March 2026

Rising culinary star: Professional Cookery student Dominic Grundy wins silver in Young Chef Olympiad

Posted on March 30, 2026March 30, 2026 by Erin Johnson

Capital City College student Dominic ‘Dom’ Grundy faced some of the world’s most talented culinary students in a global competition and brought home the silver trophy.

Dom Grundy, a Professional Cookery student from Capital City College (CCC), has won the silver trophy at this year’s Young Chef Olympiad.

The prestigious international competition took place in India and involved young chefs from 44 countries. After a Grand Opening ceremony in Bangalore, Dom, who is a student on the Advanced Professional Cookery (Kitchen and Larder) – Level 3 Diploma course, remained in Bangalore to compete against chefs from Mauritius, Timor-Leste, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Equatorial Guinea and Kenya in the first round of the competition. Other first round competitions featuring young chefs from other countries took place in Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad and Goa.

Dom progressed to the Grand Final in Kolkata, where he performed excellently and claimed the place of first runner up. Enri Cuedari from Albania was the overall winner and was presented with the gold trophy. Dom follows in the footsteps of former CCC student Kamran Taylor, who won the competition in 2025.

We spoke to Dom to learn more about his competition experience and find out what inspired him to pursue a culinary career.

What does your course entail?

I’m doing the Advanced Professional Cookery Level 3 Diploma. It’s made up of different rotations where you go through different parts of the restaurants and kitchens in the college, and you also do five weeks externally for work experience. At the moment, I’m at a restaurant called 74 Charlotte Street.

How did you get involved in the Young Chef Olympiad?

We had a talk about the competition back in October and I thought, “why not?” as I thought it would be fun. About 20 of us took part in the first cook off, where we had to explore a few different types of vegetable cuts. After that, I got an email that I’d made it to the last five.

In the next round, we were given a sea bass, a lemon, some butter, a shallot and a tomato. We had to fillet the sea bass and make two different dishes with it, one with a butter sauce and the other with a tomato sauce.

About two weeks later, I got a message saying that I had been chosen to represent England in the Olympiad and would be going to India for the competition. It was a really fun process and it felt great to be chosen.

How did you prepare for the competition?

My mentor was chef Chris Basten. I had him as my teacher as well and he’s really great. We were sent the brief for the rounds in India and so after class, we would stop and look over the ingredients that we had. Once we had a rough idea of what to make, we practiced our dishes. I practiced the dishes at least three times a week for about four months, so in the end it became muscle memory.

What dishes did you make for the competition?

For round one, we did a modern take on kedgeree, which is a dish with rice, egg and fish. Our version involved curried rice with spinach and coriander going through it. And on top of that was a salted piece of barramundi, sea bass filet. We served that with a fish mousse sausage, an onion bhaji and some crispy fish skin, and there was a fish cream sauce around the outside.

I had to make a vegan dessert for the first round, so it was a coconut pannacotta topped with an orange gel filled with a mango compote. We served it with more of the mango compote around the outside and an almond crumb.

In round two, for the main we had debone a whole chicken. I filled the legs with parsley and rolled them, and I filled the breasts with a nice duxelle of mushroom and aubergine. It was served with a rosemary and garlic piece of polenta, an artichoke puree, creamed leeks and some courgette and carrot.

For dessert, we had to make a strudel so we made a strudel cannoli filled with a lemon and lime mascarpone. There was a citrus treacle sauce around it as well as butterscotch.

How long did it take you to make these dishes?

The first few times, it took me almost three hours. For both rounds of the competition we only had two and a half hours to do the main and the dessert, so we had to cut our time down. In practice, we were trying to get it to closer to two hours, which was challenging. We got there in the end, just a few days before the competition.

The winners of the 2026 Young Chef Olympiad competition

Dominic Grundy with Young Chef Olympiad judges — Dom Grundy with Young Chef Olympiad judges

How did it feel to get the silver trophy?

It feels really great because I never thought I’d be able to do something like this.

What were the highlights of the competition for you?

The best parts were meeting all these different people from around the globe. It was crazy, and everyone’s got their own stories to tell. I got to try some brilliant food. The food you get in India, it’s nothing like the Indian food you get here. It was really fun to experience it.

Do you have a new favourite Indian dish?

I tried a few chicken biryanis while I was out there, and there was a rice pancake [Masala Dosa] in Bangalore that was really good, filled with masala potatoes and spices.

How did the college support you?

The support from the college was good. We got funding for the flight and the practice ingredients, and we were able to use the kitchens – I’m really grateful for that. We couldn’t have done the competition without the generosity of the college.
My tutor and mentor, Chef Chris Basten, really helped me. He was working equally as hard as me and when I was practicing, he was there, guiding me through it, critiquing me, making sure I was on time. He was there any time I had a question and was always supportive.

What inspired you to pursue a culinary career?

I discovered that I liked cooking while I was doing my A levels, but I didn’t always think I’d be a chef. I thought it’d be an accountant or something similar. My friend was working at a pub and they needed someone else in the kitchen. I gave it a go and realised that I really liked it and was pretty good at it, so I came to CCC’s School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts to study cookery.

What’s next for you?

I want to work in restaurants in London, and do some more competitions.

