Your guide on how to apply for college

Want to study at a further education or sixth form college this year? Here’s our advice on choosing a place to study and how to apply.

Studying at a further education or sixth form college is a significant step towards university and great careers.

Making an application to college can be an exciting yet daunting prospect for many students, so here’s our guide on how to secure your place of study.

Before you begin your application, it is important to research the various colleges in your area. Many colleges have open days and taster events to give prospective students the chance to learn more about then and what they have to offer. Look at their course offerings, entry requirements and any additional information, such as extracurricular activities, facilities and student support services. This will help you to determine which college is the best fit for your education and career goals.

Capital City College Group (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. Our colleges offer A Levels, T Levels, BTECs and many other technical and vocational qualifications as well as apprenticeships in various subjects to give you the skills, knowledge and experience for university and your future career.

Once you have identified the colleges you are interested in, it is time to start the application process. Most colleges will have an online application system require you to set up an online account. When applying to CCCG you will be asked to provide your personal details, your education and employment background and other supporting information and documents. You only need to complete the full application form once no matter how many courses you apply for across CCCG.

There is no commitment at this stage, but it is advisable to submit your college applications as early as possible. You can choose as many courses at as many different colleges as you like, so you have plenty of options to choose from when you come to deciding on your preferred college.

As part of the application process, you may also be required to attend an interview or assessment day. This is an opportunity for the college to get to know you better and assess your suitability for the course, and for you to find out more about what the college has to offer. At CCCG we will find the right course and career pathway for you.

You will later be invited to enrol on your chosen course.  When enrolling at CCCG you will need to bring documents to show proof of UK residency and for some courses your previous qualifications or  exam results.

All our courses at CCCG are free up to Level 2 and some at Level 3 and 4.  If you are over 19, you will need to provide information regarding your income, such as payslips or evidence of benefits, to be prove your eligibility for our free courses. If you are required to pay tuition fees, you might want to consider an Advanced Learner Loan. Our Admission teams can advise on loans and provide you with a learning and funding letter to support your application.

When you start college, you will have access to a whole range of student services including careers advice and help with UCAS applications, student welfare, employer workshops, sports and other enrichment activities. By making the most of these opportunities at college, you can ensure a successful transition to higher education or career and a bright future.

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

Seven steps to sixth form and college interview success

You’ve applied to study at college or sixth form and you have been invited to an interview. Don’t panic! Follow this short guide to secure an offer.

Preparing for an interview for sixth form or college can seem a daunting task for many students.

At Capital City College Group (CCCG) we will support you every step of the way and find the right course and career pathway for you. Whatever your skills, background and qualifications or interests, we will make sure you receive a conditional or unconditional offer to study at one of our colleges.

Here’s our seven steps to prepare for your college interview and what to expect.

Consider all your options

Before attending an interview, consider the options that are available to you. If you’re about to complete your GCSEs, you have a choice of studying A Levels or a technical or vocational qualification such as a T Level or BTEC, or an apprenticeship.

Discuss your future

If you’re looking to study A Levels, we’ll talk to you about what you’re looking to study at university, the entry criteria and the subjects you need to take. With technical or vocational qualifications, we might look at why you’ve chosen a particular course, your career aims and previous experience.

Prepare portfolios

Bring a portfolio with samples of your work, particularly if you’re looking to take a creative subject such as art and design, fashion or media. Sometimes performing arts and music courses will ask you to audition with a pre-prepared piece.

Be punctual

Arriving early for the interview will give you enough time to compose yourself and avoid a last-minute rush. Being punctual also shows that you respect the interviewer’s time.

Show enthusiasm

During the interview, show enthusiasm and passion for the course and the college. Show that you have done your research and that you are genuinely interested in studying there.

Be honest

Honesty is key. Avoid exaggerating your achievements or lying about your experiences. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it is better to be honest and admit it.

Ask questions

Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. You might want to ask questions about the course, work placements, careers advice extracurricular activities or the admission process.

