Lacoste x CCC: Committed Crocodiles Programme inspires students 

A pioneering year-long partnership between Capital City College (CCC) and global fashion brand Lacoste helps students get ready for work.

Ten A-Level and BTEC students from across the college completed Lacoste’s Committed Crocodiles mentoring programme – an initiative designed to boost self-confidence, build career skills and unlock new pathways to career success, delivered though the Lacoste Foundation. 

Focusing on inclusion, equal opportunities and professional development, the scheme connected CCC students with Lacoste employees for a structured, 12-month experience combining personal development, mentoring, and practical insights into the world of work. 

Participants took part in a wide range of dedicated activities including personalised one-to-one mentoring, CV and interview workshops, in-store visits, career insight days, and themed ‘Power Days’ focused on leadership and learning skills necessary for the modern workplace. The In My Shoes day provided an opportunity for students to shadow Lacoste staff and gain first-hand experience in-store.  

“It has been such a positive experience for our students,” said Philippa Cooke, Enterprise, Employability and Careers Manager at CCC. “It has helped build confidence, opened up new ways of thinking about careers, and shown that learning can be genuinely fun when it is connected to the real world. What makes it even more powerful is the focus on inclusion, giving students from all backgrounds the chance to see what is possible and feel that they belong in professional spaces.” 

Students entered the programme with a wide range of ambitions, ranging from medicine, law and finance, to entrepreneurship, activism and sustainable fashion, and left with increased self-belief, greater knowledge of career possibilities, and a stronger understanding of what it takes to thrive professionally and achieve workplace success. 

The collaboration between CCC and Lacoste reflects Lacoste’s dedication to achieving social impact through meaningful engagement, and aligns with CCC’s vision to equip students with the skills, confidence, and experience necessary to thrive in their future careers. 

So what did the participants think? Here, three students share their thoughts 

“I really enjoyed it,” said Aydin. “I feel so much more confident to apply for a job and enter the workplace.” 

“Communication is definitely key, especially when working with a team,” said Tala. “Having a great team to rely on and understanding each other can really have a positive effect on your work.” 

“A wonderful experience, welcoming community, and vibrant culture from Lacoste,” added Timi. 

The programme highlighted that success in the workplace is not only about knowledge, but about having the confidence to take risks, adapt to changes, and work effectively with others. 

A highlight of the programme came when one of the students, Chidera, visited a Lacoste store in Korea as part of her Turing Scheme experience, combining global learning with the professional insights gained through Committed Crocodiles. 

“Snapping up the opportunity to take part in Lacoste’s Committed Crocodiles Programme has been truly transformational and life-changing for our learners over the past year,” said Sarah Greene, HE and Careers Advisor at CCC.  

“From one-to-one mentoring sessions that built confidence to employment skills sessions that sharpened their professional readiness, the programme has provided unparalleled support. Chidera’s inspiring visit to the Lacoste store in Korea was a powerful example of global opportunity in action.” 

The programme concluded in June with a closing ceremony that brought together students, mentors and staff to reflect on a year of success and achievement. As students prepare to move on to higher education, apprenticeships or employment, they take with them a stronger sense of who they are, and a better understanding of the professional opportunities available to them. 

Through dedicated mentoring, industry exposure, and learning shared values, the Lacoste x CCC collaboration has helped equip a new generation with the tools to thrive in a competitive, evolving world of work. Its success has demonstrated the possibilities that meaningful employer engagement can achieve, not just for the company, but for the participants too. 

For these 10 young people, the experience has not only built essential employment skills – it has sparked their ambition and unlocked a new world of opportunities for their future. 

If you’re interested in finding out about the opportunities that CCC can offer you, find out more online. 

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