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New spectator safety stewards kick off careers at Tottenham Hotspur

Posted on August 23, 2023August 24, 2023 by admin

Newly qualified safety stewards have been awarded their certificates after successfully completing their training at Tottenham Hotspur as the new football season kicks off.

The stewards were each presented with a Spectator Safety Level 2 Certificate at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of Spurs’ first Premier League home match against Manchester United on 19 August.

The 62,850-seater stadium is considered to be one of the best stadiums in the world and has also hosted many other sporting events including NFL games, rugby and boxing; as well as music concerts by Guns N’ Roses, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

More than 400 stewards at the club have enrolled on the Level 2 programme since the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) began running it in 2020, to gain practical skills and knowledge in all aspects of spectator safety for events.

Around 30 stewards looking to gain skills for steward supervisory roles at the stadium have also started training for their Spectator Safety Level 3 Certificate this year.

Lewis Taylor, 19, who was among those completing the Level 2 Certificate, said: “Working as a steward feels a lot more purposeful than other jobs. Here, I feel I contribute a lot more and I’m playing a vital role in the security of the stadium.

“I’ve become more assertive and confident and learnt to put my foot down without being rude or aggressive. I now feel I can handle the responsibility and provide a high level of safety.”

Thomas Wheelhouse, 18, who also attained the Level 2 Certificate, said: “When I started, I thought it would just be about scanning people’s tickets and taking them to their seats, but during the course I learnt so much more about how to keep people safe and make sure they have a good time.

“Anything can happen so quickly, and if I panic other people will. Knowing what to do in an emergency means I am able stay calm under pressure and deal with it. There’s a lot of responsibility, but we have a good team and everyone works so well with each other.”

Shiv Emmimath, Head of Employability and Trade Union Education at CONEL, and Zoe Smith, Safety Officer at Tottenham Hotspur, presented the Level 2 Certificates to the stewards.

Shiv said: “CONEL is the biggest education provider in the local area and Spurs is the largest employer with the best stadium in the country, so it made sense for us to work together.

“We provided funding to train the club’s stewards and co-designed a fantastic bespoke programme with them. The qualification sets the benchmark for spectator safety qualifications across the country. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it’s delivered at Spurs, enriched by real-event scenarios that enhance the learners’ experience.

“This programme has achieved remarkable success over three years in developing the skills and knowledge of every steward protecting the spectators on event days.”

Eileen Williams MBE, Head of Event Safety at Tottenham Hotspur, said: “Our partnership with CONEL has gone from strength to strength and been a great success. They have listened to our business needs, supported us with funding and our achievement rates are good.

“As part of the working agreements for the new stadium, we’re required to engage and work more with the local organisations and a quarter of our workforce and on event days must come from the local area, so the college was a natural link for us when it came to training our stewards.

“We look forward to continuing to grow or relationship with CONEL and are committed to investing in our people and giving local residents career opportunities to better the community.”

Safety steward vacancies and other career opportunities at Tottenham Hotspur can be found here.

Don’t delay! Enrol at CCCG’s colleges now and unlock your potential

Posted on August 21, 2023August 21, 2023 by admin

Undecided about your next steps after school or looking to gain new skills? Here’s our top 10 reasons to enrol at college.

Enrolling at a further education college can be a transformative step towards realising your full potential.

Whether you’re a school-leaver weighing up your options or an adult seeking to enhance your skills, studying with Capital City College Group (CCCG) will open doors to a world of growth and opportunity.

CCCG comprises City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, and apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training (CCCT).

Here’s 10 reasons to enrol now to study at our colleges in September.

Tailored Learning Experience

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to education. We offer a range of academic, technical and vocational courses in various fields. We’ll find a course that aligns with your interests and aspirations.

Practical Skills

Colleges excel in practical, hands-on skills that apply to the real world. Many of our courses are taught by experienced professionals with a deep understanding of the industry.

Pathways to Higher Education

Colleges offer various pathways to university including A Levels, T Levels and technical and vocational courses such as BTECs, all of which can lead to degrees and other higher education qualifications.

