employment Archives - Capital City College Group

Engineering students thrive on extended work placements with top employers

Posted on March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Engineering students at Westminster Kingsway College are boosting their skills after being given the opportunity to gain extra work experience with major employers across London.

Eighteen students from the college are working one day a week for Ardmore, Willmott Dixon, McLaren, Morgan Sindall, SCS Railways, Lendlease and two Hilton hotels.

The placements are an addition to the two-week placements they completed in January, which is a mandatory part of their Engineering Level 3 Diploma course.

Faaiz Banday, 18, who is studying for an Engineering Level 3 Diploma, is undertaking a placement at Ardmore’s Cambridge House development in Mayfair.

The historic listed building is being restored and converted into a luxury 102-room hotel with a spa, gym and nightclub and seven residential properties.

Faaiz said: “I’ve always been interested in engineering and how things are built. I used to enjoy woodwork at secondary school and always been a practical, hands on type of person.

“I’ve been looking at architect’s drawings showing different sections and elevations of the building and learning how to read them. I’ve also been shown how to use different CAD tools and visited parts of the site to see how it all applies to the way it is being constructed.

“Work placements are a great way to find out what you’re interested in and learn from people in the industry by asking questions about their experiences. It makes you feel motivated to follow in their footsteps when it comes to your own career.

“It’s been incredible to have the chance to do an extra day’s work placement each week and further build my skills and confidence. If I had stayed at school in sixth form, I would never have got a chance like this. It’s helping prepare me for a real job.”

Construction is just one of many industries that require engineering skills. Others include transport, chemical, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, energy, telecoms, technology and utilities.

Nic Finden, Project Director at Ardmore said: “I have worked for Ardmore for more than 20 years and the industry needs succession. Over the years there has been a shortfall in skilled labour, which is why it is important to encourage young people to come into the industry.

“Ardmore has always been a forward-thinking company that takes a lot of pride in the industry, promoting skills and knowing the value of homegrown labour. As long as they are respectful and self-motivated, we will open up doors for students to choose the career path that is right for them.”

The opportunity for students to undertake extra work experience is part of a trial by WestKing ahead of the college running its first engineering T Levels in September 2024.

T Levels are new technical qualifications that are the equivalent of three A Levels designed with employers and require students to complete 45 days on an industry placement.

WestKing currently offers Engineering courses from Levels 1-3 including foundation courses in Civil Engineering and Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering with City University of London.

Find out more about Engineering courses and apprenticeships across Capital City College Group, which includes WestKing, and apply here.

Students polish up their skills at Professional Beauty London 2023

Posted on March 9, 2023March 9, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Aspiring beauty therapists showcased their skills when they offered free nail treatments and airbrush tattoos to visitors at Professional Beauty London 2023.

Students from City and Islington College (CANDI) and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) provided the beauty services at the expo at ExCeL London.

Professional Beauty London is the UK’s leading beauty, spa and wellness show. Each year it attracts thousands of beauty managers, business owners and professionals and people looking to work in the industry.

Rori Dean-Dodson, 31, from Hackney, is studying for a Nail Technology Level 2 Diploma at CONEL and was among the students providing nail treatments at the event on 5-6 March.

She said: “I enjoyed today. It’s been absolutely amazing. It was a good chance to try out many of the skills I have learnt at CONEL – filing, shaping, polishing and painting. It’s been fun meeting people and hopefully getting few to come to the college.

“They were interested to hear about the courses. On the nail technician course, we have learnt about manicures and pedicures and also health and safety, and are now learning about acrylics.”

Rori has run her own mobile hairdressing business Rori’s Braids and More since 2018 having been taught how to create various Afro-Caribbean hairstyles by her mum as a child.

She said: “I want to branch out and do nails and tap into the beauty sector. The course at CONEL has been amazing, I wish I could do it for longer. The teachers have been excellent. They have a lot of industry experience and go above and beyond to ensure that we learn and understand.”

