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.
Aspiring beauty therapists showcased their skills when they offered free nail treatments and airbrush tattoos to visitors at Professional Beauty London 2023.
Students from City and Islington College (CANDI) and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) provided the beauty services at the expo at ExCeL London.
Professional Beauty London is the UK’s leading beauty, spa and wellness show. Each year it attracts thousands of beauty managers, business owners and professionals and people looking to work in the industry.
Rori Dean-Dodson, 31, from Hackney, is studying for a Nail Technology Level 2 Diploma at CONEL and was among the students providing nail treatments at the event on 5-6 March.
She said: “I enjoyed today. It’s been absolutely amazing. It was a good chance to try out many of the skills I have learnt at CONEL – filing, shaping, polishing and painting. It’s been fun meeting people and hopefully getting few to come to the college.
“They were interested to hear about the courses. On the nail technician course, we have learnt about manicures and pedicures and also health and safety, and are now learning about acrylics.”
Rori has run her own mobile hairdressing business Rori’s Braids and More since 2018 having been taught how to create various Afro-Caribbean hairstyles by her mum as a child.
She said: “I want to branch out and do nails and tap into the beauty sector. The course at CONEL has been amazing, I wish I could do it for longer. The teachers have been excellent. They have a lot of industry experience and go above and beyond to ensure that we learn and understand.”
Professional Beauty London 2023 featured hundreds of stands from big name beauty and cosmetic brands from across Europe along with conferences, seminars, competitions and demonstrations.
Visitors to the expo had the chance to learn about new trends shaping the industry and compare products and treatments, as well as make connections with industry experts, suppliers and other professionals.
Vlada Strochka, 24, from Welwyn Garden City, who is looking to start a new life in the UK after fleeing the war in Ukraine, was among those looking to training in beauty.
She said: “I want to move to London soon and I’m looking for somewhere to study. I have an accreditation as a nail technician but have no experience in beauty therapy.
“I have a problem with my skin and want to help other people with similar problems. I love cosmetics, massage and nails and think the college is somewhere I might like to study.”
The hair and beauty business employs more than 250,000 people in the UK. The industry offers many different career pathways including women’s hairstyling, barbering, body and facial treatments, massage and theatrical and media make-up.
Saloua El-Khadiri, Head of School for Hair and Beauty at CCCG, said: “We were thrilled to have hundreds of people come and visit our stand at Professional Beauty London 2023.
“This was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the courses we offer and for our students to practise many of the technical skills they have been learning and perfecting at college on visitors to the show, who were very impressed with their finished nails and tattoos.
“Both CANDI and CONEL offer a huge range of hair and beauty courses for school-leavers and those looking for a new career or wanting to gain more experience, including many short courses that are great for those with children and other commitments.
“Our courses are taught by industry experts and both colleges have their own fully-equipped salons and equipment, meaning we can provide the best possible training for those looking to work in this exciting industry.”
Find out more about Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy courses and apply here.
To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, three female students from across Capital City College Group (CCCG) shared their passion for studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects and how employers can attract more women and girls into these careers.
More women are enrolling on STEM courses at university, yet they make up less than a third of the workforce in these careers in the UK.
According to GOV.UK the number of women accepted onto undergraduate courses in these subjects increased by 50.1 per cent from 2011 to 2020. However, in 2020 women only made up 29.4 per cent of the STEM workforce in the UK.
CCCG offers a wide range of academic and technical courses in STEM including A Levels, T Levels, BTEC diplomas and GCSEs, with female students making up 43.5 per cent of those taking these courses over the past four years.
Here’s what female students on our STEM courses had to say:
‘If there were more female role models in IT, that would inspire more girls to think it’s not just a man’s world’
“My dad runs his own IT company, so I’ve been surrounded by tech all my life. I’ve been interested in it since I was eight when I started reading about basic coding. I used to think IT was all about programming, but now I’ve found out there is so much more to it, such as databases, animation and social media.
“The course and teaching at CANDI has been really good and I’ve been able to pick things up easily. I have a couple of female teachers on the course. It’s great to have role models like them in class for someone like me looking to get into IT.
“I think tech companies still accept more men into IT jobs, it’s like they underestimate the skills women can bring to these careers. They need to start encouraging more women to get into roles so they can see that they are capable of doing the same jobs as men, and maybe even do them better.
“You often hear about people like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerburg, but you never hear about the women in tech. If there were more female role models seen in IT, that would inspire more girls to think it’s not just a man’s world and something they could do as a career.”
