kingsway Archives - Capital City College Group

Gary Hunter retires after nearly 30 years at Westminster Kingsway College and CCCG

Posted on May 17, 2023May 17, 2023 by Paul Cassell

After an illustrious culinary and education career, Gary Hunter has stepped down from his role of Deputy Executive Principal at Capital City College Group (CCCG).

Following a protracted period of ill-health, Gary has retired from his post at CCCG, which includes Westminster Kingsway College, which is hailed as one of the most prestigious hospitality and culinary schools in the world.

CCCG is the third largest college group in the UK and also comprises City and Islington College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, and apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training.

Previously called Westminster College when Gary joined the college 27 years ago, he started his journey as a Lecturer in Patisserie and Confectionery, employed by then Head of School Bev Puxley who he regarded as one of his greatest mentors.

He progressed to become Head of Faculty for Culinary Arts and Hospitality, working alongside Geoff Booth, before taking promotion to Deputy Principal, and eventually Principal at WestKing.

Gary said: “I feel tremendously lucky and privileged to have worked alongside so many great chefs and leading hospitality professionals, not just at Westminster Kingsway College, but within the industry itself, throughout my career.

“I especially want to salute those, both past and present, who have worked so tirelessly alongside me to create such a strong educational legacy for the profession. It always gives me a feeling of great pride to reflect upon the many talented Westminster Kingsway alumni, too numerous to mention, that we have helped to develop, nurture and succeed in the industry.

“The history of the college creates a heavy expectation like no other culinary school in further education within the UK, but I have no doubt that we are in safe hands with Paul Jervis, Sharon Barry and Terry Tinton leading the way from here forward.”

In addition to his role an as educator, Gary is the author of nine hospitality and catering books student, trainee, apprentice and professional chefs, which have been published and distributed internationally.

The Level 2 Professional Chef book has won a PACE award for innovation and forewords for this, and the Advanced Professional Chef Level 3 Diploma book, have been written by Jamie Oliver and Heston Blumenthal respectively. Both books are endorsed by the Master Chefs of Great Britain, Craft Guild of Chefs, the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and the British Culinary Federation.

Gary also wrote a non-academic book In a Class of its Own, detailing the history of the School of Hospitality and Culinary Artsl at Westminster Kingsway College.

Passionate about chocolate since his days as a student at a catering college in Norwich, Gary is also a UK Chocolate Ambassador for Barry Callebaut and has worked extensively on the UK World Chocolate Masters Competition developing UK candidates to compete in the World Chocolate Masters.

Among his many accolades Gary has been awarded the Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts for his contribution to culinary and hospitality education, he has received a prestigious Catey award in recognition for services to hospitality and culinary training and education. In 2017, Gary received the Queen’s Anniversary Award on behalf of the WestKing, awarded for the outstanding work of the culinary arts and hospitality provision at the college.

Gary has also been awarded the Education Chef Award by the Craft Guild of Chefs for services and contribution to culinary education, a City & Guilds Medal for Excellence in recognition of his work writing the VRQ series of professional chef qualifications and for outstanding performance in teaching and training in hospitality and catering.

He is also a Fellow of the Master Chefs of Great Britain and a Director/Trustee of the PM Trust, a charity dedicated to supporting young people into the hospitality industry in London.

Kurt Hintz, Executive Principal for CCCG, said: “We express our heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation to Gary for his outstanding contributions to culinary and hospitality education throughout his illustrious career. From his role as a lecturer to his position as Deputy Executive Principal at CCCG.

“Gary’s leadership, passion, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the industry. His authored books, international recognition, and numerous accolades are a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence.

“We commend Gary for his remarkable achievements and extend our warmest wishes as he enters retirement, knowing that his legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of hospitality education.”

Find out more about Hospitality and Culinary Arts courses and apprenticeships 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.

Get the skills London needs to boost your job prospects and the capital’s economy

Posted on February 15, 2023February 16, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Sector Insight Event at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday 28 February from 11am to 2pm

Capital City College Group (CCCG) has teamed up with LIFT and Arsenal in the Community to give people the chance to find out how they can boost their career prospects.

Jobseekers can learn more about gaining skills at CCCG’s Mayor of London Academy Hubs at a Sector Insight Event at Emirates Stadium on 28 February from 11am to 2pm.

