, it was more than an event. It was a statement about where apprenticeships can take you.

National Apprenticeship Week: debunking 10 common myths about apprenticeships

Posted on February 9, 2026February 6, 2026 by Erin Johnson

Young woman on laptop. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

Apprenticeships play a vital role in supporting people to build skills, careers and confidence, while helping employers and communities grow. Each February, National Apprenticeship Week offers a chance to reflect on that impact and challenge some of the misconceptions that still surround them.

In honour of the UK-wide celebration that shines a light on the value that apprenticeship programmes bring to individuals, businesses and communities, we’ve put some common apprenticeship myths to the fact-check test. Think you know apprenticeships? Think again…

Myth 1: Apprenticeships are only for people who aren’t academic

Apprenticeships exist at every level of education, including degree and master’s level (Levels 6–7). Many require strong GCSEs, A levels, or equivalent and involve rigorous study alongside work; they’re an alternative way of learning to university, not a second-best one.

Did you know? Degree apprenticeships (equivalent to bachelor’s and master’s degrees) now represent around 17 % of all new apprenticeships.

Myth 2: Apprenticeships are just for vocational careers

While traditional trade apprenticeships still exist, apprenticeships now cover digital and tech (including software, cyber and data), business, marketing, PR, HR, finance and accountancy, health, education, as well as creative industries, leadership and management.

Fun fact: Around 50% of apprenticeships are now in non-technical fields including business, marketing and finance.

Myth 3: You don’t need to be employed to do an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships have an employment contract and a salary, and apprentices split their time between working for their employer and completing structured training, so apprentices earn while they learn from day one while gaining hands-on experience. Click here to find out more about studying an apprenticeship course while employed.

Did you know? Apprentices typically spend 80% of their time working for their employer and the remaining 20% on training or study.

Myth 4: Apprentices don’t earn much

There is a minimum apprentice wage, but many employers pay well above it, especially for higher and degree apprenticeships. Degree apprentices earn a salary, have their tuition paid for, and graduate debt-free.

Read about Brianna, a former pro roller-skater who turned down a prestigious offer from a Russell Group university to do a highly-paid degree apprenticeship.

Did you know? Apprentices are also entitled to the same employment rights as regular employees, including holiday pay, sick leave, and job security.

Myth 5: You won’t get a ‘real’ or recognised qualification

Apprenticeships include nationally recognised qualifications, such as NVQs, diplomas, professional certifications and Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees (for higher and degree apprenticeships). Employers value apprenticeships because they combine a qualification with real experience.

Fun fact: A 2020 survey by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills found that over 80% of employers felt that apprenticeships helped create a workforce with higher skill levels.

Myth 6: You’ll be stuck doing admin or boring tasks

Modern apprenticeship standards are designed around real occupational competence. Apprentices must demonstrate technical skills, professional behaviours and independent responsibility.

Did you know? Employers must offer apprentices meaningful work to meet the apprenticeship standard.

Myth 7: Apprenticeships limit your career progression

The opposite is true, and apprenticeships can massively accelerate career progression. Many apprentices progress to higher or degree apprenticeships, move into management or specialist roles and out-earn graduates within a few years due to experience.

Did you know? Employers often retain and promote apprentices because they already understand the organisation compared to new hires.

Myth 8: Apprentices don’t get a proper learning experience

Apprentices receive structured learning and development, including structured off-the-job training (at least 20%), mentoring and assessments, and study time built into their job.

Did you know? Apprentices have a different experience to university students, but it is often more supported and practical.

Myth 9: They’re only for school leavers

Apprenticeships are open to all ages (16+), including people looking to change career, people returning to work (for example after childcare or travelling) and current employees keep to upskill.

Fun fact: A large proportion of apprentices in England are over 25.

Myth 10: Employers don’t take apprentices seriously

Because employers invest time and money into apprenticeships, they take apprenticeships very seriously, especially higher and degree apprenticeships.

Did you know? In some sectors, apprenticeship routes are now preferred over graduate schemes.

Now that we’ve busted some of the myths surrounding apprenticeships, and showed how they can help you succeed in the workplace, why not take a look at the apprenticeship programmes we offer at Capital City College?