Faster Entry into the Workforce

We offer courses that run from a few weeks to a couple of years, enabling you to gain a qualification and enter the workforce more quickly compared to university study.

Flexible Learning Options

Balancing education with other commitments can be challenging, especially for adults with jobs and families. We provide flexible learning options such as part-time, evening and online learning.

Personalised Support

Our colleges offer smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalised attention from your tutors. This means you receive better guidance and support to ensure you stay on track and excel in your studies.

Build a Strong Network

College is not just about the education, but about building connections. We bring together people of all backgrounds to create a community where you can learn, collaborate and expand your network.

Affordable Option

Colleges are a more cost-effective alternative to university. All our courses are free for 16-18s and many are free to adults. We also offer bursaries and advice on additional financial support.

Embrace Lifelong Learning

Education is a lifelong journey. By enrolling at college, you’re and showing a commitment to personal and professional growth, which can be not only be incredibly fulfilling but also impress employers.

Empowerment and Confidence

Acquiring new skills and knowledge can boost your self-confidence. The sense of accomplishment from successfully completing a course can have a positive effect in all areas of your life.

Find out more about our courses and apprenticeships and apply here.

Principal praises ‘exceptional’ WestKing students as they celebrate A Level results

Posted on August 17, 2023March 20, 2025 by admin

Students as Westminster Kingsway College were full of joy and smiles as the celebrated success in this year’s A Level results.

Among this year’s top performing students in this year’s A Levels were Sophie Campbell, Nayhomi Esaw, Samuel Pozas Perilla, Tuang Cong Dinh, Jade Cornwall-Richards and Nathaniel Dowding.

Sophie, 20, who achieved an A* in English Literature and Bs in History and Psychology, is heading to Tokyo University to study Japanese.

She said: “I felt okay this morning. I wasn’t very nervous at all and looking forward to celebrating with my friends. If I was to give future A Level students a bit of advice on their studies, I would tell them to be organised and work hard and you’ll get the results you deserve.”

Nayhomi, 20, attained three As in Chemistry, Biology and Maths, said: “I’m very happy with my results. I checked with UCAS this morning, so knew I had got into university but was keen to know what grades I got. I was expecting a B in Chemistry, so I was quite surprised to get an A.

“My teachers were very supportive. If I had any questions on particular topics, I could contact them on Teams or email and they always responded quickly. They also gave lots of past exam paper questions, which was very useful in preparing how to answer the questions for the exams.”

Samuel, 20, is looking to study Politics and International Relations at university after gaining an A in Spanish and Politics and a B in Sociology.

“I was really nervous this morning. The teachers were the most important factor during my two years. They were absolutely amazing and very helpful,” he said.

WestKing also saw many students achieve Distinction grades on Level 3 Extended Diploma courses, which are equivalent to three A Levels and accepted by most universities.

Elizabeth Azuero, Joan Martinez and Nuria Morocho Casco are all heading to university after achieving Distinctions on a Music Performance and Production Extended Level 3 Diploma.

Nuria, 18, said: “We did a lot of work outside the college working on our projects, doing research, writing blogs about everything and evaluations. I worked hard, stayed focused and made the best of my time at college.”

Offering her advice to prospective students, Elizabeth, 24, added: “If you want to do something and become successful in the future, work hard and make the most of every opportunity.”

Joshua Ofege, 18, is heading to the University of Kent to study Computer Science after gaining a DDM on an Engineering Level 3 Extended Diploma.

He said: “I am very happy with my grades. I called my parents and they were very happy and excited. The teachers helped me a lot. They gave me a lot of materials to help with studying and guided me on what to study at home.”

WestKing offers a wide range of A Levels, T Levels, technical and vocational courses such as BTECs, and apprenticeships across its centres in central London.

Jasbir Sondhi, Vice Principal of Westminster Kingsway College, said: “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to our exceptional students on their fantastic A Level results.

“They have worked incredibly hard and shown great commitment throughout their studies and I wish them every success in the next chapter of their lives.

