Erin Johnson, Author at Capital City College

CCC computing lecturer features on Financial Times podcast about artificial intelligence

Posted on March 21, 2025March 21, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Vahap Can Dongel, a Lecturer in Computing at CCC, featured on tech Tonic, an FT podcast as a guest speaker.

The FT Tech Tonic podcast logo

We chatted with him about AI, technology and what students can learn in his classroom.

Can you share a bit about your background?

“I graduated in 2021 with a degree in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) and joined CCC immediately after completing my studies. Since then, I have been teaching in the field of computing, delivering a range of units for Level 3 courses, including software development, database systems, cybersecurity, and networking. My focus is on providing learners with industry-relevant skills through practical, hands-on learning experiences.”

What can students learn in your classes?

“Students in my classes engage with a diverse range of computing topics across various courses. My primary focus areas include software development and programming, cybersecurity, computer networking, and database systems. I take a practical, hands-on approach to teaching, ensuring that after essential theoretical delivery, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge through workshops and practical exercises. Computing is not a field that can be mastered solely through theory, like law or psychology—it requires problem-solving, experimentation, and active engagement. This approach keeps students involved and equips them with skills that are directly applicable to both industry and higher education.”

And in your AI Prompt Engineering class?

“We begin with the fundamentals of AI, exploring what drives modern AI tools and the core technologies behind them, such as neural networks, machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP). From there, we analyse what makes an effective prompt using the CSC (Clear, Specific, Contextual) framework. As we progress, we introduce advanced prompting techniques, including multi-step prompting and conditional prompting. Towards the end of the course, students learn how to run AI models locally, entirely offline on their own machines. Finally, they experiment with different prompt engineering techniques across various tools and scenarios, helping them understand the distinctions between different large language models (LLMs) and how to use them effectively.”

Will Generative AI revolutionise how we live and work? Is it already happening?

“Absolutely. Generative AI is already transforming the way we live and work, significantly reducing workload and enhancing productivity. It serves as a powerful tool for planning, creative problem-solving, and automating time-consuming tasks such as documentation and administrative work. In the education sector, AI is revolutionising lesson planning, making learning more interactive and student-centred. Teachers are leveraging AI to design engaging activities, provide personalised feedback, and enhance the overall learning experience. Its impact is only going to grow, shaping the way we work across multiple industries.”

Will there be new jobs that focus exclusively on AI?

“Yes, I believe new roles centred around AI will emerge. Many existing jobs will be redefined and restructured with AI in mind. For instance, we may see specialised roles such as “Prompt Software Engineer” or “Prompt Game Asset Designer,” where AI is leveraged to streamline workflows and enhance creativity. While AI is unlikely to completely replace jobs in the near future, its growth will undoubtedly reshape various sectors, requiring professionals to adapt and integrate AI into their work.”

What advice would you give to students who want to learn more about AI?

“Students should see AI as a tool for learning rather than a shortcut for completing tasks. In the computing department, my colleagues and I use AI to identify knowledge gaps and build upon our understanding. AI tools function as 24/7 “smart assistants,” capable of helping learners explore new concepts and refine their skills. Instead of relying on AI to do the work for them, students should use it as a resource for research, problem-solving, and skill development—ultimately improving their understanding in a way that aligns with their learning level.”

Catch up with Vahap’s guest spot on the FT’s podcast online, or read more about the courses in computing you can take at CCC.

Royal Navy workshops make waves at careers event

Posted on March 17, 2025March 18, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Last month, members of the Royal Navy delivered multiple workshops to Capital City College (CCC) students.

Held at CCC’s King’s Cross centre over three days, the sessions were dedicated to informing students about various potential pathways after college. The activities included in the workshop also provided a great opportunity for learners to develop transferable skills that will benefit them in their future careers. Students studying construction, plumbing, engineering and ESOL attended the workshops.

Two representatives from the Royal Navy gave a presentation to tell learners about the Navy, its purpose, and the various occupations and benefits of joining. The second part of the session focused on team-building exercises, where learners were given large Lego pieces and assigned different tasks. One task involved building a tower that could withstand an earthquake, while another group had the opportunity to create their own inventions and pitch them in a Dragon’s Den-style presentation.

*Students taking part in a task at the Royal Navy careers workshop*

During the event, learners were tasked with completing a team-building activity. Some teams were challenged to build a tower strong enough to withstand an earthquake, while others had the opportunity to design a unique product. Students built prototypes of a pushchair, a bike and e-scooter powered by AI, as well as a technologically advanced forklift. The students were asked to consider the selling price, manufacturing costs, and potential profit, and by the end of the session, they pitched their products.