Find out more about College Life with CCCG here.

Students get the lowdown on engineering and construction careers and apprenticeships from top UK employers

Students at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) found out more about engineering and construction careers and apprenticeships from some of the UK’s leading employers this month.

The event was held at the college’s Enfield Centre, which is home to the London Rail Academy and London Welding Academy, and fully equipped workshops for courses and apprenticeships in Engineering, Rail Engineering, Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical Installations and Brickwork.

Among the companies promoting engineering and construction careers and at the college were London Underground, Emcor UK, Cleshar, Yunex Traffic, Perfect Welding and CML Steel.

Also present at the event was construction firm Countryside Partnerships, which recently launched an Enfield Construction Skills Academy with Enfield Council and CONEL to support the huge Meridian Water regeneration in the borough.

Students had the chance to hear from their peers and see the college’s replica Docklands Light Railway (DLR) train and a train undercarriage know as a bogie, which were donated to CONEL by Transport for London (TfL) and Eversholt Rail respectively.

Shifa Fatima Shaikh, 16, is studying for an Engineering Level 3 Diploma at CONEL and hopes to stay at the college and complete a rail engineering apprenticeship when she finishes her course.

She said: “I don’t think university is the right route for me. I’m a very hands-on learner and prefer to shadow people and then apply those skills, rather than just sitting and listening to a lecturer.

“I feel apprenticeships hold more value. With university you go to lectures and sit your exams, but when you get your degree and apply for a job and they ask about your work experience you’re not able to say anything, and so you don’t get employed. With apprenticeships you have both the work experience and the qualification and do not have any debt.

“My teacher is very straightforward, he doesn’t sugar-coat anything. He’s worked in engineering, which really inspiring because it’s applied knowledge. He knows the work ethic and commitment employers are looking for and gives us lots of feedback, advice and support to get there.”

According to the Institute of Engineering and Technology there is a shortfall of 173,000 workers in the STEM sector, while the Construction Industry Training Board has revealed around 225,000 extra workers are needed by 2027.

Suzana Harrison, Entry Level Talent Lead for Yunex Traffic, which manufactures, installs and services traffic lights and other street furniture, said: “It is important for us to get our name out in the local community and at college events to make sure people understand there is a route to work outside of going to university.

“CONEL has spent a lot of money to make sure it is meeting the needs of local businesses. The college has very good workshops and the lecturers and will be providing electrical engineering apprentices at our Enfield depot this summer.

“We’ve had interest from students who are coming through the college on Level 2 courses who are looking to do a Level 3 apprenticeship, not just from engineering students but also those studying electrical qualifications.”

Students also learnt more about the London Rail Academy, which is run by CONEL to provide apprenticeship training for companies including TfL, Siemens, Alstom, Thales, DLR, Hitachi, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Eurostar, Coral Communications and VolkerRail.

CONEL also offers Rail Track Technician apprenticeships with London Underground through Capital City College Training (CCCT), which provides a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities.

The London Welding Academy was set up in partnership with Paddington, a subsidiary of construction giant Ardmore, to initially provide apprenticeship training for the company.

Tony Hayden, Managing Director of Perfect Welding, which supplies equipment and certifies welders for companies including Ardmore and helped build the London Welding Academy, said: “Ardmore are absolutely delighted with all the apprentices who are being trained at CONEL.

“Early on all the apprentices had to produce a weld, which were judged by the workshop manager, and there is a girl here who was the star of the show. She’s now welding aluminium working on actual jobs every day, which is quite a difficult skill to learn because it needs a lot of dexterity, co-ordination and heat control because the metal expands very quickly.

“I’ve been to see the apprentices working in the factory and they are already quite advanced. They have had a really good education taught well at CONEL, not just in welding but in fabrication. It’s not just a case of welding it up, but being able to read a drawing, be accurate with measuring and knowing how to put metal structurally together.