Professional Beauty London 2023 featured hundreds of stands from big name beauty and cosmetic brands from across Europe along with conferences, seminars, competitions and demonstrations.

Visitors to the expo had the chance to learn about new trends shaping the industry and compare products and treatments, as well as make connections with industry experts, suppliers and other professionals.

Vlada Strochka, 24, from Welwyn Garden City, who is looking to start a new life in the UK after fleeing the war in Ukraine, was among those looking to training in beauty.

She said: “I want to move to London soon and I’m looking for somewhere to study. I have an accreditation as a nail technician but have no experience in beauty therapy.

“I have a problem with my skin and want to help other people with similar problems. I love cosmetics, massage and nails and think the college is somewhere I might like to study.”

The hair and beauty business employs more than 250,000 people in the UK. The industry offers many different career pathways including women’s hairstyling, barbering, body and facial treatments, massage and theatrical and media make-up.

Saloua El-Khadiri, Head of School for Hair and Beauty at CCCG, said: “We were thrilled to have hundreds of people come and visit our stand at Professional Beauty London 2023.

“This was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the courses we offer and for our students to practise many of the technical skills they have been learning and perfecting at college on visitors to the show, who were very impressed with their finished nails and tattoos.

“Both CANDI and CONEL offer a huge range of hair and beauty courses for school-leavers and those looking for a new career or wanting to gain more experience, including many short courses that are great for those with children and other commitments.

“Our courses are taught by industry experts and both colleges have their own fully-equipped salons and equipment, meaning we can provide the best possible training for those looking to work in this exciting industry.”

Find out more about Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy courses and apply here.

Capital City College Group CEO Roy O’Shaughnessy to retire this year

Posted on March 2, 2023March 2, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Roy O’Shaughnessy, Chief Executive Officer of Capital City College Group (CCCG) – London’s largest further education college group – is to retire this year.

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.

Roy, 67, leaves after four-and-a-half-years having led CCCG to an overall rating of ‘Good’ and being recognised as ‘Strong’ in meeting skills needs – the highest possible rating – in its latest Ofsted inspection report in January.

He said: “Everyone has to decide when the time is right, and I always felt that after Ofsted had done its work my term would be over. If I thought I could do another five years, I would be the first one saying I want to be there, but the truth is it’s time for me to retire and concentrate on my family and all those things you can’t do when you’re working.”

Roy joined CCCG in June 2018, replacing Andy Wilson, having previously spent six years as CEO for the Shaw Trust, a national charity helping people, particularly those with complex needs, into the workplace.

During his tenure, Roy has overseen the launch of 01 Founders, a tuition-free coding school with guaranteed jobs, and Visionnaires, a community interest company offering programmes to support aspiring entrepreneurs.

Under his leadership, CCCG has also improved its financial position without borrowing despite the impact of COVID and energy crisis, which has included exploring other commercial activities across its estate to support its long-term future.

Roy said: “This is my last substantive role and I do not plan on working full-time after this or going on to something bigger or better. We have achieved so much over the past few years, and I would like to wish my successor the very best in the role that I feel privileged to have held.

“I want to thank everyone who have been so gracious since I have been here at CCCG. You’ll never get everyone to agree in a college group of this size, but this is a place where everyone, from lecturer to manager to support role, truly wants the best for its learners.”

Pablo Lloyd OBE, who co-founded Visionnaires, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of CCCG on an interim basis until Roy’s successor is appointed. He has 20 years’ experience in further education that includes Ufi/learndirect, Activate Business School and as a trustee for WorldSkills UK.

Alastair Da Costa, Chair of CCCG, said: “On behalf of all our learners, teachers and staff, I would like to thank Roy for his exemplary leadership and fantastic support. We are immensely grateful for the transformation he has led over the last four-and-a-half years and the strong legacy he has created for CCCG’s future.”

CCCG is looking to appoint a successor to Roy before the start of the new academic year.