What tips or advice would give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

I think you’ve got to try a bunch of different things. Out of them, you’ll find one that you really enjoy. If you enjoy it, why not go into it further and make a career out of it? When you find what you want to do, don’t let anything discourage you from your dreams. When I discovered cooking, it was the best thing I’d ever found. I think it continues to just get better and better.

Commenting on Dom’s win, Paul Jervis, Head of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at CCC, said: “The School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts is immensely proud of Dom for winning the Silver Medal at the Young Chef Olympiad 2026. His dedication, creativity, and professionalism shone through in every round as well as in the Grand Final. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to his mentor, Chris Basten, whose time, experience, and unwavering support have been instrumental in Dom’s success.”

If you enjoy cooking and are interested in a course that lets you explore your passion with creativity and skill, take a look at our Hospitality and Culinary Arts Courses.

Delivering advice and addressing misconceptions with Construction Lecturer Jeremy George

Posted on March 26, 2026March 26, 2026 by Erin Johnson

A construction excavator machine. Image by Bruno at Pixabay

Unsure about a career in construction? Who better to ask than a Construction Multi Skills Lecturer with extensive industry experience.

Jeremy George is a Construction Multi Skills Lecturer at Capital City College (CCC). He teaches the Construction Skills Level 1 Diploma, which covers carpentry, electrical, painting, plumbing and brickwork.

Like many of our lecturers, Jeremy came to CCC after years of industry experience, bringing with him key practical insights and site-specific knowhow. We asked him to share his advice for those looking to start out in construction and address some of the common misconceptions about the industry.

What brought you to Capital City College?

I first came to CCC as part of a project between the college, Building Heroes (a charity supporting British Military leavers in accessing civilian construction employment opportunities), and Regal (a construction company, now known as Arada). I delivered short five-week courses in carpentry, plumbing, brickwork, plastering/rendering, painting and decorating, tiling and content for the CSCS Green Card, an essential health and safety qualification, to service leavers from the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force.

What do you like most about teaching at CCC?

I like the diverse nature of our students and I enjoy watching them develop their confidence, manual skills and their ability to complete tasks.

How did you get involved in the construction industry?

I left school at 16 and gained a Level 3 apprenticeship in Painting and Decorating and since then I’ve been both self-employed and employed by a company. Over my many years in the industry, I’ve learnt new skills to keep me employable and to keep my enthusiasm for construction alive.

What have been the highlights and challenges in your career?

One highlight was having the opportunity to work in Brazil retrofitting telecoms hubs. In terms of challenges, finding work when the industry has a downturn is often hard.

What advice would you give for anyone starting out in the construction industry?

I’ve had a lot of time in the industry so there’s a few things that I’ve learned that are helpful to share.

Master the basics before you move on to anything else. Having solid fundamentals makes everything else easier – learn accurate measuring, marking out, safe tool handling, and correct material selection. You should work to build good habits early as it’s harder to fix bad ones later.

You’ll also need to get the relevant qualifications – the CSCS Green Card (or equivalent) is essential, and it’s important to have up-to-date training in areas such as manual handling or working at height.

You’ve got to get comfortable with physical work. The job is demanding, especially at the start, so keep yourself fit, stay hydrated, learn how to lift and move materials correctly. Leading on from that, you must treat safety as non-negotiable. New starters often underestimate how dangerous construction can be and you have to follow PPE requirements every single time. It’s important to learn the “why” behind safety procedures, not just the rules – and always ask when unsure. In my experience, silence causes accidents.

Building a strong work ethic is essential, as construction rewards reliability – so turn up on time, stay focused, and take pride in your work. These simple habits will set you apart more than you might think. It’s also important to respect everyone on site as construction is a team environment, with labourers, apprentices, skilled trades and supervisors all working together. A good attitude can get you recommended for future work faster than skills alone.

“A good attitude can get you recommended for future work faster than skills alone.”

Good tradespeople never stop learning so be curious and ask questions. If you ask more experienced workers why they do things a certain way and pay attention to how they solve problems, you’ll pick up smart techniques. It’s also good to branch out and learn about multiple skills as modern sites really value versatility, so knowing a bit of bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, or plumbing makes you employable across a wider range of roles.

Invest in your own tools- but you can do this slowly. Don’t rush out and buy everything at once, but start with quality essentials such as a tape measure, hammer, a level, and a decent cordless drill. You can then buy more tools as your skillset and responsibilities grow.

Developing construction skills takes time and repetition. Every expert bricklayer, carpenter, or plasterer once struggled to get a straight line or a clean finish, so remember to be patient with yourself.

What do you think are some of the misconceptions about working in the construction industry?

“Construction is just manual labour – anyone can do it.”

Construction requires a high level of technical skill as well as problem solving, maths, planning, and precision. From interpreting complex drawings to understanding building regulations, there’s a lot more brainwork involved than people realise.

“There’s no career progression.”

The industry has huge progression opportunities. You can go from being an apprentice to a skilled tradesperson, to a supervisor before becoming a site manager. This could lead to becoming a contracts manager or even having your own business. There are also lots of other interesting pathways into surveying, estimating, design and teaching.

“It’s unsafe and full of accidents.”

In reality, modern construction is far safer than most people think thanks to improved safety standards, digital monitoring, better PPE, and strict regulations. The industry is continually reducing risks and most incidents happen due to people cutting corners rather than because the industry is inherently dangerous.