“There is huge shortage of welding and fabrication engineers, and engineering in the UK in general, so it’s vital that events like these are supported. The good thing about it is that everyone here is enthusiastic about getting students and apprentices trained and out into the workplace.”

Find out about courses and apprenticeships in Engineering, Rail Engineering and Construction and apply here.

What books, stationery and equipment do you need for college?

If you’re looking to start college or sixth form this year, you may be wondering what books, equipment and materials do I need? Here’s a list of items to help you succeed in your studies.

Starting college or sixth form can be both exciting and overwhelming.

Among the many things students need to consider is what books, stationery and equipment they need for their studies. To help make that process easier, we’ve compiled a list of essential items every student needs below.

Capital City College Group (CCCG) has hundreds of books, periodicals and resources at its college Learning Resource Centres and also pays online subscriptions to help students with their assignments. The Group also offers bursaries to support them with costs to support their studies.

Pens and pencils

These basic writing tools are a must-have for any college student. A pack of pens and pencils should suffice, but it’s always a good idea to have some spares on hand.

Highlighters and sticky notes

Highlighters and sticky notes are great for emphasising important information in textbooks and notes. They come in a range of colours and are an effective tool for studying and revision.

Notebooks and paper

Notebooks and paper are essential for taking notes during lectures. It’s a good idea to have a dedicated notebook for each subject, to help keep your notes organised and easily accessible.

Binders and folders

Binders and folders are useful for keeping your notes and handouts organised. They also make it easier to find the information you need when studying for exams.

Laptop or tablet

Having a laptop or tablet can be incredibly useful for taking notes during lectures, accessing online resources and completing assignments. It’s worth investing in a quality device that can handle the demands of college life.

Calculator

Depending on your course, a calculator may be a necessary tool. All laptops and mobile phones have scientific calculator applications, so there’s no need to buy a separate calculator.

Books and course materials

Most courses require students to purchase books and other course materials. Find out what you will need in advance to give you a head start and an understanding of what you will learn on your course.

Backpack or bag

A sturdy backpack or bag is essential for carrying all of your books and equipment around college. Look for one with multiple compartments, so you can keep your belongings organised.

Stationery organiser

Keeping all your pens, pencils, highlighters, and other stationery organised can be a challenge. Consider investing in a stationery organiser to help keep everything in one place.

Personal planner

Managing your time effectively is crucial to success in college. A personal planner can help you keep track of assignments, deadlines and other important events.

These are just some of the items that students need for college. By being prepared and having the right equipment, you can ensure you’re well-equipped to handle the demands of college life.

Find out more about College Life with CCCG here.

Enfield Construction Skills Academy at Meridian Water site will create hundreds of jobs each year

A new Enfield Construction Skills Academy has been launched at the borough’s Meridian Water regeneration site to train hundreds of people to work in the industry each year.

Meridian Water is Enfield Council’s massive £6 billion 20-year project to build 10,000 new homes and create 5,000 jobs on a site next to Lee Valley Regional Park in Edmonton.

Delivered by Enfield Council with Countryside Partnerships and Capital City College Group (CCCG), the Skills Academy will provide the skills and qualifications needed to work in the sector. It has already started accepting students and aims to train more than 500 people a year.

Training is being provided by the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), part of CCCG, and will place a special focus on teaching sustainable construction methods including how to retrofit buildings to higher energy insulation standards.

Apprenticeships are available in plumbing, electrical installations, carpentry, brickwork, thermal insulation, assembly and installation, design and build, floor laying roofing, groundwork, site supervision and engineering. CONEL is also be offering free short courses in construction and employability skills.

The Skills Academy forms part of the initial phase of Meridian One, the first development at Meridian Water. Meridian One includes the construction of nearly 1,000 homes alongside several infrastructure works, such as the recently completed Meridian Water railway station.

Totalling 948 square metres, the Skills Academy features a reception area, canteen, offices, visitor centre, classrooms, workshops and an external area for outside training exercises. Designed by Hawkins\Brown, the building reflects the site’s former industrial heritage.

Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Leader of Enfield Council, said: “This project will provide local residents with opportunities to train and learn new skills, opening the doors to future careers in the construction industry. Edmonton residents will be the primary beneficiaries of Meridian Water, and the Skills Academy is yet another example of how local people will benefit from the development.

“As well as new homes, our development at Meridian Water is building a vibrant local economy and I look forward to seeing the Skills Academy in action soon.”

Ray Toft, Managing Director at Countryside Partnerships London Developments, said: “True regeneration is about much more than just delivering new homes. Via our innovative Skills Academy, Meridian One is providing skills and training opportunities for the community, upskilling local people, which in turn supports the local economy.

“The Academy will also provide much-needed training on sustainable methods of construction. Such skills are crucial for the future success of our business and the sector as a whole.”

Robin Hindley, Vice Principal of CONEL, said: “CCCG is proud to be the official training provider for the Skills Academy, which will deliver a pipeline of skilled workers for the huge regeneration of Enfield on the Meridian Water site.

“We have many years’ experience at CONEL running construction courses and apprenticeships, which we will use to train thousands of local people in the construction trades and sustainable development, as well as giving them the employability skills they need to improve their job prospects.

“We are tremendously excited to be working with Enfield Council and Countryside Partnerships on this project, which will be a massive boost to the borough’s economy and create a better future for those living in Enfield.”

Find out more about the Enfield Construction Skills Academy and apply here.

Drive forward your skills on Engineering work experience

Engineering work experience is an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field and develop practical skills that are essential for future careers.

In recent years, the demand for engineering jobs in the UK has been steadily increasing. According to Engineering UK, there is a yearly demand for around 124,000 engineers and technicians in the UK.

Many of our Engineering diploma students at Capital City College Group go on to university to specialise in civil, mechanical, electrical, technological and chemical engineering.

During their studies they have the opportunity to undertake work placements with industry employers including Siemens, McLaren, Ardmore, Morgan Sindall and SCS Railways.

If you are considering a career in engineering, here are our top tips on how to gain work experience and make the most of your time on placement.

  • Research the Industry

Before applying for any work experience placement, it’s essential to research the industry to understand the types of engineering roles and the skills required. This research will help you to determine the area of engineering that best fits your interests and career aspirations. Look for information on the latest trends, challenges and job opportunities within the sector.

  • Network with Professionals

Networking with professionals in the industry is an excellent way to gain insights and learn about the various job roles and opportunities within the field. Attend industry events, conferences and join online communities to connect with professionals. Make sure to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from these interactions and prepare relevant questions beforehand.

  1. Apply Early

Engineering work experience placements can be competitive with limited places. To increase your chances of securing a placement, apply early. Research and identify companies that interest you, and then apply well in advance to increase your chances of success. Many companies have a fixed application period, so make sure to check their websites for specific dates.

  • Be Flexible

When applying for engineering work experience, be open to different roles and companies. It’s essential to gain experience in different areas to understand which career path suits you best. Also, many companies offer placements in different locations, which could offer different experiences and opportunities. Be flexible and open-minded to make the most of your work experience.

  • Prepare for the Placement

Before starting your work experience placement, take the time to prepare. Research the company, their values, culture and the work they do. Look for information on the projects you will be working on and try to understand how they fit into the broader context of the company. Also, make sure you are aware of any safety protocols and procedures you need to follow.

  • Show Initiative

During your work experience placement, it’s essential to show initiative and take on responsibility where possible. Demonstrate your interest in the work, ask questions and seek feedback. This proactive approach will show your commitment to the placement and the industry and could lead to further opportunities in the future.

  • Build Relationships

Building positive relationships with colleagues and supervisors during your work experience placement is crucial. These relationships could lead to valuable industry connections, future work opportunities and references. Make sure to take the time to get to know your colleagues, attend social events and show a positive attitude.