Last year CCCG successfully bid to run four Academy Hubs specialising in the Creative, Digital, Hospitality and Green industries, to support the capital’s economic recovery from COVID.

The event will give people the chance to gain an insight into careers in these sectors and training opportunities available through the Academy Hubs and CCCG’s industry partners.

Attendees will be able to apply for live vacancies on the day, visit employer stands, take part in workshops and get help and advice to improve their employability skills.

They will also have the chance to sign up to follow-up sessions to get more information on specific jobs and courses along with further advice from employers at Arsenal Community Hub in March.

The Academy Hubs aim to support adults hardest hit by the pandemic including those from diverse ethnic backgrounds, those with SEND, carers and other underrepresented groups.

Find out more about CCCG’s Mayor of London Academy Hubs and other Skills Academies here.

LIFT is a programme across Camden, Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets that aims to help people into tech, digital, creative and science careers, and support businesses in these sectors.

Places at the Sector Insight Event must be booked in advance on Eventbrite here.

Stands and Sessions at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday 28 February

Creative	Digital	Green	Hospitality	Partners
Camera Skills with Middlesex University	Coding Games with 01Founders	Jobs in the Green Industry	Making Mocktails	Promotional Stall of Opportunities with LIFT
Be a Graphic Designer	What is User Experience (UX)?	Green Quiz	Coffee Beans Competition	London Square – Building Modular Kits
Media Make-up and SFX	Get The Best Out of Linkedin	Green Courses and Jobs	Breakout Job Coaching Booth	Islington Adult Community Services – Courses
Video Editing and VFX	Digital Jobs and Employer Q&A	Employability information	Make Hospitality Work For You	iWork – Employment Support
Film London – Equal Access Network	Breakout Job Coaching Booth	One-to-One Job Support	A World of Opportunities	Sector Employer Stands

Follow-up Sessions at Arsenal Community Hub in March (exact dates and times TBC)

Week Commencing	Creative	Digital	Green	Hospitality
6 March	Production Crew – Lighting and Electrics	What are the Digital Skills in Demand?	An Introduction to Green Skills Industries	Imperial London Hotels
13 March	Production Accountant	CV and Interview Tips	Introduction to Building Envelopes	The Ivy Group
20 March	Games, Animation and VFX	Learning How to Code	Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment	Greene King
27 March	Set Decorator, Designer, Costume and Make-up	Morgan Hunt – Jobs, Tips and Advice	Level 3 Award in Electrical Vehicle Charging Point Installation	InterContinental Hotels Group

Find out more information and to apply for all our courses and apprenticeships here.

Make 2023 the year for a new career on our FREE online courses

Posted on January 31, 2023January 31, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Capital City College Group (CCCG) runs an extensive range of FREE short courses that can be the first steps towards furthering your education or a new career.

Many of these courses are available online, giving you the flexibility to gain or develop your skills at your own pace from the comfort of your own home or while on the move, which can be ideal if you are employed, have children or other responsibilities.

With no sign of the current cost of living crisis ending soon, online learning can save you money on travel costs. They can also be beneficial to the disabled who may struggle to attend college.

We began running FREE courses up to Level 2 regardless of age or income in 2018.

Currently, three quarters of those completing our FREE short courses go on to full-time education while a fifth enter paid employment.

Here’s 10 of our FREE online short courses:

Business Administration Principles Level 2 Certificate

Learn to produce business documents and manage information including storing, retrieving and archiving. Understand business communications and develop teamworking and customer service skills.

Start Your Own Business

Discover how to bring your business idea to life including how to make your pitch, marketing, cashflow forecasting and financing, networking and selling. Gain practical advice and resources to help your venture succeed.

Team Leading Principles Level 2 Certificate

Develop your team leadership skills to help you provide better guidance, direction and instruction. Gain the skills needed to effectively manage and motivate employees.

Introduction to Digital and Social Media Marketing

Learn how to create social media marketing plans to promote products and services. Understand different audiences and how social media can be used to engage with them.

Cisco Network Engineer

Get the skills needed to be a Cisco certified engineer. Learn the technical knowhow to provide online support and maintenance of Cisco routers, switches and operating systems.

Introduction to Cyber Security

Gain an understanding of IT security threats and the methods used to protect against them including data encryption and cryptographic techniques. Develop your knowledge of the legal requirements affecting security of IT systems.