Whether you’re leaving school, looking to upskill, or planning your next career move, there’s never been a better time to explore than during National Apprenticeship Week 2026.

From salon to street food: Former CCC student opens new Tottenham restaurant

Posted on February 6, 2026February 6, 2026 by Erin Johnson

Silas Baiden, owner of Aunties Street Food, talked to us about his new restaurant near the college’s Tottenham campus.

Silas grew up in Tottenham and studied Art and Design and Hairdressing at Capital City College (CCC). While working in his mother’s salon, an opportunity to provide greater customer service led to a new business venture. His restaurant, Aunties Street Food, opened in November 2025, serving an array of West African dishes.

How did the restaurant come about?

The restaurant happened because of my mum’s hair salon, which she’s had for almost 25 years. After training to be a barber, I joined her in the salon and branched out into hairdressing. I realized that every customer sitting there for a long period of time wanted to eat. They’d ask me for recommendations, but the places I thought were amazing were so far away. I could see them having to wait a long time for delivery and getting frustrated.

I thought it would be nice to offer some food. We started cooking on Fridays and Saturdays in the back of the salon, and the smell would drift through. We started by serving jollof rice, which is a dish that always provokes a lot of light-hearted debate between Nigerians and Ghanaians. There’s always a conversation about whose jollof is best, so they were quite willing to taste ours.

Once we captured their attention with our jollof rice, we could throw other things into the mix, and Aunties Street Food is an extension of that. The salon is quite multi-cultural, and so is the restaurant. We’ve got aunties from all over – Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Sierra Leone – I just love letting people try different things. Black rice is our top seller in the restaurant, and it’s often because when people come in for jollof rice, I give them a little black rice in the corner to try – and that makes food playful and keeps the conversation going.

How would you describe your food?

Tasty and iconic. When you eat our food, you feel like you’re standing in your Auntie’s house or your mum’s house, trying something that they made. My favourite dish that we currently have is a green stew with cassava leaves from Sierra Leone, and the flavours in it are just so delicious.

Tasty looking street food from Aunties Street Food

What impact has your time at CCC had on your business?

My mum studied hairdressing at Capital City College when part of it was known as CONEL. To this day, she bangs on about her teacher, Mr Ortega, because he drummed it into her that you need to be on point in every aspect, not just hairdressing. I also learnt a lot about service on the hairdressing course I did, with my teacher Denise. You need to make sure your salon is clean, to check up on clients afterwards and not just assume everything is fine. I feel like that level of customer service is lacking these days.

What’s important to you as a business owner?

Food and hair are quite important in the Black community, and there are a lot of negative views on lack of customer service in Black hairdressers or Black restaurants. My mum instilled in me the need to leave a good impression and give good customer service as well as being good at what you do.

When someone comes in, you have to make them feel appreciated, make them feel comfortable, and then you can open up their mind. People want to spend money where they’re appreciated so you can’t take that for granted. We’ve only been open for one month, and we’ve got nearly 150 five-star reviews on Google.

Retention is also so important, as the retention rate is what will drive business, and so we have special offers and new dishes all the time.

What are the challenges that you face?

Managing the logistics, stock and staff can be a challenge. You have to try and make the right decisions with your team and have the right people behind you, as teamwork makes the dream work.

What do you look for in your team?

You need to have people within your team who are organised, positive and ready to drive the business forward and improve every single day. It’s important to learn from mistakes, pivot where you can and listen to other people. My mum’s really good at customer service, so she’s often out front and knows everyone in Tottenham, so it’s great to work together.

I lead from the front and I’m not scared to muck in. If I see something that needs clearing up, I’ll grab a broom. There are no titles here – we all work for the same cause, and we’re making it a family of people that care about the brand.

What advice would you give to other people looking to start a new business venture?

I’ve never set up a restaurant before, but I know I’ve learned a lot from this. You have to be open-minded and you have to work hard, that means putting in the work and the research. It’s important to ask questions, listen to your team and just go with your gut sometimes as well.

What’s next for you?

We’re excited to be working with a new delivery partner, and we’ve got loads of catering requests. We’re just trying to get the brand out there and do it justice. I have the salon and Aunties Street Food, and I feel like the restaurant is the one that I would allow to scale up because the salon is more close-knit. So it’s exciting, because we’re only just getting started, and we’ve got such good reviews – I feel blessed and hopeful.

