westking Archives - Capital City College Group

Students polish up their skills at Professional Beauty London 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CCCG comprises City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, and apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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, 2022January 13, 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 plumbing practical class was very patient and empathetic to his students as he explained the steps we needed to take and the health and safety requirements for each task. 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 the Engineering UK and 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 potentials, 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.

Students inspired after ‘brilliant’ work placements with Morgan Sindall Construction

Posted on December 14, 2022December 20, 2022 by Christina Savvides

Students from Westminster Kingsway College had the chance to gain a real insight into the building industry after undertaking work placements with Morgan Sindall Construction.

Around 20 Construction students visited the Bedford Passage building site in Cleveland Street, Camden, which is being redeveloped by the University College London Hospital Charity.

The £50 million project is due for completion in 2024 and will comprise and NHS medical centre along with a mix of commercial and residential properties including social housing.

Ronnie Sheehan, 16, and Frankie Paul, 17, were among four students chosen by Morgan Sindall Construction to gain an extra week’s work experience after visiting the site.

Ronnie said: “I would like to do something at a management level. I’m interested in being a quantity surveyor as I really like maths and working with numbers, it’s the challenge.

“Being on site has opened my eyes to what a construction environment is really like. You get to see it for yourself, it’s not stuff you can learn in a book. There were trades on site that I hadn’t ever have heard of, but they make sense when you think about it.”

Frankie said: “I’m on an electrical course and I’d like to be hands-on with a trade on a construction site. I’m more of a practical learner, that’s how my brain works best, so being here on site and seeing things for myself has been brilliant.

“Work experience like this is a really good opportunity to make sure this is the career route you want to pursue. Being on site has shown me how much more goes on here; all the deliveries and organising trades, etc. It’s not something you always think about in the classroom.”

During the initial visit, students were given a tour by Daniel Mayger, an Apprentice Site Manager, and Freddie Thomas, who is on a year’s placement as part of a BA (Hons) Quantity Surveying.

Daniel told the students about his apprenticeship and showed them how the piles were driven into the ground and concrete was poured over them to make watertight walls.

The students further heard from a site engineer and a groundworks contractor about their work on the site. They also took part in an insulation pricing workshop and learnt about risk assessments and the legal and commercial aspects of construction.

Paul Jennings, Community Investment Manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “Construction is not often seen as a career choice, but the industry needs to recruit new people to fulfil future roles and developments in the industry.

“The Government’s plan to drive economic growth through infrastructure delivery will only be achieved with the recruitment of a skilled workforce. These skills are not just site based; there are exciting career opportunities in HR, marketing, finance, procurement and business development.

“It is vital we continue to strengthen links with educational institutions such as Westminster Kingsway College to train our workforce of the future.”

Find out more about Construction courses and apply 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.

WestKing and Central District Alliance host Careers and Enterprise Day

Posted on December 5, 2022December 5, 2022 by Hannah Fenton

Jobseekers had the chance to find out more about new employment opportunities and gaining work skills when they attended a Careers and Enterprise Day at Westminster Kingsway College.

The event was run with the Central District Alliance (CDA) business improvement district, which is partnering the college’s Mayor of London Digital and Hospitality Academy Hubs that launched earlier this year.

The CDA represents more than 400 businesses in central London and has backed the hubs to help its members upskill their staff and recruit new talent in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic.

Mayor of Camden Cllr Nasim Ali was the special guest at the event at the college’s King’s Cross Centre, which was held to coincide with Global Entrepreneurship Week last month.

CCCG’s apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training and entrepreneurship programme Visionnaires, a subsidiary of CCCG, were also present at the event.

Among the other organisations that attended were Transport for London, Camden Council, Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, DHL, Cutlass Security Group, Bidvest Noonan, London Communications Agency and Digital Influx.

There were also stands from several hospitality and entertainment businesses including Pret, Shaftesbury Theatre, Travelodge, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Imperial London Hotels, Kimpton Fitzroy London and Strand Palace.

Visitors had the opportunity to attend employability sessions with Samsung, LinkedIn and Edwardian Hotels, and have free professional headshots taken for their LinkedIn profiles.

Fashion and Communication Level 3 Diploma students modelled outfits for a fashion show sponsored by Dress for Success and Burton, which included advice on how to dress for a job interview.

There were also live demonstrations from students from the college’s School for Hospitality and Culinary Arts in Victoria.

Attendees also had chance to win a tablet or one of several mobile phones in a prize draw.