Jaina Torres, IT student at CANDI
‘More female engineers giving talks in schools and colleges will mean girls see it as a valid career option’
“From a young age I was fascinated by how things work and liked physics and maths at school. When the pandemic hit, I started to get into technology and began thinking about my future career and saw there was a demand for more engineers.
“I absolutely loved the first year of my engineering course at WestKing and learnt so much. There are so many facets to engineering. I’ve learnt about coding and microcontrollers and have been able to apply knowledge I have gained on work experience to my course. I enjoy the challenge of creating innovative solutions to different problems. The teachers are really encouraging and are always available if I need any help. They want the best for all their students.
“Engineering is a good career for women. We need to show it is not just men who are capable of doing these careers but women as well, and it should no longer seen as a male-dominated career. It’s about changing peoples’ perceptions.
“You don’t tend to hear about women in engineering and more need to be done to make their voices heard. Having more female engineers giving talks in schools and colleges like they do at WestKing, will mean girls see it as a valid career option. More images of women doing these jobs would also inspire girls into engineering.”
Tianen Ho-Nyirabu, Engineering student at WestKing
‘Companies need to do more to promote internships and give more opportunities to women’
“Science was the first type of career that came to mind. I really enjoyed it at school and learning about chemistry, biology and physics. I’ve always had pets – a parrot, a dog and now a cat – and have applied to study veterinary nursing at university.
“The teachers at CONEL are really nice and present the subject well and give you videos to watch to help you understand. I like doing the practical experiments and following a method, doing some procedures, measurement and calculations and understanding why things happen and how you can change things. It’s a fascinating subject and there are so many pathways you can take.
“You see a lot of male doctors and scientists. Sometimes women are not considered for roles because they are seen as too sensitive and men are thought to be better at handling pressure. That needs to change if we are going to attract more women into science. If you have got the skills and ability there shouldn’t be anything to stop you.”
“Companies need to do more to promote internships and give more opportunities for women. They need to show more women doing these jobs and tell them more about the opportunities that are open to them. I know that would build my confidence and motivate me to do well at college if I saw someone to aspire to in the future.”
Alexandrina Pinzari, Applied Science student at CONEL
Find out more about all our courses at CCCG and apply here.
Gain skills and experience in an actual paid job while studying for a degree without any tuition fees.
The number of people taking degree apprenticeships is continuing to rise.
According to GOV.UK, the number starting degree apprenticeships in 2022-23 was up by 14 per cent to 20,060 compared to the previous academic year.
Increasingly, students and apprentices at Capital City College Group (CCCG) are looking to degree apprenticeships as an alternative to full-time study at university to get the skills for their career.
So, what are degree apprenticeships and what are the benefits?
Degree apprenticeships are actual jobs that enable you gain a degree while you work, typically spending 80 per cent of your time at work and 20 per cent studying at university.
Note that degree apprenticeships in Scotland are called graduate apprenticeships and in Northern Ireland most higher apprenticeships are only up to Level 5, the equivalent of a foundation degree.
Degree apprenticeships are open to all ages and entry requirements are similar to those for university, such as A Levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification or apprenticeship. However, it is also likely you will have to go through an application process and attend an interview with the employer.
There are certain professions where you cannot take a degree apprenticeship, such as a doctor, but there are so many areas where you can. These include accounting, business, construction, engineering, law, nursing, agriculture, hospitality and IT.
While you will not get the full experience of going to university, you will be able to apply what you are learning in a real work environment, gain knowledge from people already working in the sector and learn additional skills.
Apprenticeships are also an opportunity to impress an employer who might take you on after you have completed your training. They are also a chance to develop soft skills all employers want including leadership, teamwork, decision making, time management and problem solving.
He saw the fact that the apprenticeship was giving him a career and an education as a real advantage in the industry, not to mention his employer would be paying his tuition fees.
“I’m interested in many different aspects of IT. On the one hand I’m interested in the hardware side, but since I’ve been at IBM I’ve been shown some new aspects of software and cloud-based technology that I never knew about, which has also piqued my interest,” he said.
Imtiyaz, whose interest in tech began at an early age. explained that his diploma at CANDI gave him a realistic expectation of what it would be like to work in IT.
“This is a potential career opportunity at a great company that’s well known within the industry, which will give me the skills and experience over the next three years that I might not get just at university,” he said.