“It’s only for men.”

This is something that’s changing – slowly but steadily. There are more women entering the industry across trades, engineering, management and leadership roles – and there’s a big push to bring more diversity into the sector.

“You can’t make good money in construction.”

Skilled tradespeople often earn very competitive wages, which can be higher than many graduates. Over time, through self-employment or specialist skills, you can significantly increase earnings.

“Trades are only for people who didn’t do well in school.”

This stereotype is completely outdated, and many of the best tradespeople are excellent with problem-solving, maths, spatial awareness, and precision. It’s a skilled profession, not a fallback option.

What are the benefits of working in the UK construction industry?

Well, to start with – there’s high job security due to major skill shortages, as well as competitive wages and a huge variety in roles and specialisms. If you stay in the industry, there’s also clear progression and a number of training pathways. I think that the UK construction industry is a rapidly modernising, tech-driven work environment and industry growth forecasts remain positive – so it’s a great option for those entering the workforce.

Considering a career in construction? Take a look at our extensive range of expert-led Construction and Plumbing Courses.

Thai delegation praises CCC’s ‘real-world model’ of education

Posted on March 25, 2026March 25, 2026 by Erin Johnson

Members of the Thai delegation visiting CCC

This month, students and colleagues at our Westminster campus welcomed a delegation from Thailand’s Senate Standing Committee on Education, Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, for a visit showcasing the UK’s approach to vocational and further education.

The delegation aimed to gain insight into Capital City College’s teaching model and observe its learning environment and activities in practice, with a view to exploring how its model could be adapted to support education in Thailand.

The 20-strong delegation of senators and education experts from Thailand’s National Assembly (Ratthasapha) met with Capital City College CEO Angela Joyce and Jasbir Sohndi, Group Principal for Young People, English, Maths and SEND.

Following the meeting, the visitors were given a tour of the Westminster campus, offering a closer look at the day-to-day teaching and learning. As a gesture of goodwill, the delegation presented the college with a beautiful ceremonial golden cup and saucer.

A decorative tankard presented to CCC — A decorative cup and saucer which was presented to CCC

Angela Joyce, CEO of CCC, said, “We were delighted to welcome the delegation from Thailand to our Westminster campus to share insights into technical and vocational education. Visits like this reaffirm the value of international collaboration, not only in sharing best practice and innovation, but in building lasting relationships grounded in mutual respect.

“By working closely with partners in Thailand and beyond, we broaden opportunities for our students and staff, strengthen our curriculum, and ensure we remain globally relevant in an ever-connected world.“

The visit was prompted by Capital City College’s global reputation as London’s largest further education provider, which was praised by delegation leader Dr. Kamol Rodklai, Chairman, Committee on Education, Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Committee, Thailand.

Dr Rodklai declared the college is “renowned for [its] wide-ranging vocational training, apprenticeships, adult learning, and higher education pathways…strong industry links, commitment to inclusive education, and specialist excellence.”

In the request for the visit, he highlighted several areas of interest for the visitors, including:

The management of flexible learning pathways for full-time, part-time and adult students.
The alignment of vocational and technical courses (including apprenticeships, industry partnerships and professional programmes) with labour market needs.
Balancing workplace-based learning, practical skills and academic study, while maintaining quality and standards.

The visit marked a significant step in strengthening international collaboration, and both the Thai delegation and Capital City College colleagues expressed a shared commitment to exchanging knowledge and best practice.

By welcoming renowned global partners, Capital City College continues to position itself at the forefront of further education, offering what Dr. Kamol Rodklai described as “a mature, real-world model… aligned with labour market needs”, supporting innovation, shaping policy development and creating new opportunities for students both in the UK and around the globe.

BBC London interviews CCC students, colleagues and employers about new youth unemployment figures

Posted on March 20, 2026March 20, 2026 by Erin Johnson

Yesterday, journalists from BBC London visited Capital City College’s King’s Cross campus. They spoke with students, alumni, CCC colleagues and employer partners about new figures on youth unemployment released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The reporters first spoke to Jasbir Sondhi, Group Principal for Capital City College, for BBC London radio, as well as two employer partners:

Jenny Barber, Director of Careers and Talent at Investment20/20, and
Andrew Green, CEO of the Craft Guild of Chefs.

They talked about what the new unemployment figures mean for young people hoping to start careers.

The BBC team also interviewed Manuela Gutierrez, a former BTEC Business student at CCC who now works for Polar Capital. Journalists then met current students to hear their thoughts on the new figures, how they feel about youth unemployment today, and what they hope for in the future.

Behind the scenes filming with BBC London

Jasbir Sondhi, Group Principal for Young People, English, Mathematics and SEND

CEO Andrew Green, Craft Guild of Chefs, being interviewed

Jasbir Sondhi being interviewed for BBC London radio

Jasbir Sondhi, Group Principal for Young People, English, Mathematics and SEND at CCC, discussed the rising figures and explained it’s about navigating the ever-changing labour market and helping young people gain the resilience to keep going: “I think that’s why it’s so important for us here to ensure that from day one, our young people have access to networks, mentoring, work experience, industry placements.