Health And Safety in a Construction Environment

Get the skills and the recognised qualification needed to apply for a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card to work on a construction site, including risk assessment and safety when manual handling, working at height and around machinery.

Logistics – Team Leadership in Supply Chain

The UK has faced many challenges since leaving the European Union. Learn about the main areas of legislation for importing and exporting of goods in Europe and the challenges facing the logistics industry.

Counselling Skills – Level 2 Certificate

Gain an introduction to skills and approaches used in counselling for everyday life and work. This qualification covers counselling theories, diversity and ethics and counselling skills for personal development.

Equality and Diversity – Level 2 Certificate

Gain an awareness of issues surrounding equality and diversity in the workplace, society and the community. Learn about discrimination and legislation to ensure people of all backgrounds are treated fairly and with dignity and respect.

Tutors on all our free short online courses will provide workbooks and any assessments online. Students need their own PC or laptop with internet access.

See all our FREE short courses and book your place here.

Here’s why our students agree with Ofsted that CCCG is ‘Good’

Posted on January 27, 2023February 10, 2023 by Paul Cassell

This week Capital City College Group (CCCG) was rated ‘Good’ in its latest Ofsted report.

Our colleges offer A Levels, T Levels, BTEC and City & Guilds diplomas and certificates, higher education qualifications, Access to Higher Education courses, apprenticeships and many other study programmes.

‘They are enriching me with skills’

“I feel academically supported at CANDI. They have so many resources to help me excel on my course and some cool labs. At this college they are enriching me with skills to become a young adult. They are helping me in my studies but also writing CVs, understanding my progression routes and working on my confidence. Staff take the time to understand who I am and where I want to be. This makes the college feel more personalised.”

Ralph Flowerday, Applied Science student at CANDI

‘You get all the information you need’

“WestKing is the perfect college because of all the support you receive. The college community made me feel very welcome and my teachers are really nice. They’re not on your shoulder all the time and you get all the information you need to learn independently. I feel very comfortable and know if I have an issue, even if it’s outside of college, I can speak to them. They’ve helped me so much, and because of that support I feel more confident about going to university.”

Anastasia Asaeva, Games Design and Animation student at WestKing

‘I couldn’t ask for a better college’

“The teachers and staff at WestKing are friendly and give us all the support we need. They have a lot of experience working in different restaurants and take the time to explain things to make sure we understand. They really want us to improve. The college also has great connections in the industry. I’ve work been on work experience at The Ritz and Lord’s Cricket Ground. It’s amazing to get these kinds of opportunities. I couldn’t ask for a better college. It really is a great place to study.”

Ruzilsa Cardoso, Patisserie and Confectionary student at WestKing

‘Everyone wants to help me’

“I’m glad to have the opportunity to study at CONEL. I came to England from Ukraine seven months ago and this is a real chance for me to improve my knowledge and experience, as well as to find a good job. I like my classmates, and It’s especially nice that everyone wants to help me as a new student. We have very good teachers who explain and convey information very intelligibly. When my friends ask where I study, I’m happy to talk about CONEL and the opportunities it provides.”

Kostiantyn Lieontiev, Creative Media Production student at CONEL

‘I feel very confident about my future’

“My apprenticeship is very well structured and has given me a good knowledge and understanding of the building industry. I’ve learnt about construction principles and design and gained experience in scanning for property defects on site. The teaching has been really good. My tutor has provided me with the competencies I need to complete for my end-point assessment. He tracks my progress and tells me what areas I need to improve. I feel very confident about my future.”

Omar Khan, Surveying Technician apprentice with CCCT

Find out more about courses and apprenticeship with CCCG and apply here.

Young chef travelling 5,000 miles to represent England in international culinary competition

Posted on January 25, 2023January 25, 2023 by Paul Cassell

An aspiring chef from Westminster Kingsway College is jetting off to India to put his culinary skills to the ultimate test in a global competition.

Jackson Carter, 18, will be representing England and competing against chefs from more than 50 countries in the ninth International Young Chef Olympiad from 29 January to 4 February.

He said: “It’s a great feeling to have performed well enough for my chef lecturer to pick me and I will be flying out to take part in an international competition. Just to be going there is incredible.

“I’ve always tried very hard to improve my skills, and over the past month I have been pushing myself and practising every day to do even better.”