CCCG does not offer degree apprenticeships but we do offer a range of apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 5 with many large companies, which can lead to progression with them at a higher level. More than half of apprentices on our Surveying Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship progress to a degree apprenticeship with their employer.
Finding a degree apprenticeship is easy. Employers advertise for them on their own websites, GOV.UK, Linkedin, job boards and other recruitment sites as well as university websites.
Find out about more about our courses and apprenticeships here.
A Level History students Ben Stanley and Anastasia Burlakova from City and Islington College (CANDI) were given the chance to visit Auschwitz-Birkenauand hear from a survivor of the former Nazi concentration camp to mark Holocaust Memorial Day last month. They shared their experience in the article below for the Sixth Form College’s student online newspaper The Toast and podcast The Jam with student Sean Voitov who went on the trip last year.
Lessons from Auschwitz by Ben Stanley and Anastasia Burlakova
Over 75 years have passed since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the other Nazi concentration camps. Approximately six million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, 1.5 million of whom were children. We must never forget those who were persecuted during the Holocaust and should understand its meanings for us today. It is imperative that the Holocaust remains a period of history that is forever talked about, and that it is appropriately taught to young people.
The Holocaust Educational Trust is a British charity that shares these values, aiming to educate the youth about the Holocaust, and ensuring that it is taught within the national curriculum. We enrolled in the charity’s Lessons from Auschwitz Project, where we heard testimony from a Holocaust survivor, visited Auschwitz, and completed our Next Steps project, which involved us passing on the lessons we learnt from our visit, and sharing it with the local community.
Prior to our visit to Auschwitz, we attended an orientation seminar, which provided us with many case studies showcasing pre – war Jewish life. This highlighted the fact that those who were killed were human beings with aspirations and livelihoods, so much more than just a statistic. Additionally, we were taught about the persecution of Jewish people throughout history, this informed us of the dangers of historic Jewish discrimination, and drew our attention to modern day antisemitism.
Hear the podcast History, Memory and the Holocaust with Ben Stanley, Anastasia Burlakova and Sean Voitov, here.
We then undertook a day trip to Auschwitz itself, arriving in Krakow and visiting the city of Oswiecim. We learnt that Oswiecim was a city rich in Jewish culture before the outbreak of the Second World War. Tragically, a lot of the history was lost to Nazi occupation, such as the ‘Great Synagogue’, a symbolic and grand synagogue within the city, which was burnt down by German soldiers. Visiting Oswieicm gave us an insight into pre-war Jewish life and history, and reminded us of just how swiftly and callously it was taken away by the Nazis.
Following the visit to Oswiecim, we attended a guided tour of Auschwitz I. Upon arrival, we underwent rigorous security checks, these were introduced following inappropriate behaviour at the camp, showcasing how antisemitism remains rife in modern day society. Having gotten through security, we encountered the ‘arbeit macht frei’ sign, a cruel expression used by the Nazis declaring ‘work sets you free’. Once inside Auschwitz I, we witnessed some incredibly challenging sights, most notably the gas chambers, human hair, possessions belonging to the victims, and footage of some of the prisoners living out their ordinary lives before the war. In addition to these artefacts, we came across the ‘book of names’, which presented over 4.2 million Jewish lives that had been taken by the Nazi regime. The ‘book of names’ really showcased the magnitude of just how many people had been killed, simultaneously enabling visitors to humanise those who had lost their lives, with each victim presented with their full name and date of birth.
We then went to Auschwitz Birkenau. We saw the freight cars, often used to carry cattle, used by the Nazis to transport their prisoners into the camp, presenting how the Nazis would dehumanise their victims before killing them. Also, we visited the housing that the prisoners were subject to, which were not dissimilar to stables, with overcrowding, starvation and disease all rampant, further outlying the brutality of the Nazi regime. Furthermore, we witnessed the crematoria, another former gas chamber, capable of killing up to 3,000 people imminently.
By the evening, we listened to an engaging talk by a rabbi associated with the Trust, who emphasised the importance of virtues such as respect and tolerance in order to overcome modern day antisemitism. Our final act was to lay candles by the memorials of those who had lost their lives. This part of our day encompassed why one should visit Auschwitz Birkenau, to reflect and pay respects to those who died there.
Following our trip to Poland, we heard a testimony from Janine Webber, who articulately reflected on her experiences of the Holocaust. Janine had suffered immensely in her early life, losing almost all of her immediate family and grandmother to the nazis. Janine only narrowly survived herself, having to change identity and move location on many occasions. In 1956 Janine moved to the UK, where she met her husband and had two children and grandchildren.