If you’ve got a bright idea for a new venture but are unsure where to start, why not take a look at our Business and Professional Services Courses.

Top 10 careers in construction and the skills employers are looking for

Posted on February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 by Erin Johnson

Construction students at CCC's Enfield campus — Construction students at CCC’s Enfield campus

The construction industry offers a broad range of career options to job seekers, but how do you narrow it down and find a job that suits you?

The UK construction sector continues to face a significant shortfall in skilled workers. This has created a huge demand for construction professionals across all areas. There’s an undeniable benefit to pursuing a pathway in these areas, as demand for well-trained workers means that roles in these areas often offer job security and good levels of pay.

But where should you start? And what do these roles really entail? We’ve put together a list of 10 varied careers in construction that offer exciting employment opportunities.

Architect

Architects transform a client’s vision into a buildable reality, leading on both the creative and technical aspects of building design. They design new buildings as well as the spaces that surround them, and can also take on projects involving the restoration and conservation of existing structures.

To do this role, you’ll need knowledge of design, building and construction as well as strong analytical and reasoning skills. In addition to creativity and initiative, architects need a strong eye for detail, good communication and customer service skills and the ability to learn and use new software to complete their work.

Architecture courses:

Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (3D/Architecture) – Level 3 Extended Diploma (UAL)

Bricklayer

A Bricklayer is responsible for constructing, repairing, and restoring brickwork structures, which are often the fundamental fabric of many buildings.

The role includes meticulous tasks such as measuring and setting out work areas, mixing and laying mortar, cutting and shaping bricks using specialist tools, and checking that rows of bricks are level. Bricklayers often have to manage the quantities of materials for a project and ensure the quality and precision of their work. They work primarily outdoors on construction sites, often at height on scaffolding, and collaborate closely with other construction workers. Their expertise is essential for both new builds and the maintenance of existing structures.

Bricklayers need knowledge of building and construction regulations and practices and they also must be physically fit. Attention to detail, teamworking skills, time management and the ability to keep a cool head in stressful situations are also important in this role. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into this career, you can find out more in our blog about How to become a bricklayer in the UK.

Bricklayer courses:

Carpenter

Carpenters design and build all sorts of wooden structures, from furniture to frames for roads and bridges. It’s a role that requires you to be good with a range of tools, be able to solve problems and have good attention to detail.

Carpenters use technical plans to cut and shape materials before putting them together to construct and fit different structures. Employers often look for qualifications, and there are a number of carpentry courses available, with some training providers offering apprenticeships. Keen to know more? You can find out more in our blog about How to become a carpenter in the UK.

Carpentry courses:

Civil Engineer or Site Engineer

Civil engineers are responsible for designing and building most of the physical infrastructure you see around you. They plan, design and supervise the construction of things we use every day such as roads, bridges, railways and tunnels as well as larger structures like dams. Using their technical skills and ability to analyse these structures, they ensure that they are fit for purpose and comply with the necessary regulations.

If you prefer being on site and getting involved with how things go up, then you could also look at becoming a site engineer. This role provides a technical link between the design and its execution, and a site engineer is the person in charge of setting out the project, performing quality checks and ensuring that the project sticks closely to the plans and specifications as it develops.

Engineering courses:

Construction Manager

The Construction Manager is the person who manages the practical side of a building project. They work alongside architects, surveyors and other professionals to ensure the safe delivery of the final product. They’ll be involved in much of the planning and recruitment for the project and will then oversee operations on site. The construction manager ensures that elements of the project are delivered on time by managing progress by making sure that the different parties involved are following the agreed plan. They communicate with any other consultants, planners or surveyors involved in the build and deliver regular reports to their client. If you’re good at problem solving, managing people and can stay calm under pressure, this could be a role for you. Find out more here.

Relevant courses:

Domestic Retrofit Assessor/Advisor

If you’re looking for a green career that helps people make the most of their existing resources, then working as a domestic retrofit advisor could be right for you. This role involves using specialist knowledge to analyse existing energy systems so that you can provide suggestions for measures to increase efficiency. You’ll need a good understanding of building physics as well as technical knowledge of how heating and ventilation systems operate. This will often be a client-facing role, so you’ll also need to feel confident in presenting your findings and communicating with others.