“And what we’ve found is that those young people who have work experience as sort of a core part of their programme, in the end make more informed choices about their next steps and actually a number of them then get to get a part-time job, a number go into full-time employment. For me the thing is understanding the labour market, being able to navigate it, but also having access to these opportunities as well.”

You can listen back to the interviews on BBC Sounds (from 1 hour, 9 minutes). The story also appeared on BBC London TV and the BBC London live blog.

More than just a game: ESOL student volunteers at FIFA Women’s Champions Cup

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

CCC student Amal volunteering at FIFA Women's Champions Cup — CCC student Amal volunteering at FIFA Women’s Champions Cup

Level 1 ESOL student Amal Murshed took on the challenge of a volunteering role at a key international football event.

Amal Murshed, a Level 1 ESOL student at Capital City College (CCC) has used her role as an AoC Sport Inclusion Ambassador to access unique sports volunteering opportunities such as providing visitor support at the first FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. The AoC Inclusion Ambassador programme allows students to support the development and promotion of inclusive sporting activities within their college.

After initially being hesitant about the challenges of volunteering and what different roles might entail, Amal worked with Kalliopi Vardava, Curriculum Manager for ESOL learners aged 16-18, to build up her student portfolio and increase her confidence.

This led her to independently put forward an application to volunteer at the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. Amal was accepted for a training day and went on to volunteer at two FIFA Women’s Champion Cup events in Brentford and Arsenal. She also appeared on the official FIFA Volunteer Instagram Account.

We spoke to Amal to find out more about her love of sports and her exciting volunteering experience.

What is your connection with sports?

Sport plays an important role in my life. I am a Sports Ambassador at my college and actively take part in different sports activities. I have attended coaching workshops in football and rowing, and I enjoy developing both my physical abilities and leadership skills through sport. It has taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to perform under pressure.

Why did you volunteer for the FIFA Women’s Championship Cup event?

I decided to volunteer because I wanted to be part of a large international event. It was an opportunity to gain real experience in a professional environment, challenge myself, and contribute to an event that brings people together from different backgrounds.

What did you enjoy about volunteering?

I enjoyed the variety of responsibilities. I gathered feedback from supporters, guided important guests to their designated areas, and supported different operational tasks. Every shift was different, which helped me adapt quickly and grow in confidence.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering for a big event?

I would say don’t hesitate. Volunteering at a large event gives you real-world experience, builds confidence, and helps you discover your strengths. It’s a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth.

What would you like to do in the future?

My career ambition is to become an airline pilot. I am drawn to careers that involve responsibility, precision, and continuous development, and I am working towards building the skills and experience needed to succeed in aviation.

Kalliopi Vardava, Curriculum Manager for ESOL students aged 16-18, said: “Amal is a dedicated and hardworking young person who consistently shows commitment in class and a strong determination to achieve her goals. She is passionate about making a positive difference and supporting others in her community.

“She proudly serves as one of our AoC Sports Ambassadors for Inclusion and has also volunteered at the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, demonstrating her passion for personal growth, responsibility, and enthusiasm for sport and inclusion.”

At CCC, we support our students to expand their life experience, build skills and develop confidence outside of the classroom through activities such as careers events, work experience and volunteering. It’s just one of the many benefits to students within our college community.

If you’re looking to learn something new in a supportive environment that is rich in exciting and diverse opportunities, take a look at our wide range of courses.

British Science Week 2026: combine your passions to discover an exciting science career

Posted on March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by Erin Johnson

Female scientist working in a laboratory. Photo by Chokniti Khongchum via Pexels

We celebrate British Science Week by exploring some of the careers in science that make use of multiple talents.

British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of all things science – covering science, technology engineering and maths, all of which are studied widely at Capital City College (CCC).

The theme of this year’s British Science Week is “Curiosity: what’s your question?” The theme aims to encourage people to find out the answers to their questions about science, and also to embrace the things that they are passionate about.

With this in mind, we got curious about the range of jobs available within the big wide field of science. Does anyone really work with volcanoes? Who actually gets to make make-up? We also started thinking about the intersection of science and personal passion and where this might lead. What career should you look into if you love to doodle and are fascinated by cells? Our curious questions led us to five very exciting careers in science!

Computers + a wish to do good in the world = ethical hacker

With new cyberthreats popping up all the time, ethical hacking plays a critical role in keeping organisations and systems safe. An ethical hacker uses their skills to reveal the weak spots in a computer system or network. By simulating cyber attacks, they help to prepare for real cyber attacks by improving network security.

Some of our cybersecurity students recently took on a challenge exactly like this at this month’s Greater London Skills Competition and won!

Where should I start?

Drawing + science = 3D scientific animator

If you love to doodle and have a knack for a particular area of science, then why not consider becoming a 3D animator. This involves visualising and explaining complex scientific concepts and processes. You might work with researchers, educators or publishers to bring their work to life and make it more accessible to others. You’ll need to be thorough and pay attention to detail as well as having some knowledge of your subject area.

Where should I start?

Make-up expert + chemistry = cosmetic chemist

A cosmetic chemist works to research, develop, formulate, make and test new cosmetic products. They make sure that things work as they should and are safe to use. You’ll need to be analytical, have good maths skills and develop your lab experience so that you’re comfortable using specialist equipment.

Where should I start?