Capital City College Group launches new Women’s Network

Posted on May 23, 2022May 24, 2022 by Hannah Fenton

A Women’s Network has been launched by Capital City College Group (CCCG) to promote equality and raise the profile of women across the Group.

The first meeting of the network, chaired by Hilary Moore, Assistant Principal at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, featured a panel of inspiring women:

Sarah Veale CBE – Former Head of the Equality and Employment Rights at the TUC
Apinder Sidhu – Diversity and Inclusion Lead at the Education and Training Foundation
Emma Case – Founder of Women Beyond the Box, a platform supporting neurodivergent women
Fathia Abiola-Ajishafe – A-Level student and member of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee at City and Islington College

The panellists shared how they got to where they are today and discussed their experiences at work and how woman can support each other in the workplace and their advice to other women.

The Women’s Network was set up by CCCG’s Learning and Development Team, which hopes to establish similar groups to inspire colleagues and promote inclusivity.

The event combined an in-person event at Westminster Kingsway College’s Victoria Centre and a live stream on YouTube for those unable to attend.

Watch a recording of the live stream here: CCCG Women’s Network Launch – Panel Discussion

Molly Elliston, Group Learning and Development Business Partner, said: “At CCCG, we’re very proud that our Group Leadership Team is gender-balanced and represents our workforce. We believe is right and important to celebrate our women role models, and recognise we have many inspirational women leaders among our teachers, managers, support staff and students

“We started the Women’s Network in response to feedback from colleagues who told us that they would like more peer-to-peer support across the Group on issues that matter to them. We hope it will give colleagues more opportunities to share their experiences that will lead to an even more inclusive working environment. Our network chairs will also support us in making valuable contributions and important decisions relating to our equality, diversity and inclusion plans.

“We hope that the launch of the Women’s Network will be the first of many more sessions, which will bring us closer together and encourage others to start more networks to do the same.”

Here are some memorable quotes from the chair and the panellists of the first meeting of the Women’s Network.

Hilary Moore

Chair and Assistant Principal at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London

I came from a background where my parents were the first generation going to university. When I was 11, I decided I was going to become a lawyer. When I went to sixth form college, the careers team, which were nowhere near the quality we have across CCCG, said, “I don’t think it’s a good idea, you might get the grades, but you’ve got no contacts and you’re a woman. Why don’t you become a legal secretary?” I went home and told my mum, who said, “Well I’m not having that,” and my father said, “How ridiculous,” in a very broad Yorkshire accent. I carried on and got a law degree and became a lawyer. It’s things like background and support that can make such a difference.

Sarah Veale CBE

Former Head of the Equality and Employment Rights at the TUC

Workplaces are often competitive. Women sometimes get into this mode of thinking I’ve got to be extra good and fit in better than everybody else in order to be in the same place as the men they’re competing with. It’s about building confidence and challenging the parameters you’re working in.

I’ve noticed that if men are in charge of an interviewing process, they tend to use words like assertive and dynamic. It’s all about power, but never valuing softer skills, like someone who can bring people together and who can explore situations and find solutions by working with other people. It’s a question of elevating the sorts of skills that women are often much better than men, which are valuable to the whole entity, and then owning and pushing them up towards the front.

Apinder Sidhu

Diversity and Inclusion Lead at the Education and Training Foundation

I was raised in an area of west London that is predominantly Asian where there is a culture about how you’re perceived as a woman. I left and went to university, but a lot of girls didn’t go and got married because that was the expectation. Luckily my father told us, “You need to do what you need to do, and we’ll talk about marriage later on.”

There’s a dichotomy of what it is like to be a woman growing up with the pressures of culture and community and wanting to listen to your inner voice and do what makes you happy. I’ve had that pressure growing up and going into leadership, looking at how other women did things and what resonates with me. Individuality is really important. It’s not always about being inspiring. When you are genuine and authentic people look up to you.