Apply now for CCCG courses and apprenticeships in Engineering here and Rail Engineering here.

Christian resurrects music talent this Easter after battle with neurological disorder

A Christian singer-songwriter who lost her ability to make music for two years because of a debilitating neurological condition is set to release a new single this Easter.

Through Your Eyes will be the first song released by Seniz Suleyman since she was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND), a condition that affects her physical and mental health.

“It truly and honestly feels incredible to be making music again,” said Seniz, who studied for a Music Production Level 3 Diploma at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) in 2015.

Seniz, 25, who lives with her family in Enfield, achieved a Distinction* at CONEL and went on to graduate with a first-class BA (Hons) Music Production at the BIMM Institute.

She said: “I am wonderfully blessed and grateful to be able to do so and I am very excited to create and share my gift for music freely again, especially with my family and friends who have loved and stood faithfully beside me.”

FND is caused by a problem with the brain and nervous system. Symptoms vary from person to person and include various cognitive, mobility and sensory difficulties, chronic pain, fatigue, panic attacks, insomnia, migraines, anxiety and depression.

“I began walking, talking and thinking in slow motion and my memory was severely impacted and everyday tasks became more difficult. This desperate situation lasted for more than a year and became so unbearable that I even began to question my faith,” said Seniz.

“It was all-consuming. I had no idea what was going on. I genuinely feared that I would not only never be able make music again, but I would also not recover or be well again. I was simply existing.”

Seniz was diagnosed with FND in early 2022 and was told by specialists there was no treatment available for the condition. She was later advised by a nutritionist to change her diet and take natural supplements to improve her mental and physical health.

Seniz also received support from her family, friends and members of Apostolic Christian Church (Sheepfold) in Edmonton, which she has attended for more than 10 years.

“All these things helped me break out from my debilitating mental oppression and fluctuating mood changes and my physical health also began to improve,” she said.

Seniz is set to release Through Your Eyes on Apple Music and Spotify under Seniz Sound and also has plans to release an EP called Grown From Grief, which will feature five tracks she wrote during her studies including her first song at CONEL called I Lean On You.

She previously produced an EP called Are You Ready? in 2019-20, featuring five powerful and rousing songs inspired by her faith, but did not release it until April 2021.

Prior to starting at BIMM Institute aged 17, former CONEL music lecturer Paul Jones helped Seniz get a commission with Sounds of Red Bull, a label under global music publisher BMG Production Music. She has since been asked to produce 10 more songs this year.

Seniz’s music has since featured on programmes and trailers for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, BT Sport, CBS, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, Film4, History, National Geographic and Sky Cinema.

“My teachers at CONEL were very supportive. They gave me lots of encouragement and good feedback,” said Seniz.

“They would sit down with you and suggest changes on how you could improve, so we were able to make our music the best it could be. They really pushed you to do better.”

Seniz’s interest in music began as a child when she would listen to her cousins play Disney songs on the piano who also introduced her to music making software GarageBand.

She taught herself piano while attending Victory in Christ Ministries church in Enfield and had singing lessons in her early teens while studying for GCSE Music.

“I wasn’t entirely sure what I was doing. I tried to copy each note by listening to what they were singing and began learning to play by ear,” said Seniz.

“I went on to YouTube and would listen and watch a pianist called Mark Fowler play music from the Transformers movies and Hans Zimmer film scores. I would try and copy him with my tiny keyboard from Toys R Us.”

Seniz has been playing and singing in the worship team at Apostolic Christian Church (Sheepfold) for more than eight years and hopes her music resonates with people of all backgrounds.

“Music has the power to make you feel a certain way but when you combine it with words it can be even more powerful, and when the two collide with visual media it’s like an explosion of inspiration,” she said.

“I want people to know that they can overcome anything, even when it looks like all hope is lost. It’s very important to never stop believing and to share and bless others with your own God-given gifts in any way you can.

“Ultimately, I want to inspire people with music the way it has inspired me.”