You’ll need a degree in science so you should start by taking a look at Science courses.
You could take A Levels in Chemistry or Biology
Pharmacy & Biomedical Science – Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma

Love lava + adventures = volcanologist

Are you the one at the beach always looking at the rocks rather than the sea? Perhaps you’re a ‘Floor is Lava’ champion? Then how about becoming a volcanologist? It’s a truly fascinating career that involves studying volcanoes and how they work as well as the impacts they have. Volcanologists travel to dormant or active volcanoes to carry out experiments and take measurements. You’ll need a passion for adventure, strong research and observational skills, and a good level of fitness as the job can be physically demanding.

Where should I start?

You’ll need a degree in science so you should start by taking a look at our Science courses.
You could take A Levels in Chemistry, Physics or Geography.

Science + writing = science writer

So you’re a storyteller with a passion for science. Excellent! Becoming a science writer could be just the career for you. Science writers translate complex scientific theories or findings into text that is clear, concise and accurate. You’ll work with industry experts, academics and read specialist literature such as scientific papers or reports to get the information you need before crafting it into something for a specific audience. You might be writing for specialists or for the general public, creating features for professional publications or more general news pieces. Essential skills for this role include the ability to grasp complex scientific concepts, confidence in working under pressure and meeting deadlines, and great communication skills.

Where should I start?

Level up your writing skills with a qualification in English.
Expand your science knowledge exploring our Science courses.

Still not found a science career that floats your boat? Take a look at our blog on 10 Fascinating Careers in Science.

At CCC, we offer an incredible range of expert-led Science and Forensic courses for students at all levels. Embrace your inner (or outer) scientist and apply now!

Celebrating luck and learning: galloping into Chinese New Year with CCC

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Erin Johnson

Lion dancers for CCC's Chinese New Year celebration — Lion dancers for CCC’s Chinese New Year celebration

Students and colleagues gathered ahead of the Year of the Fire Horse to share food, celebrate good fortune and develop their awareness of Chinese New Year.

Students at Capital City College’s (CCC) Sixth Form campus in Angel enjoyed a Chinese New Year event last month.

Visitors to the event were able to take part in various interactive activities, such as learning which of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals correlated to their birth year. Each animal carries with it a specific set of characteristics and personality traits. In 2026, the year changed from the Year of the Wood Snake to the Year of the Fire Horse on 17 February.

In addition to games and activities, students and staff also had the opportunity to try a selection of traditional Chinese baked treats, which were provided by Larry Poon, Work Experience Placement Officer.

Chinese New Year often involves themes of luck and good fortune, so visitors to the event enjoyed fortune cookies and scratch cards revealing positive predictions for the coming year. There was also a prize raffle with a self-care hamper going to the lucky winner.

The Chinese New Year event offered an opportunity for students to learn more about Chinese customs and broaden their cultural awareness through activities, community engagement and celebration.

The event was organised by Enrichment Officers Saranya Jeyarajah, Aleena Sharif, and Fiona Small, in collaboration with Shirley Wong, Group Head of School for A Levels and members of the Student Executive team.

A stunning dancer for Chinese New Year — A stunning dancer for CCC’s Chinese New Year celebration

Fiona Small, Enrichment Officer at CCC, said: “We wanted to make this a fun celebration and get them [students] talking about everything Chinese New Year-related. It was a pleasure to be part of such an event and collaborate with the different staff.”

Larry Poon, Work Experience Placement Officer, said: “The event was so much fun. I thought the learners were engaged and really interested in what was happening.”

Shirley Wong, Group Head of School for A Levels, said: “It was a wonderful celebration, and it was so lovely to see students involved, try new foods and ask about Chinese New Year. Truly a fantastic way to end the half term.”

At the college’s King’s Cross campus, students also got involved with learning about Chinese stories and cultural traditions at a vibrant event featuring Chinese food and a special performance of traditional Chinese dance.

Puneet Dhaliwal, Assistant Principal at King’s Cross campus: “Welcoming Chinese New Year with flavour, movement and joy — students explored traditional foods, drinks and snacks, and celebrated together through the energy and rhythm of traditional Chinese dance.”

At CCC, we build community and embrace the rich cultural diversity of our staff and student body all year round. With events such as these, along with our membership of organisations such as Race Equality Matters, we continue to show our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion through meaningful activities.

Mayor of Haringey shines light on adult education

Posted on March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 by Erin Johnson

CCC students with Councillor Ahmed Mahbub, the Mayor of Haringey

As part of CCC’s Colleges Week events, students and colleagues at our Tottenham campus were excited to welcome Cllr Ahmed Mahbub, Mayor of Haringey.

His visit was a chance to see the college in action and learn more about the skills and opportunities CCC offers the local community.

The Mayor was treated to a tour of the campus, including a peek at lessons in robotics, as well as demonstrations of the college’s hair and beauty, and construction and engineering courses.

To welcome the mayor, students put on musical performances and organised DJ sets, which made for a fun and lively atmosphere. The mayor then met with a panel of students for talks about the college’s ESOL courses and how they have helped young students and adults returning to education.

Cllr Councillor Ahmed Mahbub, Mayor of Haringey, said: “I think it’s fantastic that we have this institution here in Haringey, at Tottenham, at the largest FE provider in the capital. One of the things that I find so striking is that education never ends. You know, you have mature students who are coming to it and wanting to continue, and people who’ve done degrees and they want to continue learning. And I think that’s one of the essences that we kind of sometimes forget, is that learning never ends.

