London Archives - Capital City College Group

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

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

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 should you wear to college?

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

Starting college or sixth form this September and not sure what to wear? Here’s some ideas on how to dress for your studies.

Starting college or sixth form can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve never had the opportunity to choose what to wear before.

It’s normal to feel concerned about fitting in with your peers and wearing the right clothes. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to feel comfortable and confident in your clothing choices.

Firstly, it’s important to remember that everyone is in the same boat as you. College is a new environment for everyone, and most students will be more focused on adjusting to their new surroundings than on what you’re wearing.

That said, it’s important to make an effort with your appearance to show that you take your studies seriously and are ready to engage with college life.

Some colleges have rules on what is and isn’t allowed, so make sure you familiarise yourself with these before you start shopping. Like most sixth forms, colleges and universities in the UK, we don’t have a dress code at any of our colleges at Capital City College Group (CCCG) but trust our students to wear sensible clothing that is appropriate for college and the course they are studying.

One way to ensure you feel good in what you’re wearing is to invest in some key pieces that you can mix and match. This could be as simple as a few pairs of jeans, a couple of t-shirts and a sweater or hoodie. These items are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you prefer a more formal look, consider adding a jacket and a pair of smart trousers or skirt to your wardrobe.

It’s always a good idea to dress appropriately for the occasion. If you’re going to be sitting in lectures or standing up in a workshop, it’s important to feel relaxed and comfortable, but there might be some days where you have to make a bit more effort and dress in smart attire, such as when you have a presentation or an office-based work placement.

It can also be beneficial to try and dress a little smarter every so often. Sometimes you feel more focused and work harder with what you wear. This doesn’t mean turning up in a suit, but looking smarter occasionally doesn’t do any harm.

While our colleges will provide overalls, lab coats and tabards for students on our Construction, Engineering, Science, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy course and some A Levels, it is advisable to wear clothing that you do not want to ruin during more practical classes.

If you’re still unsure what to wear on a day-to-day basis, take a look at what other students are wearing around college.

Find out more about College Life with CCCG here.

Art and fashion design students showcase work inspired by architecture

Posted on April 24, 2023April 24, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Art and fashion designs inspired by architecture are on display at an exhibition of work by students at City and Islington College (CANDI) this month.

The exhibition is being held at Resource for London, a charity offering community space at its building on Holloway Road, near the college’s Centre for Business, Arts and Technology.

The work was produced by first-year students studying for an Art and Design Level 3 Diploma and Fashion and Textiles Level 3 Diploma as part of their coursework.

The exhibition features a colourful array of vibrant 2D and 3D artwork created by Art and Design students including drawings, paintings, prints, models, fabric designs and digital animations.

It also includes a collection of shirts designed and produced by Fashion and Textiles students in collaboration with Menage Modern Vintage, which sells pre-owned designer clothes and accessories.

Both Art and Design and Fashion Design students visited London’s Square Mile to get inspiration from various types of architecture before exploring different materials and techniques in class.

Fashion and Textiles student Berfin Sunna, 17, said: “My shirt was inspired by The Shard and how the top of the building points, so I made the collars sharp.

“I was really pleased with how it turned out. It was identical my design. It’s been nice to see my drawing brought to life. I put it on Instagram and have had a lot of nice comments.

“My interest in fashion started at secondary school. I’ve always been very creative and been drawing fashion illustrations since I was a young. I enjoy coming into college every day.

“We design garments, make samples and learn different skills and techniques like sewing, pattern cutting and quilting. The teachers are always by your side if you need help. I enjoy it a lot.”

Menage Modern Vintage donated surplus secondhand and vintage stock including a box of Savile Row shirts to CANDI as part of a wider project to encourage recycling and sustainable fashion.

The finished designs were then modelled by the students and photographed by professional photographer Isla Mathieson before being displayed at the exhibition.

Read more about the project on Menage Modern Vintage’s blog here.

Marie Bradley, Head of School for Creative Arts and Media, said: “We have some wonderfully gifted and talented students at CANDI who have produced some outstanding work this year. Each brush stroke, line drawn and thread sewn is a reflection of their passion and creativity.

“The exhibition has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase their work to the wider community.”

Find out more and apply for Art, Design and Fashion courses here.

What are sixth form colleges and how do they differ from school?

Posted on April 21, 2023April 21, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Leaving school this summer? Here’s why you may want to consider going to a sixth form college after your GCSEs.

As students approach the end of their compulsory school education, they have several options for continuing their studies.

One popular choice is to attend a sixth form college or a school sixth form. While both options provide students with a pathway to higher education, they differ in a number of ways.

A sixth form college focus solely on educating students aged 16-18. These colleges are often larger than school sixth forms and often offer a wider range of courses including technical and vocational qualifications. In contrast, a school sixth form is typically an extension of a secondary school with students continuing their studies at the same location.

Capital City College Group (CCCG) includes City and Islington College (CANDI), which has a designated sixth form college offering more than 30 A Levels from traditional subjects such as English, Maths, History and Chemistry to less common subjects like Fine Art, Politics, Music Technology and Criminology.

Being larger institutions, sixth form colleges have a much larger and more diverse population of students. This can provide students with a greater sense of independence and can also offer opportunities for socialising and making new friends.

Furthermore, sixth form colleges often have more extensive resources than school sixth forms, including state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. This can be particularly relevant for students studying technical or scientific subjects who may need access to specialised equipment and resources to complete their coursework.

CANDI Sixth Form College is purely focused on A Levels but being part of a wider further education college can open the door to other technical and vocational courses and apprenticeships. It also has access to a huge network of universities and employers to help students find the right career path and gain internships and work placements to develop their skills and experience.