The first round of the competition run by the International Institute of Hotel Management will see the participating chefs split into groups competing in Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad or Goa, before the 10 leading chefs compete in the grand final in Kolkata.

Jackson, from Brent, who is studying for a Professional Chef Level 3 Diploma, started out on a Level 1 diploma at WestKing in September 2020 before progressing to Level 2 and Level 3.

He said: “Since I was in Year Six at school I’ve been cooking with my mum and always really enjoyed it. I’ve grown up around food and it’s always something I’ve loved and had a passion for.”

Jackson began to consider a career as a chef while studying food technology at secondary school, which later led to him choosing to train at WestKing after being impressed the college’s facilities.

He said: “There are not many other colleges that can match WestKing, especially in London. There are other colleges that have a small section dedicated to training chefs, but every corner you turn here you’re in a new kitchen or production room.”

WestKing students have a good history in the competition. Beth Collings won Bronze in 2020 and last year Joe Slater came fourth and won Best Vegetarian Dish.

Jackson has been mentored by WestKing Chef Lecturer Chris Basten, a former chair of the Craft Guild of Chefs, who also prepared Beth and Joe for the competition.

He was chosen for the contest after a cook-off against a selected group of Level 3 students at the college, which was judged by Chris, Chef Lecturer Norman Fu and Head of School Paul Jervis.

“Chris has been really great, showing me tips and tricks, and showing me small things I might not have noticed but need to know to really excel,” said Jackson.

“The college has done well in the competition so far. Hopefully, I can keep the trend going.”

Apply now for Hospitality and Culinary Arts courses here and apprenticeships here.

WestKing’s Deputy Director for SEND awarded MBE in New Year Honours

Posted on January 5, 2023January 5, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

Westminster Kingsway College’s Deputy Director for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has been awarded an MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours.

Paul Nee, who has worked for the college for nearly a decade, was recognised for services to further education in the first honours bestowed by His Majesty King Charles III.

He said: “When I learnt I was being awarded an MBE, I thought it was a wind-up. It was just a feeling of disbelief. But of course, I’m extremely proud. It’s one of the highest honours you can get.”

Paul joined WestKing as Head of Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD) and High Needs in September 2013 and was promoted to Deputy Director for SEND in December 2020.

He oversees around 120 specialist SEND staff across all WestKing’s sites including those looking after students with more complex needs at the college’s King’s Cross Centre, Alexandra Centre and Kennet West Skills Centre.

During his time at WestKing, Paul oversaw the transformation of the Alexandra Centre into an outstanding service, which had been deemed inadequate while under a different provider.

Among his other career highlights was a SEND student who progressed into mainstream education at the college and is now studying for a degree at UAL: London College of Fashion.

Paul, who lives in Coventry and commutes to the college most days, said: “When you look at special needs, I’ve almost done the full circuit of what you can work in from senior management in specialist colleges to working in a special school and a number of SEND roles for FE colleges.

“It’s just so meaningful. It’s a bit of a cliché, but you are truly making a difference to the lives of young people with learning disabilities. It’s often about tiny steps that may seem quite trivial, but for them are momentous moments. That’s what I love about it, and it’s fun.

“I am proud of what we’ve achieved in SEND and privileged to work with some fantastic managers and staff. It’s not just down to one person, you’re only as good as the team around you.”

Former Secretary of State for Education, Nadhim Zahawi MP, recommended Paul for an MBE after being impressed on a visit to the Alexandra Centre when he was Minister for Children and Families.

Jasbir Sondhi, Vice Principal at WestKing, said: “Paul has been unwavering in his commitment to supporting students with learning disabilities and additional needs. He and his team were instrumental in turning around the Alexandra Centre into a high-quality provision to improve their independence and everyday lives.

“I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to Paul on his MBE. This is a huge achievement and one I am sure he will agree is not just testament to his own success, but also recognition of the work of his fantastic team.”

Find out more about Foundation and Supported Learning at WestKing here.

Institution of Civil Engineers London chair praises ‘excellent’ teaching at Capital City College Group

Posted on December 21, 2022April 27, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

One of the UK’s most influential women in Engineering and Construction has praised the high standard of teaching after studying with Capital City College Group (CCCG).

Phebe Mann, who is Chair of the Institution of Civil Engineers London for 2022-23, achieved an overall Distinction on a Plumbing Level 2 Diploma at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London. She also took a short course in Home Repair and Maintenance for Women at Westminster Kingsway College.