Listening to the stories of those who were detained at concentration camps is more important than ever, as many of those who had been persecuted during the Holocaust are no longer with us. Hearing accounts by survivors enables conversation regarding the Holocaust to continue into the 21st century, educating many, and honouring those who were killed.
Holocaust education is mandatory under UK law, however there is no guidance by the government on how it should be taught, leading to inadequate and superficial teaching of one of the most important aspects of history. This was one of many reasons why we chose to enrol as ambassadors of the Trust, broadening our knowledge of the Holocaust amongst thousands of other students in the UK, and relaying on what we had learnt through the Lessons from Auschwitz programme.
Bigotry towards Jewish people remains at an alarmingly high rate in the present day; 2,255 incidents of antisemitism were reported in 2021 alone, the highest figure ever recorded in a calendar year. Education is fundamental in overcoming discriminatory views, and by informing the youth of tomorrow regarding the history of the Holocaust and the ramifications of antisemitism, perhaps a more tolerant future is on the horizon.
Antisemitism is unfortunately a global issue, fuelled by those on the radical left and right of the political spectrum. However, reinforcing teaching the Holocaust within the curriculum and educating oneself and others about the history and present day ramifications of antisemitism and bigotry can help in overcoming Jewish hate.
The Holocaust was the murder of approximately six million Jewish men, women and children by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during the Second World War. The Holocaust Educational Trust provides students with a deep understanding with the events that took place, whilst also informing them of important inferences that are not always considered, such as that of the humanisation of those involved within the Holocaust, including the perpetrators.
Antisemitism is rampant in modern day Britain and across the world, making it increasingly important for charities such as the Holocaust Educational Trust to inform the youth of the dangers of bigotry and hate. It is vital that the worst atrocity committed in human history is remembered, no such event can take place ever again.
Find out more about studying A Levels at CANDI and apply here.
Former City and Islington College (CANDI) student Naomi Ackie has been nominated for a BAFTA for her starring role in Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
Picture courtesy of BAFTA.
Naomi, 31, who studied for her A Levels at CANDI from 2007-09, has won rave reviews for her portrayal of the pop sensation who burst on to the music scene in the 1980s and tragically died in February 2012 aged 48.
She is in the running for the BAFTA Rising Star Award alongside Sheila Atim (The Woman King), Daryl McCormack (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande), Aimee Lou Wood (Living) and Emma Mackey (Emily).
On her nomination, Naomi said: “I’ve followed and been inspired by the BAFTA Film Awards for so many years, so to be recognised amongst this incredible group of artists is huge!
“This nod from the Rising Star jury, and to be recognised for my work in the country that I’ve grown up in, is also a nod of encouragement, to continue to create stories that speak to people. What a beautiful experience to be a part of.”
Naomi Ackie and friend celebrate their AS Level results at CANDI in 2008. Picture courtesy of Islington Tribune.
Before her lead role in the biopic directed by Kasi Lemmons, Naomi appeared as in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), the final film in the sequel trilogy of the epic saga.
Naomi does not sing all the songs in the film, but she does show off her vocal talents in scenes where Whitney is singing alongside her mother and when she is choosing a new single.
Critics have praised her portrayal of the music icon whose biggest hits include I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Greatest Love Of All, How Will I Know, One Moment in Time and I Will Always Love You.
Empire magazine’s Kelechi Ehenulo wrote: “As the legendary star, Naomi Ackie delivers a commanding performance, channelling every iota of Houston’s mannerisms and magnetism … Ackie’s uncanny embodiment reminds you of Houston’s soul-stirring power.”
The Evening Standard’s Charlotte O’Sullivan referred to Naomi’s “blistering on-screen presence,” adding she is at her absolute best in scenes with Clarke Peters who plays Whitney’s father John.
She further described her performance alongside Danielle Singleton, who plays Bobbi Kristina, the daughter Houston the singer had with her husband Bobby Brown as “electrifyingly raw.”
Now in its 18th year, the BAFTA Rising Star Award recognises up-and-coming acting talent and is the only award at the BAFTAs voted for by the British public. Past winners include James McAvoy, Tom Holland, John Boyega, Shia LaBeouf, Kristen Stewart and Tom Hardy.