One group was tasked with constructing the most reliable wheelbarrow, which they tested by completing a timed obstacle course. The team whose wheelbarrow remained intact at the end of the challenge won the competition.

Aleena Sharif, Events and Activities Co-ordinator at CCC, said: “This was a great day. The learners truly excelled, and the hands-on nature of these workshops proved to be highly beneficial for them. The tasks supported students in their college experience and learning goals by allowing them to work on their transferrable skills: like teamwork, resilience, team building and working together.”

Want to learn more about studying at CCC? Explore our courses in engineering, carpentry, and ESOL.

T Level science students reveal top tips for success

Posted on March 14, 2025March 17, 2025 by Erin Johnson

As part of British Science Week, we interviewed three T Level science students at Capital City College (CCC) about their science work experience placements.

*Sogdiana, a T Level Science student at Capital City College*

British Science Week is taking place between 7-16 March this year, and it is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths.

Students at CCC can do work experience placements in a wide range of industries, including in science and healthcare. We spoke with three students about their experiences.

Johanna, T Level science student

“I completed my science placement at NHS Blood and Transplant in Colindale, London, within the Manufacturing department. My role involved a variety of tasks, from blood collection to labelling and storing blood components.

“The most valuable part of this experience was gaining insight into what it’s like to work in the science sector while also developing skills that will support my future career. However, one of the challenges I faced was learning to differentiate between the various blood processing procedures.

“I would recommend that students interested in a science placement stay open to new opportunities and take the time to learn as much as possible about the field.”

Quluuda, T Level science student

“I did my placement with the NHS Blood and Transplant Centre at Colindale for forty-five days, where I was placed with the manufacturing team. Within the team, there were different sections, I worked in primary and reception at the start of my placement.

“In reception, we would receive blood bags from hospitals, donation centres and clinics. The goal was to separate the packs into two categories; NQT and FQE, FQEs and NQTs were further separated into different hierarchies based on the blood group and gender. We would then scan them into the system, ensuring proper records for each bag.

“I gained insight into what it is like to work in a professional environment, I made friends and connections, gained hands-on experience, confidence and the work I did made an actual difference in patients’ lives which was very rewarding. 

“The most challenging thing about my placement was the physical demands, I was on my feet most of the time, I was constantly moving from one place to the other, it was physically exhausting especially at the beginning, but as I kept doing it, I adjusted and towards the end I wouldn’t even feel the exhaustion till the end of the day.

“The tip I would give other students wanting to do a science placement is to be resilient. Working in science is trial and error, sometimes you get the results, sometimes you do not, my advice would be to push through, learn from your mistakes, and improve.”

Sogdiana Mamurova, T Level science student

Sogdiana Mamurova, a T Level science student, recently completed a placement at Synnovis, in St Thomas’ Hospital. She said:

“Synnovis provides pathology services in their Diagnostic labs, working closely in partnership with the NHS. I worked in the coagulation, homeostasis and nutristasis labs during my time there. My placement mainly consisted of shadowing other members of staff as they went about completing their tasks. I was taught how to use and calibrate specialised scientific equipment, such as coagulation analysers and HPLC machines. Over time, I was also given a chance to do computer work, such as booking in patient samples and creating calibration curves from the analyser results.

“The best thing about this experience was getting to become familiar with a professional laboratory environment, which allowed me to assess whether this was a work environment that suited me. I greatly enjoyed learning about homeostasis and nutristasis. It was also immensely interesting to learn how clinical specialists treat problems and illnesses related to coagulation and vitamin deficiency. I enjoyed talking to my more experienced and knowledgeable mentors, who were always happy to answer my questions and give me honest feedback.

“Some tips I’d give to my peers, would be to be honest with your colleagues and mentors. If you don’t understand something at work, always ask for further clarification, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions also shows that you are engaged and are taking an interest in your placement. Try and network as much as possible whilst in your placement. Networking can help build connections that may be important later, especially if you are considering pursuing a career in science later in life. But most importantly, enjoy your placement, and be honest with your placement manager if you aren’t enjoying it.”

Daniella Plummer, Group Head of School, Applied Sciences, said: “It’s fantastic to see our students gaining real-world experience through science placements. Hands-on learning not only brings their studies to life but also helps them build confidence, problem-solving skills, and connections in the industry. Opportunities like these are invaluable in shaping the next generation of scientists.” 

Want to know more about T Levels? See our website for what are T Levels, including information on the courses we offer and some of the T Level work placement opportunities our students can do.

Apply for T Level courses!