Emma Case

Founder of Women Beyond the Box, a platform supporting neurodivergent women

There is a quote that says, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’ and I think that is so important. Representation matters, and we often take it for granted. I currently live in Lisbon, Portugal, and I’ve noticed on television there are very few women, and very few black and brown women. I just wonder what that does to young children because we don’t aspire beyond what we’re told we can be. It isn’t just the verbal, it’s the visual impact, and that is the challenge. It is about intervention and being intentional and making sure everybody sees and experiences something that they can relate to.

Fathia Abiola-Ajishafe

A-Level student and member of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee at City and Islington College

Being a black girl from a less well-off area in London makes me feel like I’m not going to have as many opportunities or experiences as someone who grew up in a richer area. But what I do know is that no matter what or where you come from, you can do it. We may not have as many resources or experiences, but there is always a way to get somewhere. That’s what really keeps me going.

Consulting with Arcadis: a Virtual Masterclass in becoming Career Ready

Posted on May 5, 2020February 21, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

Students on Westminster Kingsway College’s Career Ready Programme were treated to an online masterclass on 23 April with renowned global design and consultancy firm Arcadis.

The Career Ready Programme is a prestigious year-long employability programme for disadvantaged 16-18 year olds, which prepares them for the world of work and their future success. Together with a network of employers, the programme consists of three main parts: mentoring with an experienced professional; access to a series of employability masterclasses; and a summer internship where they apply their knowledge and get real life work experience.

Due to the current lockdown, the ‘Live Industry Insight’ masterclass took place virtually via Microsoft Teams with Arcadis’ Management Consultant Laura Reynolds, who covered everything from what a Management Consultant does, to diversity in the sector and why working for Google is perceived so well.

A presentation slide about management consulting

The masterclass proved popular with 25 students taking part. Laura spoke about her career to date, how she became a Management Consultant and why academic qualifications are not the be all and end all to forging your way in the industry.

She also discussed her recent project with a technology client, who were looking to roll out new ways of working and deliver a cutting-edge workspace, to be leaders in their industry. Laura explained that the average cost of a single desk space in London today is roughly £10,000 per year. With a large workforce and space challenges in cities, a more worthwhile use of space is to match it to usage patterns by providing more collaborative and creative spaces. Laura talked through the process of finding innovative solutions to maximise productivity and drive down costs whilst keeping the client company’s ‘fun’ ethos.

During the masterclass students were highly engaged and posed questions on progression in the sector and tips for success. They really enjoyed the masterclass, with one student commenting: “It was good to know about the different jobs you can do and how your qualifications and also interests can help you stand out and have a successful career.” Another student said, “It was really interesting to hear from someone who has been in a position that we will be in and the decisions they made while there. The thing I’ll take from the event is that she did the degree she loved and then found a job she enjoyed.”

Afterwards Laura told us: “I had a fantastic time hosting the first session for WestKing’s Career Ready’s Virtual Masterclass series. As a management consultant working at Arcadis, I hoped to give the students a flavour of what it is like to work in a fast-paced, client-facing environment for a leading engineering consultancy. I volunteered because I wanted to challenge stereotypes that might exist in students’ minds about what “type of person” a management consultant is. The students were incredibly engaged and responsive, posing challenging questions and displaying to me that they really connected with the essence of what management consulting is and that they had a sincere passion to grow their own careers.”

Carlo Liu, Employability and Progression Lead at WestKing said: “Now more than ever, young people – especially those who are disadvantaged – need to be able to boost their employability and showcase their talents, which is why we are continuing to connect our learners with employers and industry with live activities like this. The Arcadis team were involved in planning the session, to ensure our learners had an interesting and insightful masterclass. It was a great live session!”

Driven by its success, the Employability Team aim to host a masterclass for each curriculum area during the lockdown period, ensuring that as many students as possible can benefit.

If you would like to find out more, please contact our Employability and Progression Lead, Carlo Liu, at carlo.liu@westking.ac.uk