Nana Brew, Curriculum Leader for Performing and Visual Arts, said: “Naomi studied for her A Levels at CANDI before I joined the college, but her teachers who were here tell me she was a hard-working and incredibly talented student.
“Everyone at CANDI is hugely proud what she has achieved in her acting career and will be cheering her on to win the BAFTA.”
Naomi Ackie with broadcaster Edith Bowman and the other BAFTA Rising Star Award nominees. Picture courtesy of BAFTA.
Naomi was born in Camden and raised in Walthamstow. She took A Levels in Drama, English Literature and Textiles at CANDI, initially studying these subjects at AS Level, and later went on to study at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
She made her TV debut in Doctor Who and later appeared in Netflix comedy-drama The End of the F***ing World, for which she received a British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Her breakthrough film role was in Lady Macbeth (2016) for which she won the British Independent Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer. She subsequently appeared in Idris Elba’s directorial debut Yardie (2018).
TV and radio broadcaster Edith Bowman announced the BAFTA Rising Star Award nominees at The Savoy Hotel on 17 January. Voting is now open at ee.co.uk/BAFTA.
The winner will be announced at the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall, which will be aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, on 19 February.
Find out more about studying A Levels at CANDI and apply here.
With the academic year halfway through, many Year 11 students are now knuckling down and revising ahead of their GCSE exams this summer.
Many will also be thinking about their future, and it is important for them to realise that staying on at school sixth form is not the only or always the best option.
Capital City College Group (CCCG) Is London’s largest further education college group and comprises City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London and apprenticeship provider Capital City College Training.
Here’s six fantastic reasons why those leaving school this year should choose CCCG’s colleges over school when it comes to taking the next step in their education.
A bigger choice of qualifications and pathways – Whether you want to take the academic or technical route to university or employment we have the right course for you. Choose from A Levels, T Levels, BTEC and City & Guilds diplomas and certificates or apprenticeships with top employers.
A huge range of subjects – We offer A Levels in many subjects along with courses in accounting and business, IT, creative media, art and design, construction, childcare, engineering, hair and beauty, hospitality and culinary arts, performing arts and music, public services, science and sport.
Students are treated like adults – There’s no ‘Yes Sir’ or ‘Yes Miss’ here. Students are often on first name terms with their teachers and given the personal responsibility for getting their work assignments done. Of course, we will still encourage, motivate and support our students to succeed.
Make new friends – A chance to widen your social circle and get to know more people. The more you broaden your horizons, the more opportunities that are presented to you in work and life.
Industry experienced teachers – Many of our lecturers and tutors have worked in the fields they teach and are able to share first-hand knowledge and experience to give students the professional skills and realistic expectations of their future careers.
Fantastic enrichment and support – Students benefit from a more rounded education including trips at home and abroad, talks from industry experts, debates and workshops, competitions, community projects, sports, clubs and societies, careers advice and support with UCAS applications.
Don’t forget our Open Days
Attend one of our Open Days or drop in sessions where you will get to:
The deadline for students to submit applications to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is fast approaching for courses starting in September.
Last year more than 2,300 students from across Capital City College Group (CCCG) progressed to higher education including university and degree apprenticeships.
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.
The deadline for applications to Oxford or Cambridge, or veterinary, medicine and dentistry courses was in October, but for all other university undergraduate courses it is 25 January at 6pm.
Applications made through schools and colleges must be made by this date to give teachers and careers teams enough time to review them and provide references before they are sent to UCAS.
Students can apply after this date, but their chosen course might be full and their application will not be given priority by UCAS.
Key UCAS dates in 2023
23 February 2023
UCAS Extra opens. Extra is another chance for students to gain a place at university between 23 February and 4 July. Students who have used all five of their choices in their application but not received an offer or have declined a place can add another choice.
Students who have not used all five of their choices can sign in to their original application and add another choice by 30 June as long as they have not accepted or declined any offers.
Students who do not have any offers by 5 July will be able to add an additional choice during Clearing.
30 June 2023
UCAS will send all applications received by 6pm on this date to students’ chosen universities or colleges. Applications received after this date will automatically be entered into Clearing.
5 July 2023
Clearing opens. Students can apply for a course through Clearing if they have not received or met the conditions of an offer or declined a place.
17 August
A Level Results Day. Students receive their exam results and can apply for a place through Clearing.
17 October
The deadline for making a final choice through Clearing. UCAS must receive applications by 6pm.
Find our more information about UCAS applications here.
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.
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.
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