“I would also like to recognise the invaluable role played by our teachers and staff and thank them for the unwavering support and guidance that has been instrumental in shaping their educational journey.”

WestKing is part of Capital City College Group (CCCG), which also comprises City and Islington College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, and apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training.

WestKing saw 39.5 per cent of students achieve A*-C grades in their results with many securing places on degree courses at universities and other higher education institutions.

Kurt Hintz, Executive Principal at CCCG, said: “Congratulations to our exceptional students on their remarkable achievements in their A Level exams. Their unwavering commitment to academic excellence has been truly inspiring and has led them to tremendous success.

“These great results serve as a testament to their relentless hard work and unwavering determination. They should feel immensely proud of their well-deserved accomplishments, and we wish them well for their next steps.”

Find out more about courses and apprenticeships at WestKing and apply here.

Understanding UCAS Clearing: Your path to Higher Education

Posted on August 15, 2023March 25, 2025 by admin

Not got the grades you need for your chosen university? Don’t panic, here’s our guide to UCAS Clearing and how to find a place.

With A Level results day just around the corner, what do you do if you do not get the grades for your preferred university or have second thoughts about where and what you want to study?

This is where the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) Clearing comes into play, providing a vital lifeline for students who find themselves without a confirmed place.

What is UCAS Clearing?

UCAS is responsible for managing applications to Higher Education institutions. Clearing is a system that operates within UCAS to help students secure university places if they haven’t received offers or met the conditions of their offers.

When does Clearing take place?

Clearing typically opens in July and continues until late September. However, it is most commonly used on A Level results day when students receive their exam grades.

It’s important to note that Clearing is not just for students who didn’t achieve their expected grades. It is also for those who have changed their minds about their course choices or institutions after receiving their offers.

Who can use Clearing?

UCAS Clearing is available to various groups of students:

Those who have applied after the 30 June deadline.
Students who didn’t receive any offers or declined all their offers.
Individuals who didn’t meet the conditions of their offers.
Students who’ve changed their minds about their chosen course or institution.
Those who have been released from their firm choice through the UCAS Adjustment process.

How to navigate Clearing

Research: Before Clearing begins, research universities and courses that have available spaces. UCAS publishes a list of institutions with vacancies, and many universities also post them on their websites.
Contact universities: Once you’ve identified potential courses, contact universities directly to find out about available places. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications, grades and reasons for wanting to join the course.
UCAS application: Update your UCAS Track account with the details of the university that’s made you an offer. This is essential for your application to be processed officially.
Receive confirmation: If a university decides to offer you a place, they’ll update your UCAS Track account. You’ll have a limited time to accept this offer officially.
Confirmation and acceptance: Once you’ve accepted an offer through UCAS, you’re committed to that university. This means you won’t be able to enter Clearing again, so ensure your decision is well considered.

Tips for success

Be prepared: Have your personal statement, exam results and UCAS ID ready when contacting universities.
Stay informed: UCAS updates its vacancy list regularly, so keep an eye out for new opportunities.
Stay positive: Clearing might not have been your initial plan, but it can lead to fantastic opportunities you may not have considered.
Act swiftly: Available places can fill up quickly, so don’t delay in contacting universities.

UCAS Clearing helps to ensure Higher Education remains accessible to all students by helping to find a place that suits them. Whether you’re seeking an alternative path or a fresh start, remember that Clearing is there to support and guide you toward your academic aspirations.

CCCG offers a number of Higher Education courses. Find out more and apply here.

More information about university and careers advice at CCCG’s colleges can be found here.

CCCG Head of International Development honoured by South Korean government

Posted on August 11, 2023August 11, 2023 by admin

The face behind international development at Capital City College Group (CCCG) has been honoured by the South Korean government for her commitment to education.

Seungeun Chang, Head of International Development and Operations, was presented with a Merit Award at a ceremony at the South Korean Embassy on 7 August.

She received the award from South Korean Ambassador Yeocheol Yoon, on behalf Minister for Foreign Affairs Park Jin, at the event to commemorate World Korean Day.