Domestic Retrofit courses:

Electrician

The electrical industry in the UK continues to offer plenty of opportunities for qualified electricians. They support the development and maintenance of systems and buildings that we use every day, from installing new electrical systems to repairing existing ones – our world would stand still without skilled electricians on call.

If you’re good at analysing problems and looking for solutions, this could be an exciting career path for you. You may work independently in homes or offices, deciphering plans and using specialised tools to complete your work, or you could end up collaborating with clients or builders on larger projects. Want to know more? Read our blog about How to become an electrician.

Electrical courses:

Health and Safety Officer

With so many moving parts making up any construction project, the role of the health and safety officer is an essential one. The main aim of this role is to keep people safe by ensuring that employers and their staff follow safety policies, rules and regulations. It’s a role that combines technical knowledge with people skills, as you work to assess sites and analyse risks while also collaborating with others to ensure that risks are minimised through specific policies and procedures. Whether you’re dealing with the safe installation of new equipment or the disposal of hazardous substances, the health and safety officer is responsible for ensuring that the correct training is given and that working practices are safe on a project site.

Relevant courses:

Health and Social Care – Level 1 Introductory Certificate

Health and Social Care – Level 1 Diploma

Health and Social Care – Level 2 National Extended Diploma

Plumber

Plumbers continue to be in demand in the UK as they are vital to the smooth running of homes and businesses. Being a plumber is a varied and rewarding career, with good options for diversifying or progressing in your career. In addition to good knowledge of buildings and construction, plumbers need manual dexterity and the ability to see a problem and figure out a viable solution. Whether you’re fixing heating systems in someone’s home or installing complex pipework across a larger site, you’ll need a good understanding of safety precautions and regulations and the ability to follow them. If you haven’t already checked it out, take a look at our blog on How to become a plumber in the UK.

Plumbing courses:

Quantity surveyor

A quantity surveyor is the person in charge of the costs involved in a commercial, industrial or residential construction project, and their main aim is to make sure that a project is profitable. They prepare estimates for materials, equipment and labour from the initial stages onwards, manage tenders and contacts and keep track of any changes along the way that could impact spending. As a quantity surveyor, you’ll need to be comfortable crunching numbers, managing projects and communicating your work and findings with others. Find out more about becoming a quantity surveyor here.

Relevant courses:

The UK construction industry is built on skills, and there are many opportunities for professionals to branch out and upskill as they develop their career.

If there’s a role in construction that you like the look of, why not take a look at our Construction and Plumbing Courses to help you work out your next step.

Level 3 Sports students explore broadcasting careers during exclusive visit to Sky Studios

Posted on February 2, 2026January 30, 2026 by Erin Johnson

Learning about broadcasting at Sky Studios

Last week, Capital City College (CCC) students studying for the Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sports and Exercise Science headed to Sky Studios for an immersive behind‑the‑scenes experience.

The trip took twenty‑three students from our King’s Cross campus inside one of the UK’s leading broadcasting hubs. From professional studios to cutting‑edge editing suites, students explored how sports stories are created, filmed and shared.

Alex Waife, Lecturer in Sports and Public Services at CCC, said: “It was an eventful day for the Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sports and Exercise Science learners for an educational trip to Sky Studios in association with the Eze Foundation Group. This trip is designed to give learners a first-hand exposure to the professional media and broadcasting environment tailored to sport.”

CCC students learning about media and broadcasting at Sky Studios

CCC students exploring behind the scenes at Sky Studios

Educational trips outside the classroom are part of the students’ course, and the students swapped textbooks for cameras as they went behind the scenes and learned about media and broadcasting in sports as potential career paths.

The visit also helped students explore the range of media careers connected to sport, from production and presenting to storytelling and digital content creation, giving them insight into future pathways they could pursue after college.

Alex added: “During the visit, students had the opportunity to record, edit, and broadcast their report on the impact of wellbeing in sport and exercise science. This experience opens up doors to improve skills and to understand the employability sector they may face in future.”

If you’re thinking about future careers in sports, why not apply to our courses? From our Sports Academies to classes in sports and exercise science, you’ll gain skills, confidence and unforgettable experiences.