“It’s so great to have an institution here where you have the opportunity to come back and not feel like you’re in a dead-end job or career. You can always come back, re-evaluate yourself, and do something that you know you enjoy, or really improve on some of the skills that you have. So it’s a fantastic thing to have in the borough and I’m really proud that we have you guys here.”

Councillor Ahmed Mahbub, Mayor of Haringey

Delicious food from Aunties for CCC's students coming together for iftar — Delicious food from Aunties for CCC students

O’Dari Smith, Student Union president of CCC’s Tottenham campus, said: “Today has been very inspirational to hear from someone who has so much power in our community. believe it’s important that we have these talks, and these conversations with our leaders, where they speak to us person to person, and speak to the public. It’s really inspired me to try and pursue a career into politics as I want to represent people that don’t really get a voice, like marginalized groups.”

Adam Beral, Assistant Principal of CCC’s Tottenham campus, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome the mayor of Haringey to our Tottenham campus, and it was a wonderful opportunity to showcase all of the skills that we have on offer here, but more importantly, for the mayor to hear from some of our very own students about their experience.

“We had apprentices, we had SEN learners, ESOL students, as well as some former students who have gone on to do amazing things in the local community. And it just goes to show the important work that colleges do within the education sector in this country.”

As the day came to an end, students joined together to break their fast and celebrate iftar during Ramadan, with food provided by Aunties, a street food restaurant run by CCC alumni. Events like this reflect CCC’s community spirit and show that our college is a home where everyone can belong.

Capital City College students triumph at Greater London Skills Competition 2026

Posted on March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 by Erin Johnson

The student college teams at the Greater London Inter College Skills Competition — The student college teams at the Greater London College Skills Competition

Capital City College (CCC) students are celebrating after securing wins at the Greater London Skills Competition 2026, taking top spots in cyber security and culinary, and earning runner‑up positions in engineering and beauty.

For a third year in a row, the competition has brought together colleges across London to compete. This year the competitions grew, with 15 colleges represented by 300 students participating in the challenges. Students competed in beauty, bricklaying, carpentry, cyber security, media, engineering, hairdressing, science, and more.

Endorsed by WorldSkills UK, and sponsored by employers including Atos and Digital Garage, the competition sees colleges host professional, industry‑level assessments on their own campuses, showcasing the talent and potential of London’s future workforce.

This year, CCC students once again made their mark. The college placed joint first in cyber security, first in culinary, and finished as runners‑up in both engineering and beauty.

In the culinary competition, nine students had to create a three-course meal of a cold starter, dressed crab and chocolate mousse. Industry judges included representatives from Gaucho and the Chefs’ Association. CCC student Oscar impressed the judges with his dishes showcasing modern British cuisine.

A judge and Oscar, CCC student and winner of this year's culinary competition — A judge and Oscar, CCC student and winner of this year’s culinary competition

A delectable dessert made for the competition

The winning CCC student team for the cyber security competition

In the cyber security competition, held our our Mosaic@Soho campus, student teams put their theoretical knowledge into practice by working as consultants for a fictional cyber security firm. They were challenged to solve realistic, scenario‑based problems that required teamwork, creativity and problem-solving skills.

Stefan, a Full Stack Software Engineer at 01Founders and judge of the cyber security competition, said: “These kids, in four or five hours, they’ve managed to essentially create presentations to exploit vulnerabilities, to patch them, to recommend changes, infrastructure and so on. Not going to dive deep into the technical side, but if they have managed to achieve this in four or five hours, imagine what they can achieve
in a full time position.”

‘Last year I thought it was good. This year was exceptional.’

Carl Boyd, Assistant Principal of Innovation – Principals & Directors, said: “It has been an amazing day, with teams competing from various colleges across London. It’s been a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of high skill. So with this, the second time we’ve hosted this cyber security competition, and the level of skill has been significantly higher than last year. Last year, I thought it was good. This year was exceptional. Our joint winning teams did very well in both the presentation and the analysis of the defend and attack scenario, and learners are looking forward to applying for World Skills, which is next on the agenda, so a good stepping stone. Congratulations to all the winners.”

Toby Clark, Deputy Principal at CCC, said: “What makes the Greater London College Skills Competition special is that it raises the bar. Students step beyond coursework, compete using WorldSkills methodology, and show the level of skill, determination and professionalism that young people in our sector are capable of.”

Well done to all of the colleges and students for taking part in this fantastic competition!

Celebrating mentorship and leadership from women who shape our college on International Women’s Day

Posted on March 8, 2026March 8, 2026 by Erin Johnson

Some of CCC's female leaders for International Women's Day — Some of CCC’s female leaders for International Women’s Day

The theme of International Women’s Day 2026 is “Give to Gain”, reinforcing the idea that in lifting up other women, we create the conditions for everyone to achieve and succeed.

At Capital City College (CCC), we asked some of our female leaders, “What was the one piece of advice or opportunity that has helped you in your career?” Here is what they had to say.

“I turned my vision into a reality”

Angela Joyce, CEO

“I was given the opportunity to prove myself on a number of occasions early in my career. In particular, being given the opportunity to develop a brand new subject area in my first college role gave me the opportunity to turn a vision into a reality.”