Seungeun said: “I am very grateful for this recognition, which has made me reflect on my career and think about what I have done and what I would like to do next.

“I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved and the impact I have had through my work. I am so blessed and lucky to have so many kind people around me who inspire, support and cheer me along the way.”

Seungeun, who was born and raised in Seoul, has been responsible for overseeing the Turing Scheme, the UK’s global study and education programme, which has seen around 100 students and staff from across CCCG’s colleges visit South Korea.

While there they have had the opportunity to meet their South Korean peers, embrace the culture and gain valuable insights into education and careers in the country.

Seungeun and her team have also been responsible for providing a wide range of training opportunities for more than 400 South Korean students, including hosting 220 in London.

Seungeun moved to the UK and joined Westminster Kingsway College, part of CCCG, in June 2011 having previously worked for the British Council in South Korea for 11 years.

She said: “Looking back, the last 23 years of my career have been dedicated to promoting and exporting UK education. It has been such a privilege to connect and build partnerships and friendships between the people of my two loving countries.”

Read about one of this year’s Turing Scheme trips to South Korea here.

Find out more about our courses and apprenticeships at CCCG and apply here.

CCCG receives Mayor’s Quality Mark for Health and Social Care

Posted on August 11, 2023August 26, 2023 by admin

Capital City College Group (CCCG) has received a Mayor’s Skills Academies Quality Mark in recognition of its high-quality training in health and social care.

CCCG was awarded the accolade by the Greater London Authority (GLA) after demonstrating its excellent provision and commitment to train people to work in the sector.

The Group offers many Health and Social Care courses and apprenticeships at its three colleges – City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London – and its apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training.

CCCG has now received all six of the GLA’s Quality Marks having also successfully maintained its five existing Quality Marks for Creative, Digital, Hospitality, Green and Construction this year.

Four of these Quality Marks – Creative, Digital. Hospitality and Green – have resulted in the development of Mayor of London Skills Academy Hubs at the Group’s colleges.

Confirming CCCG’s latest Quality Mark for Health and Social Care, the GLA said: “The Mayor’s Skills Academies Quality Mark aims to set a high bar for skills training in London that responds to the needs of sectors key to London’s recovery. 

“The Quality Mark is only awarded to training providers who deliver high-quality provision in the digital, creative, health and social care, hospitality, green and construction sectors, which meets the GLA’s published assessment criteria.”

Quality Mark status enables colleges to connect with other education providers across London to promote skills provision, collaborate and share knowledge and address challenges in the sector. In the past it has also led to financial investment to support training.

To achieve the Quality Mark, CCCG had to show how its courses and apprenticeships are industry relevant and successful at getting people into employment and further training.

The Group also had to provide evidence to show the strength of its relationships with employers and sector bodies and how its teachers keep up to date with industry trends, along with details about its training facilities and how it attracts applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.

Jackie Chapman, Executive Director for Growth and Partnerships at CCCG, said: “I am delighted to see this recognition of our provision. CCCG has a wide offer and has focused attention over the last year in supporting the industry fill emerging skills gaps.

“We provide sector-based work academies, directly supporting local residents into jobs, and our work with NHS Trusts is expanding year on year with specialisms such as pharmacy and maternity. Our full-time offer ranges from a Level 1 course in basic healthcare to high level specialisms such as ophthalmology.

“The achievement of gaining all six available Quality Marks represents the fantastic provision now available at CCCG to employers and residents in London.”

Find out more about Health and Social Care courses and apprenticeships and apply here.

Applied Science students to go head-to-head in WorldSkills UK finals

Posted on July 25, 2023July 25, 2023 by admin

Two Science students from Capital City College Group (CCCG) will go head-to-head in the national finals of this year’s WorldSkills UK competition.

Dante Senior, 19, and Andy Brenya, 20, will compete against six other finalists from across the country in the Laboratory Technician challenge in Manchester in November.

WorldSkills UK aims to raise standards in technical education and apprenticeships through a series of national competitions to support high-quality skills training and boost the economy.