Being part of the wider CANDI community, means students have access to all college libraries and support services. Students also have the opportunity to gain further experience by attending enrichment activities such as career workshops and mentoring programmes. They’re also able to join the college gym and many clubs and societies and events throughout their studies.

Find out more about and apply for A Levels at CANDI Sixth Form College and across CCCG here.

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

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

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.

Christian resurrects music talent this Easter after battle with neurological disorder

Posted on April 5, 2023April 3, 2023 by Paul Cassell

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.

Let’s make sure London gets the skills it needs

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

Pablo Lloyd, CEO (Interim) of Capital City College Group (CCCG), recently joined a panel of experts at a forum organised by the Evening Standard and WorldSkills UK to identify the skills needed to boost the capital’s economy and ensure young people attain them. Here, he shares some of the many ways CCCG is helping all Londoners into education and employment.

I’m delighted that the Evening Standard has teamed up with WorldSkills UK to promote the extraordinary range of skills and qualifications available through London’s further education colleges.

Earlier this month, I was invited to speak at a forum as part of the Evening Standard’s Step Up campaign, which will include the capital’s first expo for teenagers at London Olympia from 30 June to 1 July.

At the forum, former Education Secretary Lord Blunkett hailed London as having the “most phenomenal opportunity” to lead a skills revolution across the UK.

Capital City College Group (CCCG) is the capital’s largest further education provider. We are committed to providing young people and adults, with a broad range of training and qualifications to boost the capital’s economy.

This was echoed in our recent Ofsted report, which rated CCCG as ‘Good’ for its education provision and ‘Strong’ in meeting skills needs – the highest possible rating.

At CCCG, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to remove barriers to education and support Londoners into education and employment.

Here are just some of the ways we are making sure London gets the skills it needs.

Mayor’s Skills Academies

CCCG secured funding from the Mayor’s Skills Academies programme to create four hubs focused on Creative, Digital, Green and Hospitality careers. This has enabled us to forge even more links with employers and community organisations to offer more courses and work placement opportunities to give people the skills for the capital’s most in-demand jobs.

01 Founders

01 Founders is a tuition-free coding school at our Regent’s Park Centre. The school was the first of its kind in the UK when it was launched in June 2021. It uses gamification technology to teach students coding skills at their own pace with support from their peers. More than 150 people have enrolled on the programme and a third have already gained employment.

Visionnaires

Visionnaires provides entrepreneurs with skills, mentoring and support to set up their own business. More than 1,000 people have participated in the programme, which began within CCCG and is now run at 20 colleges across England. Many are now running profitable businesses from health foods to sustainable fashion. Visionnaires also runs entrepreneurial workshops for young people.

Outreach

At CCCG, we are continuously reaching out to the communities our colleges serve. In 2018 we began offering all our courses for up to Level 2 for free regardless of age or background as we know cost if one of the main barriers to education. We have also introduced free short maths courses to parents in schools as part of the Government’s Multiply programme to improve numeracy.

Investment

We are continuously investing in education across our estate including the redevelopment of our Soho Centre into a new creative and digital training hub in the heart of London’s entertainment district. In addition, a new commercial hair and beauty salon is set to open at our Finsbury Park Centre, which will provide real-life work experience opportunities for students.

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

ESOL students grow in confidence as they make Haringey greener

Posted on March 28, 2023March 28, 2023 by Paul Cassell

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

Posted on March 22, 2023March 23, 2023 by Paul Cassell

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.

How to do yourself justice on law work experience

Posted on March 22, 2023March 22, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Looking to gain work experience in the legal profession? Check out these top tips for success.

Law work experience is an essential part of the journey to becoming a qualified lawyer in the UK.

Whether you are a law student or a recent graduate, gaining relevant experience can significantly enhance your legal knowledge and skills, boost your employability and provide valuable insights into the legal profession.

If you are considering a career in law or looking to gain relevant legal work experience, here are some tips to help you find placements and make the most out of these opportunities.

Identify your interests

The legal profession is vast and diverse, and there are various practice areas you can explore. Before embarking on your search for legal work experience, consider your interests and the areas of law that appeal to you the most. Are you interested in corporate law, commercial law, criminal law, family law, or human rights law? Understanding your interests and career aspirations will help you narrow down your search and focus on gaining relevant experience.

Research law firms and chambers

Once you have identified your interests, start researching law firms and chambers that specialise in the areas of law you are interested in. Look at their websites, read about their cases and clients and find out about their recruitment policies and application deadlines. Attend law fairs and career events to learn more about law firms and chambers and meet lawyers and recruiters.

Types of legal work experience

The most common types of legal work experience in the UK are vacation schemes, mini-pupillages and paralegal or legal assistant roles. Vacation schemes are structured programmes that usually take place in the summer and provide insight into law firms. Mini-pupillages are placements for aspiring barristers that involve shadowing a barrister. Paralegal or legal assistant roles are also a valuable way to gain practical legal experience.

Applying for law work experience

When applying for legal work experience, make sure to tailor your application to the specific firm or chambers and highlight your relevant skills and experience. You should also demonstrate your enthusiasm for the law and your commitment to developing your legal career.

Network and build relationships

Networking is a crucial aspect of building a successful legal career, and work experience provides an excellent opportunity to meet lawyers and legal professionals. Network with lawyers and ask questions about their work, career paths and experiences. Building relationships with lawyers can also help you secure future work opportunities, a training contract or pupillage.

Reflect and learn from your experiences

It is essential to reflect on your work placement and learn from your experiences. Ask for feedback from your supervisors and colleagues. Take note of what you have learnt and how you can improve. Reflecting on your work experience can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and develop your legal skills and knowledge.