“One moment of encouragement shaped how I lead today”

Jacqueline Dyett, Group Head of School ‑ AAT, Professional Services, Access, HE and Teacher Education

“Early in my career, my line manager resigned unexpectedly and, without hesitation, I stepped in to take on additional responsibilities to keep the department running. At the time, I wasn’t thinking about career progression, I simply wanted to ensure continuity for colleagues and learners.

My Head of School recognised the commitment and potential I was demonstrating and encouraged me to step up further. Within the space of two months, I was promoted to Course Team Leader and then progressed to Curriculum Manager – an opportunity that reflected the trust placed in my capability before I had fully recognised it in myself. Since that promotion, I have not looked back; I have continued to move forward, developing myself professionally and personally at every stage.

That moment of encouragement strengthened my confidence, resilience, and belief in my leadership ability. It shaped how I lead today: by creating opportunities for others, recognising potential, and supporting colleagues to grow. When we invest in people and trust them to rise to challenges, everyone benefits.

This International Women’s Day reminds us that when we lift one another, open doors, and believe in potential, we create pathways not only for ourselves but for future generations of women to lead, thrive, and inspire change.”

“My mentorship helped me realise I belong at the table”

Debbie Houghton, Group Principal Apprenticeships, Partnerships & Innovation

“One of the most important opportunities I received in my career was strong mentorship at a pivotal moment when I was transitioning from middle to senior leadership. I was fortunate to work for an inspirational leader who invested time in guiding and challenging me, particularly as a female aspiring leader navigating imposter syndrome (something that never entirely disappears but becomes something you learn to recognise and grow from).

What stayed with me were a few pieces of advice that continue to shape how I lead:

Surround yourself with professionalism and competence – the people around you shape your standards, your confidence and your performance.
Be kind to yourself. Even the most committed professionals need time to pause, reflect and recharge.
Never ignore behaviours that undermine a team. Culture is defined not just by what we say, but by what we allow.
Address difficult issues early. Leadership means having courageous conversations – and timing matters.

That mentorship gave me more than advice – it gave me confidence, clarity and the belief that I belonged at the table. And that has made all the difference.”

“Trust yourself and say yes!”

Carlo Liu, Group Head of Enterprise, Employability & Careers

“Throughout my career journey, friends and mentors have encouraged me to trust myself and say yes to opportunities, even when I don’t feel completely ready.

When an unexpected new project came up, someone trusted me to lead it. It felt slightly beyond my comfort zone at the time, but saying yes turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. I learned so much through the experience, and it significantly supported my growth, both in my skills and in my overall career confidence.”

“Never compromise your standards!”

Sharon Barry, Group Head of School – Apprenticeships & Culinary Arts

“The one rule I live by is ‘never compromise your standards’, a motto a friend and former colleague told me early on in my career and it’s served me well. As a woman working in hospitality and subsequently education, it has been a journey in numerous ways.

I think over the years it’s become a form of professional integrity, self‑advocacy, and leadership and in a way it’s how I honour my own value and know that whatever I do, both professionally and personally, I am doing myself justice and being the best I can possibly be.”

Inspired by our colleagues’ supportive stories? Read more about our inspirational leadership team or read about our values to learn how we are dedicated to supporting our colleagues and students to be their best selves.

How to choose a career in 2026: the ultimate four-step framework

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

Young man studying - Photo by Keira Burton via Pexels — Young man studying – Photo by Keira Burton via Pexels

Does choosing a career feel like staring at a blank page? Or is it more like a road map with a thousand possible routes? Our four top tips can help you find the right path.

If you shrink away whenever someone asks “So, what do you think you’ll do after college?”, then you’re not alone. At Capital City College (CCC), we understand that while some people have a career fixed in their minds from an early age, for most of us it’s a voyage of experimentation and discovery.

Deciding which career path to take can feel overwhelming, so to celebrate National Careers Week, we’ve come up with four key steps to guide you through those initial stages and help you discover your next step.

Do an internal audit

Before you start looking at what training providers and companies have to offer, take some time to consider what kind of skills and interests you have and where they might be useful.

The Japanese “Ikigai” method is a good place to start. Ikigai loosely translates as “reason for being”, and the method uses a simple framework to find the intersection of four key things:

What you love
What you’re good at
What the world needs
What you can be paid for

You can find out more about the ikigai method here.

Take advantage of free careers resources

National Careers Week is a celebration of free careers resources in education, and there are some fantastic websites available. The Prospects website has a simple job match quiz that helps you explore roles related to your skills and interests. Jobs are presented in groups relating to an aspect of your professional personality and outlook, and it’s quite a fun way to challenge yourself to explore what’s out there.

Wherever you’re currently studying, ask about opportunities for careers guidance. At CCC, we offer students a range of career support and work experience opportunities. You can benefit from one-to-one careers advice and guidance from one of our expert careers professionals or take part in our established career programme.

We also have a number of detailed and practical career blogs for specific roles so you can learn how to become a/an:

Explore industries that interest you

Once you have an idea of a particular area or industry that sparks your interest, let your curiosity lead the way.