Dante and Andy took part in the competition while studying for an Applied Science Level 3 Diploma at City and Islington College (CANDI) and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) respectively this year.

The pair reached the final after undertaking two three-hour challenges in chromatography and titration in the National Qualifier of the Lab Technician competition at Middlesex University.

They were among eight students from across both colleges chosen for the National Qualifiers after demonstrating their skills through a series of online learning assessments.

Dante, who has just completed the first year of his diploma at CANDI, said: “I feel ecstatic to reach the finals. It was incredible news as I wasn’t sure if I’d get through because I’d never done something like this before.

“Our teachers were very supportive and prepared us well in the weeks leading up to the qualifiers. We came in at half-term to practise and hone our skills, which happened to be the same practicals we were asked to do at Middlesex.

“There were times when I saw I was quite far behind compared to everyone else, but I managed to make it up and everything worked out in the end.”

Andy completed his course at CONEL this year and will start a BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Hertfordshire in September.

He said: “I honestly didn’t expect to get through to the final. I am very excited. It is a big accomplishment and I’m very happy.

“I was confident when I went into the qualifier because I had prepared well, but when I saw they were only going to pick eight out of 80 or so people who were competing. Initially, there was some pressure because you could see other people doing it, but I took my time and focused on my own work and that kept me calm.

“My teachers said just getting being part of the competition was important, but once I was there I wanted to win.”

WorldSkills UK challenges are designed by industry experts and develop participants’ technical and employability skills including resilience, self-confidence and communication.

The finals will see 442 students and apprentices compete in 51 skills challenges from accounting, construction and health and social care to beauty therapy, landscaping and cybersecurity.

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, said: “I offer my congratulations to all of the National Finalists.

“We know our competition-based training programmes deliver real value and benefits to the young person taking part, but the programmes also provide opportunity for the development of their educators and trainers in delivering training that meets the latest industry standards.

“The young people that take part in our national programme are a true inspiration and demonstrate the skills we have in the UK.”

The medallists will be announced at a ceremony at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on 17 November

Find out more about Science and Forensics courses with CCCG and apply here.

School technicians discover more at CCCG’s first STEM Technicians Conference

Posted on July 24, 2023February 14, 2024 by admin

School technicians had the chance to find out more about the latest developments in science education at a conference hosted by Capital City College Group (CCCG).

More than 100 staff from schools across London and the South-east attended the first CCCG Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Technicians Conference.

The event at City and Islington College (CANDI), which is part of CCCG, was an opportunity for technicians to network with experts, suppliers and their peers, learn about new industry innovations and discuss ideas at a series of presentations and workshops.

Education consultant David Swinscoe, a former Director of CANDI’s Centre for Applied Science, gave a speech at the conference about science education policy including the introduction of T Levels.

Addressing the technicians at the event, he said: “I believe that young people ought to be doing practical work when they are studying science, and not just reading and hearing about it. The UK has a good record of young people getting their hands dirty, rolling up their sleeves and doing science, and that is no small part down to what you do.”

Workshops at the event included various practical sessions on chemistry, physics and biology and others on using artificial intelligence, chemical storage and stock control, electronics and soldering, making and labelling solutions and data logging.

CANDI Science Technicians Britney Ofori and Melissa Nagas gave a presentation on their careers and how they support students through various practical activities including setting up a crime scene.

Julie Nicholson, Senior Technician at Harris Science Academy East London, said: “I’ve got to know more technicians and picked up some ideas in the workshops to take back to my school when I am setting up practical experiments for students, which will inspire and improve their learning.

“I was very impressed with the knowledge of the science technicians here and will be keeping in touch.”

Aaron Augustus, Science Technician at Kensington Aldridge Academy, said: “It’s been great to learn new STEM techniques and hear from other technicians about how they work in their schools, and having an insight into how the science and ethics around our jobs is advancing and changing.

“It was good to learn from other people about their experiences and other career paths you can take as a science technician. It doesn’t have to be strictly one route. It can be with schools, but it can also be applied to industry as well.”