Careers team runners-up at Beacon Awards

Posted on March 13, 2025March 18, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Capital City College (CCC) careers team were runners-up at this year’s Beacon  Awards for the Excellence in Careers and Enterprise category, which recognises how colleges integrate career education and employer engagement into their curriculum.

*Toby Clark, Assistant Principal at Capital City College, with Philippa Cooke, Head of Hub at Angel and a guest at the Beacon Awards*

Organised by the Association of Colleges (AoC), the Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practices among UK further education (FE) colleges, with 10 categories from innovative and exemplary teaching to commitment to equality and diversity.

CCC’s careers team offers support services including writing CVs and cover letters, interview preparation, career programmes, insights into industry trends, best practices and resources.

Toby Clark, Assistant Principal at Capital City College, said: “We were delighted to make the finals for this awards programme. Our careers team works hard to help students who are at different levels of their careers, be it students wanting to go to university, adult learners wanting to return to work, or those wanting more support.”

Whether you are looking to change career paths, want a bit more support in your role or just starting out, the careers team at CCC provides people with professional development support and guidance.

International Women’s Day 2025

Posted on March 8, 2025March 13, 2025 by Erin Johnson

For this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the inspiring female leaders at Capital City College (CCC) who have worked hard to get where they are and are now sharing their journeys

Some of the female leaders at Capital City College

Held each year on 8 March, this year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, is all about driving change and supporting one another to break barriers.

At CCC, we’re proud to have talented women in leadership roles across our organisation. Read on to learn more about their journeys.

Trovene Hartley, Chief People Officer

“I am where I am today not only because of my own sheer grit and determination, but because I had great examples of women in leadership roles, who gave me advice and guidance along the way and aided my development. One of the very first roles I had in HR, I recall having a conversation with the Head of HR who was Black female and she gave me great advice on how to tailor my applications for roles within the organisation, what courses to take to gain the required academic qualification, and how to just put myself out there and try new things. That stayed with me all throughout my career.”

“We often fear what we don’t know and because of this fear, we often do not take chances. Women who want to become future leaders need to believe in themselves even when others do not. Do your research, talk to others, find out what it will take and then dig deep and take the steps needed to make it happen. You will fail, that is inevitable, but it’s what you do when you fail that matters, not the failure itself.”

Seval Fadil, Assistant Principal

“I have the privilege to create change, shape strategies, and foster a culture where women feel valued and empowered to lead. As a senior leader and a woman from a Minority Ethnic background, I am committed to breaking barriers and empowering others. There are no ceilings to success—only opportunities we must create together. I have dedicated my career to mentoring, guiding, and uplifting women, ensuring they see their potential and have the support to achieve it.

“When women lift each other, we all rise. Mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration break down barriers and build confidence. Success should be accessible to all, not just a privileged few. Believe in yourself, stay resilient, and seek mentorship. Leadership is about vision, persistence, and ensuring diverse voices are heard at decision-making tables.”

Angela Joyce, Chief Executive Officer

“It’s about role modelling in our everyday actions, demonstrating collaboration, open communication, use of language and self-belief. Be authentic and true to yourself. I’m proud knowing I lead a brilliant team, committed to changing people’s lives.”

Jackie Chapman, Group Principal Apprenticeships, Partnerships and Innovation

“As a woman, I have struggled through parts of my career with imposter syndrome, as have many other women I speak to. I am a single mum, from a working-class family in Essex. I did not go to university, and in fact my daughter is the first generation in our family to do so. My imposter syndrome has been exacerbated by the perception of poor academic background, as well as gender. I have been successful in many ways, and I put this down to always stretching myself and doing more than my job.

“For women to succeed, the key is confidence. Be confident in your voice and the importance of what you have to say. Have confidence in your ability, which is good enough especially when you are always seeking to improve, confidence in your peers, to support and guide you, confidence in your strength and resilience.

Margaret Gotlib, Assistant Principal

“Women supporting each other professionally is so important. Many inspiring women have achieved success through their own hard work and talent, and I always enjoy hearing their stories. I’d love to see more women stepping forward as mentors or coaches to help others grow in their careers. At the same time, I think more women should feel confident in asking for coaching or mentoring—it can be a great way to develop skills, gain new perspectives, and build valuable connections.

“If you want to be a leader, invest in yourself and never stop learning. Focus on developing leadership, communication, and management skills. Take inspiration from great leaders, listen to their experiences, and learn from them. There are so many free resources available, and the best leaders never stop growing. You’re not born a leader—you become one through experience, learning from mistakes, and constantly developing your skills. I truly believe that with hard work and determination, you can achieve whatever you set your sights on, regardless of gender.”