Find out more and apply for Music and Music Production courses here.

Parents go back to school to improve maths skills on Multiply programme

Mums and dads have been boosting their maths skills at their children’s schools with Capital City College Training (CCCT).

Parents have been undertaking free short numeracy courses at Brimsdown Primary School in Enfield, Thornhill Primary School in Islington and Uphall Primary School in Ilford.

The courses are designed to help them confidently deal with everyday maths tasks from budgeting to helping their children with their homework, while also helping them gain the skills to open the door to education and employment opportunities.

Stacy-Ann Manderson, 46, who took a course at Brimsdown Primary School, said: “I haven’t studied maths in years and sometimes when my daughter, who is in Year Five, asks me for help with her homework I don’t know the answer.

“I’ve really enjoyed the course and I feel more confident with numbers now. I would definitely sign up for more opportunities in the future and I’d love to try subjects like English and childcare.” 

Another Brimsdown parent Flutur Shegaj, 31, said: “The best thing about it is that I can drop my son at the school nursery in the morning and then come to the class. We are learning at the same time.” 

Matthew Clifford, Headteacher at Brimsdown Primary School, said the course had been welcomed by parents and the school was looking to offer more adult education classes in the future.

He said: “We know that childcare responsibilities and cost are barriers to adult learning. We wanted to address this by offering parents the chance to access free courses during the school day when their children are in lessons.

“Brimsdown has a strong reputation for being an inclusive school and is at the heart of its local community. We want it to be a school for the whole family and it’s incredibly inspiring for the children to see their parents engaging in education too.” 

The courses are run by apprenticeship and training provider CCCT, which is part of Capital City College Group (CCCG). They have also taken place at Elizabeth House in Islington, Mildmay Community Centre in Hackney and The Living Centre in Camden.

They courses are taught by teachers from across CCCG, which also includes City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London.

They are funded by the Government’s Multiply programme, which has been endorsed by the Mayor of London, to help thousands of adults across the UK improve their maths skills.

Courses are available to adults who live in London and do not have GCSE Mathematics at grades 9-4, previously A*-C, or Functional Skills in Maths at Level 2.

CCCG’s colleges offer GCSE and Functional Skills courses in English and maths. Find out more and apply here.

If your school is interested in being part of the Multiply programme, please email multiply@capitalccg.ac.uk

ESOL students grow in confidence as they make Haringey greener

Eco-friendly English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students have been making Haringey greener by planting flowers and trees in the borough.

Around 15 students at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) planted 300 potted snowdrops and lavenders at Bruce Castle Park in partnership with Putting Down Roots.

Putting Down Roots is a project run by homeless charity St Mungo’s that uses gardening to build self-esteem and social skills among people who have faced difficulties in their lives.

Many ESOL students at the CONEL have fled war and persecution in their home countries and found the gardening project has helped with their mental health and settling into the UK.

Sahil Ferozie, 16, who is from Afghanistan and is studying ESOL Entry 1 course, said: “There were a lot of bombs and fighting. I lost my father two years ago and after that I could not continue my education at school. I had to work as a taxi driver to make money because I was the oldest child in my family. It caused a lot of stress and was not good.

“The gardening I have been doing has helped with my mental health. It’s good to get fresh air and it has helped me relax. I talk to my family every day and the problems are still there, but it helps me to take my mind off what is happening a bit when I am busy doing some work here.

“I enjoyed planting the flowers and seeing a tree that was 500 years old in the park. It helped me to meet other people, practise my English and learn some new skills. I’m very proud of what we have done. It’s good to be able to do something for the environment, it’s good for our future.”

“I am enjoying my course at college and improving my English. My teacher is very good and gives me advice. We have learnt how to order some food in a restaurant, buy a train ticket, make a doctor’s appointment. This is my chance to continue my education. I like it and I’m really happy.”

Last month ESOL students were part of a team of volunteers who planted more than 400 trees at Perth Road Playing Fields as part of Haringey Council’s efforts to tackle climate change and increase biodiversity.