Phebe studied both courses having already established an illustrious engineering and legal career spanning more than three decades and gaining a PhD and four Master’s Degrees.

She is a chartered engineer, chartered surveyor, chartered construction manager and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. She was named in the Women in Engineering Society’s Top 50 Women in Engineering 2018.

She has a PhD Collaborative Design, MSc Bridge Engineering, MSc Construction Management, MA (Cantab) Computer Science, LLM Construction Law and is a qualified barrister.

Phebe has worked as a Specialist Judge for the Upper Tribunal and General Regulatory Chamber and has completed engineering projects for Westminster City Council and Cambridge County Council, as well as being a Senior Lecturer at the University of Westminster, University of Reading, University of East London and Open University.

Phebe decided to enrol on both courses to develop her practical construction skills and increase her awareness of the trades to enable her to better address a national shortage of workers in the UK.

She said: “The students were very enthusiastic in their learning. The lecturers were excellent and devoted to sharing the skills of their professions and we learnt a great deal from the exercises and the feedback they gave us. They also provided high-quality videos of each topic, which we could view repeatedly until we understood the requirements of the course.

“My lecturer for the practical class, John Nosworthy, was very patient and empathetic to his students as he explained the steps we needed to take and health and safety requirements for each of our tasks. He had a genuine understanding of his students and adapted his teaching to meet their individual needs.”

Phebe is passionate about encouraging and inspiring more women to follow in her footsteps and pursue engineering and construction careers.

She said: “Girls tend to do better than boys in GCSE and A Level results including science, mathematics and computing. These are all important skills for engineers and construction. Women excel in skills such as good communication, innovation, creativity and analysis. They should not be intimidated by working in a male-dominated industry.”

According to Engineering UK, there is a shortfall of 173,000 workers in the STEM sector, while the Construction Skills Network says 266,000 new workers are needed by 2026

“If you are passionate about engineering, discover your potential, seek opportunities, equip yourself, develop a positive learning attitude and be determined to be successful,” said Phebe.

“Don’t be discouraged by failures. Every success is built on many failures. Don’t give up if you believe you can do it.”

Apply now for Engineering courses here and Construction courses here.

Nikita Pathakji praises ‘fantastic’ WestKing apprenticeship after winning Masterchef: The Professionals

Posted on December 12, 2022December 12, 2022 by Hannah Fenton

Masterchef: The Professionals champion Nikita Pathakji has told how her apprenticeship at Westminster Kingsway College gave her the skills and experience for culinary success.

Nikita, 25, from Clapham, became the second former apprentice from the college to win the grand final of the BBC TV series following Alex Webb’s triumph in the competition in 2020.

She said: “This is incredible. I can’t put it into words. This surpasses every achievement of my life. I don’t know how I’m going to top this. This is it, this is the peak, I think I’ve reached it!”

Her winning menu featured a starter of seabass cured in citrus dressing with smoked aubergine and spiced red pepper purées, followed by a main of crispy chicken thighs, tortellini filled with chicken, mushrooms and coriander topped with a coconut curry sauce, and for dessert a cardamom custard tart with poached apricots and a honey tuile.

Masterchef presenter Gregg Wallace said: “Nikita opened up the larder of the world and brought us dish after stunning dish after stunning dish.”

Michelin-star chef Marcus Wareing said “She’s a chef that has grown right in front of our eyes. Her food has been sublime,” while fellow judge, chef and restauranteur Anna Haugh, added: “Nikita is on the road to creating a very unique cuisine. And that is why she’s our champion.”

Nikita, who works as a Junior Sous Chef at Michelin-star restaurant Kitchen W8 in Kensington, trained at the college’s School for Hospitality and Culinary Arts in Victoria from 2016-19.

She undertook Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships, sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Cooks, at The Lanesborough in Knightsbridge and Claude Bosi at Bibendum in Kensington.

Nikita said: “My apprenticeship at Westminster Kingsway was a fantastic way to gain important foundational knowledge and skills, which compounded with real experience working in restaurant kitchens, set me up with both the skills and qualifications I needed to work in top Michelin-starred restaurants.

“I’m so glad I started my career on this apprenticeship. The guidance and extra support that made the job a little less daunting when I first started out.”

Nikita grew up in Derby and lived in India with her family for two years from the age of nine. As a child she would prepare meals with her mum, which inspired her love of Asian cooking.