Among the organisations and suppliers at the conference were the Royal Society of Chemistry, Royal Society of Biology, LaBLiFe, Nickel-Electro, Philip Harris, Data Harvest, VITTA Education, Labexpert UK, SLS Select Education, Breckland Scientific and Samples for Schools.

Chris Pambou, Chief Science Technician at CANDI, who organised the event, said: “Technicians play a vital role in education. Without them, teachers would find it very difficult to teach the practical side of their courses. They organise labs, set up and maintain equipment for practical assignments and support students in class.

“However, there is very little training out there for technicians, which is why events like this are so important to keep them up to date with the latest developments in science and technology.

“Today has been very successful. Many of the technicians here have come up to me and said how much it will be beneficial to their careers.”

Find out more about Science and Forensics courses and apply here.

Coding school 01Founders launches new Software Developer Apprenticeship

Posted on July 21, 2023April 1, 2025 by admin

Coding school 01Founders has officially launched a new apprenticeship alongside its innovative tuition-free courses to drive forward tech careers.

01 Founders was formed in 2021 and is part-owned by Capital City College (CCC), London’s largest further education provider, which is responsible for a fifth of apprenticeship starts in the capital.

Employers were invited to find out more about the new Software Developer Level 4 Apprenticeship at a Let’s Talk Apprenticeships event at CCC’s Regent’s Park centre on 19 July.

Apprentices will initially spend 9-12 months at the free coding school where they will gain skills through gamified projects and peer-to-peer learning instead of being teacher-led.

They will then spend the next 12-18 months in paid employment on the apprenticeship, earning a minimum of £21,000 a year, while continuing their training with 01Founders.

Many of the students who have been learning coding skills with 01Founders over the past year are now looking to move on to the apprenticeship to gain more experience.

Jackie Chapman, CEO of 01Founders, said: “We are leading a tech education revolution, spotting untapped talent and welcoming everyone regardless of age, background, culture or education.

“We test individuals for aptitude and ability in a way that removes all other barriers. In our first two years, 450 individuals have experienced our three-week intensive sprints and 200 have joined a full-time programme.

“Our students are pioneers, using a peer-to-peer pedagogy to learn how to learn and problem-solve across a range of coding languages, which is essential in an ever-changing tech industry.

“Our apprentices are also unique. They have spent at least 900 hours with 01Founders, learning key skills and coding languages before they start their apprenticeships and are ready for the challenge.”

The apprenticeship will be built around individual business requirements and tailored to employers’ specialisms, such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and web development, with training costs funded through the Apprenticeship Levy and no recruitment charge to the company.

Apprentices will be required to complete an end-point assessment to demonstrate their skills against national standards and to gain their Level 4 qualification.

Among the companies and organisations at the launch were the Greater London Authority, UCL, West London Institute of Technology, HDR, SSL, Quantum Group, Khiliad, Amnick, TechSkills, Timeless IMS, Turnbull and the Society for Entrepreneurial Education and Development.

The launch was held in partnership with Tech London Advocates Women in Tech and included a talk by its co-chair Suki Fuller on the benefits of joining the membership body.

Attendees also heard from Anthony Impey, Chief Executive of Be the Business, on why apprenticeships are important to SMEs, and from Laura Giddings, Impact and Stakeholder Manager at Birmingham Digital Futures and Founder of The STEM Project, who spoke about recruiting women into tech.

Matt Kingswood, CEO of The Digital College, explained why the industry needs apprentices, and Susie Lupescu, Operations Manager at Giotech, shared how apprentices had a positive impact on the global IT company.

Attendees were also given advice on how SMEs can secure apprenticeship funding from Ajay Purbhoosing, Senior Account Manager at online recruitment business WorkWhile.

Students who have been undertaking the 01Founders programme also spoke at the event and used the opportunity to network with many of the employers present.

01Founders was co-founded by Brent Hobermann, the name behind online brands including lastminute.com and Made.com, and is powered by 01 Edu technology.

If you are looking for a coding career, find out more about 01Founders and apply here.