You could browse job profiles on an informative website such as Prospects or the National Careers Service. At CCC, we done some of the hard work for you and researched a number of industries and put together a few easy-to-digest guides to:

Another great resource is the BBC Bitesize website, which you may remember from your school days. They have a great careers section with details of careers in different areas as well as short, informative podcasts,

Set some goals

So you’ve got a vague idea or where you’re headed, but how to get there?

It’s rarely a passive process so you’ll need a plan. Start by giving yourself a few short term goals to work towards. These could include:

Working in your CV
Putting together a cover letter for a job you’d like to do
Going to a career fair (you could prepare questions in advance)
Doing some voluntary work that uses or builds on your skills
Getting some experience as an intern.

Each time you achieve a short-term goal, remind yourself that you’re building on your life experience working towards something meaningful to you.

For the medium term, set specific goals that excite you and that you are motivated to achieve. Perhaps you’ll complete a course that will give you more knowledge about your chosen field or take part in a careers workshop or event with an industry employer.

It can be hard to imagine long-term goals, but by thinking about where you want to be, you can start to work backwards and think about the actions you’ll need to take in order to get there. Keep that long-term goal in mind as you progress, and keep listening to your own reaction to it. If it still excites you, keep going. If it doesn’t, ask yourself why. Setting goals doesn’t mean they’re set in stone, it just gives you a focus to work toward for a period of time.

Remember that everyone encounters setbacks and changes as they make their way through the world of work and it’s rarely a linear path. In fact, the career you choose to pursue becomes both a pathway and a process, and it’s okay to rethink things as you go.

Most people have around seven careers in their lifetime, so you don’t need to choose a “forever” job, just the one that works for your skills and your lifestyle right now. No work experience is wasted and you’ll be surprised by the number of valuable transferable skills you get from different roles to take with you through life.

If you’re a CCC student, you can get expert feedback and advice from the college Careers team who can also tell you about the various career activities taking place.

Rebuilding your career path with Extended Constructions Skills

Posted on March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 by Erin Johnson

Sophane, a qualified accountant, recently embarked on a career change. She is currently studying Construction Skills – Level 1 Extended Certificate, a City and Guilds qualification, part-time at Capital City College (CCC).

What inspired you to go back to college?

I got a bit burnt out. In the past, I would have changed roles or companies, but this time, I realised that I needed to make a bigger change – and this course has certainly done the trick. I still work freelance as an accountant, but I want to just focus on my studies a bit more. The more I do, the more I want to do.

Were there any challenges in starting your course?

I got myself onto the Extended Construction Skills course at the Holloway campus, which is a pretty popular course. I’m in a class with mainly 16 and 17 year olds and at first I felt like a fish out of water wearing a student lanyard – but that feeling didn’t last long.

What’s it like being an adult learner in a class of teenagers?

It’s been eye-opening and absolutely brilliant and I wouldn’t change it for the world! It’s amazing to see them applying themselves to this particular field, seeing their successes and their attitudes change as they get more skilled. I find it rather heart-warming and a privilege to witness.

How is your course going?

We focus on a different skill set over each of the three terms – the qualification is well-rounded and gives you lots of practical input as well as theory. In the first term we focused on carpentry and learnt about using tools safely and accurately, health and safety and working on site, and different types of carpentry joints.

The classroom at Holloway is absolutely great – it’s set up with workstations and all the tools. At the end of 12 weeks, I’d gone from not being able to hold a saw properly to fitting a mortice lock – and I’m really proud of that. Because of the competency that we developed, we were also able to do a number of British Carpentry assessments and get extra credits.

This term is on painting and decorating, and it’s been strangely therapeutic. We’re learning about different types of paint, paper and brushes and when to use them, colour palettes and techniques such as cutting in. There are about 15 one-bedroom flats set up with doors, light switches, all the things you might find in a home environment, and that’s where our classes take place. It’s amazing as we get to practice our skills, strip it all back, and start again.

Next term we’ll be doing brick laying – so by the end of the course you’ve got a really good trio of skills to take forward.

What’s been your favourite part of the course so far?

Sawing a piece of wood straight on and fitting two pieces of wood that you’ve cut together perfectly. I can’t explain it, there’s an absolute beauty that comes from being able to do something like that. It’s just such an achievement and I love that.

How have you found the tutors?

The tutors have a great rapport with the students, and the way that they teach bridges the gap well between school and college. They give encouragement and motivate us while setting clear expectations and instilling discipline. They’ve helped us understand different roles on building sites and within the housing sector.

What’s next for you?

I’m keen to balance out my skillset and keep my brain active so I’m already enrolled on a Solar Energy course. Then I’ll look into a Domestic Retrofit course as we really need greater energy efficiency in the UK.

Alongside that, I want to do carpentry again – maybe a Level 2 Carpentry course. I’m hoping to get some on-site experience over the summer as I feel like I’ve got enough confidence to apply my skill set and work to a good standard.

What advice would you give to people thinking about going back to college?

Be bold about your choice of course – there’s an awful lot out there. Be brave – you know more than you think and your skill set from life will enhance your ability to adapt. Enrol on popular courses early to avoid disappointment. Finally, just enjoy it for what it is.

If you’re keen to learn practical skills for a rapidly growing industry, check out our Construction and Plumbing Courses.

Considering a change in role? At Capital City College, our courses cater to learners of all ages and from all backgrounds. To discover your next exciting career, take a look at our wide range of courses.