Katie Pike, Assistant Principal

“It’s really important for women to help each other professionally – especially as mentors to other women who aspire to leadership roles. I have had a great support network throughout my career and have valued the guidance of leaders who have encouraged me and helped me to develop my own skills. The support and guidance of female leaders I have looked to as mentors has been invaluable to me and I hope to be able to show the same mentorship to other future leaders throughout my career.

“The most important thing is to go for it! Be ambitious, be passionate about what you are doing and do it with courage, conviction and compassion. I also think it’s important to reach out to people and be proactive about seeking advice – especially if you are in the first steps of your leadership journey. I love working with such a diverse community of people across the college. Coming to work every day and seeing everyone supporting learners to develop their skills and progress onto great things is inspiring.”

Miranda Quantrill, Curriculum Manager ‑ Hospitality and Culinary Arts

“A support system offering trust, recognition, and support is so important. Believe in yourself, don’t be afraid to shout out even the smallest of achievements it will give you confidence. Listen, observe, and understand the importance of knowing who you work with and their individual qualities. Find solutions for yourself and others. For me, working with passionate people and having the privilege of being in a young person’s educational journey is what I like best about my role. Knowing I have helped people with lifelong careers and achieve their dreams.”

On this International Women’s Day, let’s commit to #AccelerateAction—support, uplift, and open doors for every woman striving for success.

Female tech experts tell students, ‘believe in yourself’

Posted on March 7, 2025March 18, 2025 by Erin Johnson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In2Science treat CCC students to STEM talks

Posted on March 6, 2025March 19, 2025 by Erin Johnson

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

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

Sitting down with early career researchers

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

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

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

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

The student perspective

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Careers Week

Posted on March 5, 2025March 13, 2025 by Erin Johnson

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

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

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

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

Events taking place at CCC this week:

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

Wondering where to start?

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

Want to know more?

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

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

Capital City College teams shortlisted for Breaking Down Barriers Awards

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

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

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

Right Advance and Experience award

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

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

Extending Enterprise award

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capital City College celebrates Apprenticeship Week 2025

Posted on February 28, 2025March 5, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Earlier this month, Capital City College (CCC) celebrated Apprenticeship Week with events, awards, open days and even a few musical numbers.

Now in its 18^th year, the annual awareness week focuses on bringing together businesses and apprentices across the UK to highlight the impact apprenticeships make to people, organisations and the community.

Dean Brown, Head of Employer Engagement and Referral Partners at CCC, said: “This week has been a whirlwind of activity, in the best way possible. We’ve engaged with dozens of employers and presented talks and webinars, all showing just how having apprentices to the team can really make a difference.”

The week-long focus on apprenticeships at CCC featured:

Attendance and engagement by the CCC apprenticeship team at more than 30 events hosted by Parliament, the NHS, local councils, universities, including Great Ormond Street Hospital and the councils of Lewisham, Camden, Haringey, Hackney and Harrow
A webinar given to Grow London on the benefits of apprenticeships
The support of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across London and engagement with employers from the engineering, charity and healthcare sectors
A celebration of the rebranding of Capital City College Training, the training arm of Capital City College (CCC), to Apprenticeships+, with a trio of exciting events at the award-winning Vincent Rooms at the college’s Westminster centre, featuring talks by employers, a canapé reception with live music performed by two of the college’s student bands, and a celebratory ceremony honouring students who have been awarded distinction in their apprenticeship programmes.

Celebrating alumni success

One of the highlights of the week was the recognition of alumni successes at an awards ceremony. Former apprentice and alumna Ivy Paris, who today manages an impressive folio of sites as a facilities manager at Savills and was Savills’ Apprentice of the Year 2024, won the Future Leadership Award.

Speaking about her time as an apprentice with CCC, Ivy said: “The apprenticeship was an incredible experience that offered the perfect balance of coursework and hands-on learning. I was fortunate enough to gain valuable responsibilities throughout my apprenticeship, including managing my own sites, being involved in winning pitches for the team and overseeing team compliance. These opportunities allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, preparing me for the next steps in my career.”

Margaret Gotlib, Assistant Principal at CCC, added: “We celebrated the outstanding achievements of over seventy apprentices who achieved distinction in their End-Point Assessment (EPA) exams. Numerous employers and stakeholders joined us for events marking both Apprenticeship Week and the launch of our rebranded Apprenticeships+.

“It was wonderful to see everyone come together to celebrate the achievements of young people who are gaining real-world experience and opportunities that will support them in their future careers. Hearing their inspiring stories and seeing their growth and progress was truly uplifting and motivating for everyone who attended the event.”

Find out more about Apprenticeships+, and how to get involved as an employer.