Isabella Woodcock, who is studying the Sports Level 3 Extended Diploma at CONEL, is the face of the 2019/20 Tottenham Hotspur marketing campaign.

The opportunity arose for Isabella through contacts that CONEL Football Coach, Josemar Santos, and Head of Sport, Jonathan Silman, have at Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs Supporter Isabella explained, “My coach and I were invited down to Tottenham’s ground to do a workshop where we gave our ideas of what the 2020/21 football kit should look like. We gave some ideas of what colours and designs we thought would look nice.

“After that event, they emailed my coach and asked if I was interested in being in an international advert with Nike and Tottenham. I said ‘yes’ straight away and sent over my details. I then spoke to a Tottenham representative who was my point of contact throughout the photoshoot.”

“I am very thankful that my coach hooked me up with the opportunity to begin with.”

“On the day, we arrived at the stadium and were guided into a room within the stadium, where I got my hair and make-up done and was fed some really nice food. Once I had my hair and make-up done I was given my outfits that I had to change into. I then headed out to the four locations chosen for the photoshoot. I was literally treated like a V.I.P for the day. We had a blacked-out minibus that drove us around Tottenham to the photoshoot locations. All in all it was a six-hour shoot and it was really fun. I made friends with most of the cast and everyone there was lovely!

“It was hands-down one of the best experiences I have ever had. I was treated like an actual model… anything I wanted I got. It was cool knowing what happens behind the scenes and seeing just how long these photoshoots take. There’s more to it than just taking a photo – we had to take photos at certain times, depending on the sunlight and the wind.

“It feels really cool as a Tottenham supporter to be the face of their new kit. I can’t believe my face is everywhere… from the big screens in central London to my photo being on boards in Sports Direct and of course having my face on the massive screen in the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. My face was also on a board inside the shop which was really cool. I guess I’m famous now!”

Capital City College Training have once again partnered with Women into Construction (WiC) to deliver work placement and training to females looking to kick start a career in construction.

Women into Construction is an independent not-for-profit organisation that promotes gender equality in construction. The bespoke programme is designed to give participants a taste for the world of construction and supports women wishing to work in the industry. WiC also help contractors recruit highly motivated, trained women, helping to reduce skills gaps and creating a more gender-equal work-force.

The partnership ran two groups, one in June and one in September. The first group had 16 women – of those 11 did work placements, seven have found work and six have moved on to further training and education. The second cohort had 15 women, six of who have done work placements (another three are planning to start one soon). Of this second group, two have already found work and four have progressed to further study. All students also completed their Certificate in Self Marketing and Personal Enterprise with Capital City College Training (CCCT).

Project Manager at Women into Construction, Anna Walterskotter, said, “Women into Construction is delighted to work in partnership with CCCT and KCCSC  on the Camden Employment programmes. This highly successful training model has led to tangible qualifications, a fit-for-purpose CV and a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card for women from across London. The participating contractors have been incredibly responsive to the requirements of the women by offering highly suitable work placements leading to employment and career development within the industry.”

The programme was funded by Camden council. Representative Anita Khan, said, “This is our third cohort with CCCT and WiC now and it’s been great collaborating with the employers and the women on the programme. It’s good to get the employer buy-in and create more opportunities whether that is apprenticeships or jobs. Overall it’s been great improving these women’s employability skills and confidence in the construction industry.”

Business Operations Manager at CCCT, Kate Child, said: “This is a great partnership project to be involved with as the women are supported on their whole journey to employment or further education.  We are pleased to provide the pre-employment training which gives the women more confidence to promote their skills, interests and ambitions at interview and on the work placement.”

The two groups received their certificates at an Award ceremony on 12 November 2019 at CCCT’s Regent’s Park Centre.

One of the participating employers, Lendlease, who had six students on their programme, sent employee Zen to the awards ceremony.

“For us it was great to get involved in this programme. For us to be able to support local talent, it is a privilege. We have retained some of the students and set them up on apprenticeships and we are helping a student with specialist skills. This programme has allowed us to gain some great talent.”

To find out more about Women into Construction, and the great work they are doing to bridge the gender gap in the sector, visit the WiC website.