If your company is looking to recruit the next generation of coding talent through apprenticeships, please contact the 01Founders business team at enquiry@01founder.co

Student podcasters interview former teacher about her debut art exhibition

Posted on July 18, 2023January 30, 2025 by admin

Students at Capital City College (CCC) heard more about a former teacher’s first solo art exhibition when they interviewed her for their podcast.

A Level students Thalir Krishnathas, and Leah Camilleri spoke to Meera Palia, who taught A Level Sociology and Philosophy at the college from 2008-18, for The Jam podcast.

The Surprise Aquarium exhibition was held at Willesden Gallery in north-west London and featured a collection of abstract expressionist pieces created from 2019-23.

A Level student Thalir,18, said: “It was a great opportunity to talk to Meera and hear about her artwork and get to know her as a person and as an artist. We talked about how art is a great way to relieve stress, express your feelings and learn about yourself. That’s something I want to take into my life.

“I enjoyed doing the podcast. It’s a good way for students to gain more insight and knowledge of the world by speaking to people and learning about their lives.”

Listen to the podcast here: Surprise Aquarium interview with Meera Palia

The Jam has been running since 2020 and started as a way for students to talk about their experiences during the COVID pandemic in a series called Voices Lost in Lockdown.

In November 2021 students interviewed another former teacher, Hannah Lowe, for the podcast ahead of her winning the Costa Poetry Award and Costa Book of the Year Award for her book of sonnets called The Kids.

Students have also spoken to Head of History John Siblon for a podcast called History, Memory and War, and produced many other shows on academic and social topics including art, literature, conspiracy theories, mental health, media, movies and shows.

In May students involved in The Jam this year were presented with certificates in recognition of their work on the podcast and presented with £300 from the college, which will be used to fund training to further develop students’ podcasting skills.

A Level History teacher Debbie Bogard, who set up The Jam, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity for Thalir and Leah, who enjoyed a thoughtful and enlightening conversation with Meera.

“It’s been a fantastic year for the Jam, with a committed and talented group of student podcasters making a whole host of interesting episodes. In addition to developing their podcast skills, the students involved have really benefitted from working together as a collective, supporting each other to develop their ideas and find their voices.

“It’s wonderful seeing the Jam helping to grow a wider CCC community made up of current and former students and teachers with shared values and a commitment to learning together.

“I know with so many talented students the Jam will continue to grow. I can’t wait to see and hear where it goes next.”

Find out more about A Levels and apply here.

CONEL scoops Women into Construction Partnerships with Purpose Award

Posted on July 13, 2023November 8, 2024 by admin

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) has been named among the winners in this year’s Women into Construction awards.

The college won the Partnerships with Purpose Award in recognition of the success of its five-week programme with employers to support women gain work in the industry at the Women into Construction Celebration Event on 28 June.

According to the Construction Industry Training Board, 225,000 extra workers will be required to meet the demands of the UK construction industry by 2027. Currently, just 16 per cent of the construction industry workforce is women.

More than 200 women have taken the programme with CONEL since it began in 2018, with many securing on and offsite roles in the industry, with a record number enrolling this year.

The programme includes five days of construction-related training leading to a Health and Safety Level 1 Award and a CSCS card test, which is needed to work on-site, followed by two weeks of placement with an employer. It also includes help with overcoming barriers to employment, writing CVs and interview skills.

CONEL has run four programmes with Women into Construction this academic year. These include two with Wates, one with Acciona and another with Newham Council incorporating Bouygues, Morgan Sindall Construction, Hill Group, Higgins Partnerships, Kilnbridge, Modebest and O’Neill & Brennan.

This week some of the latest participants to have completed the programme returned to CONEL to receive their certificates and share their experience.

Lisa-Marie Mills, 35, has just completed the programme having previously worked in business administration for a cybersecurity company where her interest in the facilities management side of the job sparked her interest in construction.

She said: “Women into Construction gave me that basic understanding of what working in the industry entails, how a site runs, what would be required of me and what I would need to learn to fill those skills gaps.