They were joined by project partners Marlborough Highways and The Conservation Volunteers in planting native saplings including oak, field maple, wild apple, rowan and hawthorn.

Natanya Jeffery, Work Experience and Industry Placement Officer for ESOL, said: “Our ESOL students come from all parts of the world and including many who have experienced personal trauma.  Despite what they have been through they are thriving and look forward to the future living in Britain. 

“Our role as a college is about giving the opportunities to develop English language and skills for life including employability opportunities and volunteering, like the gardening projects with St Mungo’s and Haringey Council, to help them meet people and integrate into society.

“Many of them live in a room in shared accommodation or with foster parents, which makes them feel quite isolated, so it was nice for them to get out and do something different.  They’ve told friends they have made in other ESOL groups how much they enjoyed planting the flowers and trees and other groups now look forward to more volunteering activities in the borough that they can participate in. It’s all been very positive.” 

ESOL courses are available at CONEL to 16-18s and adult students from Pre-entry to Level 1 and cover reading, writing, speaking and listening. Find out more and apply here.

Creative Media student’s anti-litter campaign wins industry Snapchat advertising competition

A Creative Media student’s proposed Snapchat campaign urging people to reduce litter has won a national competition run by the UK’s leading body for advertising professionals.

Angela Nogales, 20, will see her creative idea turned into an actual Snapchat advert after she came first in the challenge set by the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA).

Creative Media Level 3 Diploma students at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) were encouraged to enter during a visit to global advertising agency M&C Saatchi Group.

They were invited to the company’s UK head office in Westminster as part of the IPA’s Advertising Unlocked programme, which sees UK agencies join forces for a nationwide careers open day.

Angela’s entry included background research on littering and solutions to the problem before going on to explain how her Snapchat campaign would encourage people to take action.

She said: “The idea for the campaign came from the research I did about this important topic and the Snapchat app. Firstly, I wanted to acknowledge the problem and what we can do to solve it., and then I looked at who the target audience was and what content would engage with them.

“I came up with an idea to create short, visual and dynamic information in a format the audience was familiar with to form an active community on Snapchat. I wanted to motivate them in a personal way by making them remember each one of us can do something small to make a big difference.”  

Advertising Unlocked introduces students to career options in the industry with agencies running practical activities from workshops and interactive discussions to tours and creative challenges.

Bethan Neil, Senior Marketing Executive, Diversity and Effectiveness, at IPA, said the competition judges were “thoroughly impressed” by Angela’s campaign idea.

Referring to the judges’ comments, she added: “Your research is interesting, concise and clearly fed into your idea. You’ve constructed a clear narrative laying out the problem, the solution and how creatively you could help deliver that solution.

“You’ve answered the brief well, helping to genuinely change behaviour. Some of your ideas are more tactical which is great to see, highlighting the problems, but some of them are more creative and are a proper innovative use of Snapchat features, which is exactly what we wanted to see.”

M&C Saatchi Group was founded in 1995 and has operations spanning 23 countries including major hubs in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.

During the visit, students heard about the industry from Chief Creative Officer Ben Golik before taking part in a two-hour workshop where they worked on a real creative brief.

They were also given a tour of the building before meeting representatives from across the sector at a speed networking event including those working in strategy and production.

Natasha Amegbe, Lecturer in Creative Media and Computing, said: “The students were thrilled to have the chance to visit a globally renowned creative agency and network with people already working in the advertising sector.

“This was also a fantastic opportunity for our students to link what they have learnt in the classroom to actual careers by working on an actual brief. They received excellent feedback from staff at the agency who were very impressed with their ideas, and all left feeling very inspired.”

CONEL is continuing to work with M&C Saatchi as part of the Advertising Unlocked programme with the agency providing students with live briefs and giving feedback on their work.

Find out more and apply here for Digital Media and Creative Computing courses here.

Queen's Award for Enterprise