After her apprenticeship at WestKing, she travelled for nine months around South East Asia, which further deepened her passion and appreciation for the region’s flavours and culinary styles.

Sharon Barry, Head of School for Hospitality and Culinary Arts Apprenticeships, said: “Nikita was a dedicated, passionate and highly motivated learner during her time at WestKing. It comes as no surprise that she has continued to grow and thrive within her culinary career.

“Winning Masterchef: The Professionals is a fantastic achievement, and we are all incredibly proud of her. She is a huge inspiration to all our current learners who has shown anything is possible if you believe in yourself and follow your dreams.”

Find out more and apply for Hospitality and Culinary Arts courses here and apprenticeships here.

Former WestKing Hospitality student named runner-up in UK Receptionist of the Year

Posted on November 23, 2022November 23, 2022 by Hannah Fenton

A former Westminster Kingsway College hospitality student has been named runner-up in the AICR UK Receptionist of the Year competition.

Emily Gilson-Jones, 19, who works at the five-star Pan Pacific London hotel in the City, came second out of 10 finalists at a ceremony at Hotel Café Royal in Regent Street on 14 November.

She said: “It’s a huge shock to be named as one of the best receptionists in the UK, but one of the best achievements of my career so far.

“When they announced the second runner-up as the girl from Four Seasons, I thought I haven’t got a chance, but then they announced me as the first runner-up. Suddenly, they handed me a certificate and I was in tears. I’m still gobsmacked to be honest. It has only just started to sink in.”

Emily achieved a triple-starred Distinction in her Hospitality Level 3 Diploma at WestKing in 2021 and was one of two students to share the college’s Best Hospitality Student of the Year award that year.

She began her hospitality career working part-time in front and back of house roles at the Roslin Beach Hotel in her hometown of Southend-on-Sea while she was studying at college.

After finishing her diploma, Emily worked as a Private Events Waitress for The Connaught in Mayfair before joining Pan Pacific London as a Front Desk Agent in March this year.

“I loved my time at WestKing. Even when everything went online during the pandemic, we were still doing all our classes and working as a team and all of the college tutors supported us,” she said.

“By the time it came to the graduation ceremony I couldn’t believe it was over. I wanted to stay on for another two years and do it all again.”

Emily was among a group of students at WestKing who provided catering and hospitality for a schools’ event at 10 Downing Street to mark International Women’s Day just prior to lockdown.

“I remember thinking this is quite overwhelming but really cool, I’m 16 years old and I am having the opportunity to do this,” said Emily, who along with other students met then Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other political figures on the day.

“My connection at The Connaught was also through the college. If I hadn’t gone to WestKing I wouldn’t be where I am now, because if The Connaught wasn’t on my CV I wouldn’t have got the opportunity at Pan Pacific.

“I’m working at a five-star hotel, which wouldn’t have happened if I had just walked out of school with A Levels and then decided I wanted to work in hospitality. WestKing gave me my first real stepping stone on my hospitality journey. I wouldn’t change it.”

Emily learnt she was among the finalists in October following an interview with AICR UK committee members after she was nominated by Nicole Cechmann, Front of House Manager at Pan Pacific.

“The team I work alongside at Pan Pacific is one of the best teams I’ve ever worked in,” said Emily.

“For a business to be successful you need to work as a team, and when you get on with the team you work with, it makes it so much easier.

“It’s also nice when guests are checking in and excited about their stay, and when they leave and they tell you their experience has lived up to or gone beyond their expectations. That is probably one of the most rewarding things. It’s the reason we work in the industry.”

The AICR (Amicale Internationale des Sous Directeurs et Chefs de Réception des Grand Hôtel) was founded by the receptionists of several hotels on the Côte d’Azur in France in 1964.

AICR UK was formed when the Association of Front Office Management (UK) joined the AICR in 1989, three years after the association was established in 1986.

Liane Bhalla, Lecturer in Hospitality, Food and Beverage and Supervision, said: “We are all super proud that Emily has finished as the first runner-up in the AICR Best Receptionist UK 2022.

“At college she showed huge potential. She was always bubbly and enthusiastic, going above and beyond what was required of her in her assignment and practical sessions in the training restaurants and happy to volunteer to take part in other events. She was clearly destined for a fantastic career in hospitality.”