“During my placement with Wates, I worked with a really great team who were able to show me different areas of the business and how it works. I liked being on-site working with different contractors and being able to absorb everything from everyone.

“Before I started this, I didn’t know how women got into construction and wasn’t sure it was somewhere I belonged. I know that is where I want to be now, and feel there is a real prospect of me getting in. I’m super excited about my future.”

This year’s programmes have provided skills training and employability support to 60 women looking to work in construction with 17 going on to secure employment in the sector so far.

Jo Weaver, HR Business Partner for Wates, said: “Inclusivity and diversity are really important to Wates. We want to make sure our workforce reflects the society in which we operate and the communities where we work. We’re very much looking to increase the number of women coming into the construction industry and remove any perceptions or barriers that may be preventing that happening.”

Shiv Emmimath, Head of Employability and Trade Union Education at CONEL, received the Women into Construction award at Carpenters’ Hall in the City, where he was joined by several women from the programme who are now working for Wates.

He said: “This year has been truly exceptional for us. We have conducted five outstanding Women into Construction programmes with a variety of different employers in the sector. The outstanding success of our initial collaboration with Wates led to more programmes being developed and delivered, and we are grateful for their support and contribution to helping women successfully gain employment in construction.

“Our teachers are true experts in their respective fields, consistently going above and beyond to comprehend the specific requirements of employers. They deliver training that aligns with these needs, supporting our learners throughout their journey.”

“As a college, we take immense pride in our role of facilitating employment opportunities for women in an industry where they remain underrepresented. By actively supporting this agenda, we are making a significant impact, as demonstrated by our notable outcomes and the receipt of this esteemed award.”

Jacqui Wordsworth, Director of Business Development at Women into Construction, said: “We’ve been partnering with CONEL for a number of years in London now and have always been impressed with the quality and flexibility in delivering that provision to the needs of our learners and the employers we work with. It’s a fantastic relationship and one we felt was worthy of recognition.

“There is a huge gender imbalance in the overall make-up and diversity of the construction workforce in the UK, and it is important and sensible to encourage women, who have a fantastic array of skills, expertise and attributes, to seek and gain jobs in the industry.

“We are finding that now employers are engaging more in the conversation, partly because diversity and inclusion is now high on the agenda for all corporations, but also because they are recognising they need to think differently when it comes to skills shortages and recruitment practices.

“There are brilliant construction career paths for women and we want to make sure we can support as many of them into the sector as possible.”

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Media students snap up top prizes in Met Police photography competition

Posted on July 13, 2023July 13, 2023 by admin

Creative Media students from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) have taken the top three places in a photography competition run by the Metropolitan Police.

Claudia Tole, Omar Graham and Daniela-Elena Moise came first, second and third respectively in the competition, which invited students to enter photos on the theme of Celebrating Tottenham.

All three students have had their work framed and displayed as part of a refurbishment of Tottenham police station on the High Road near the college’s Tottenham Centre.

Claudia, 27, won the competition with her black and white photo of West Green Road on a rainy day.

“I’m very happy to have won. It’s a good sign when people appreciate what you’ve done,” she said.

“I didn’t think I would win because quite a few other students were participating in the competition. Some of their work showed people working in the community and I thought they might find them more interesting. Mine was a bit different, and maybe that’s why it won.

“When I started at CONEL I didn’t know how to use a camera, but the course really explained the technical aspects and settings and my photography skills have really improved.”

Omar, 28, captured the owner of a shopkeeper on the High Road, while Daniela-Elena, 20, took a photo of a fruit and veg market trader near Seven Sisters underground station.

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley viewed the entries and met the students at the station where Superintendent Rhona Hunt is expected present them with their prizes at a later date.

First prize was a family tour of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, second prize was four tickets to Rollernation in Bruce Grove and the third prize was two tickets for Go Ape at Alexandra Palace.

Tamara Lesniewska, Curriculum Manager Creative and Digital Media, said: “The students used their creative eye and photography skills to capture many beautiful buildings, people and green spaces around Tottenham.

“We are immensely proud of all our students who took part, and especially our talented winners on their success in the competition.”