Hannah Fenton, Author at Capital City College Group - Page 11 of 62
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Creative Skills Academy Students Complete Specialist Promo Producer Course

The Specialist Promo Producer course at WestKing culminates in a presentation with BBC guests.

A group of 12 students celebrated the completion of the Promo Producer course with a presentation event with guests from the BBC.

The Promo Producer course is a bespoke six-week course delivered by the Mayor’s Creative Skills Academy in partnership with BBC Studios. It is an innovative course which offers students the opportunity to:

  • Gain professional work experience in creative promo producing
  • Complete practical training and technical soft skills
  • Access expert employability advice and support

Designed to provide realistic work experience, the course takes the students through the various stages of making a video promo – from creative inception to the finished product. 

The course was delivered in November and December at Westminster Kingsway’s Regent’s Park Centre with some sessions taking place online. Students also visited the BBC Studios to meet staff, learn about professional pathways and complete voiceovers and sound mixing for their projects. They also had the opportunity to work with a colourist at Halo, an award-winning post-production studio, and get practical insight into the colour grading process.

Course tutor Robbie Samuels, an experienced director and producer said: “I just wanted to make something where people would learn the things that no one told me and they’re quite tricky things, they’re not instinctive things.” 

Student Alex Fontaine said: “For me, it was really an eye-opener on a side of the industry I didn’t know much about, the creative side of promotions and ads. When speaking about the course tutor, he added: “I found him really excellent so I really enjoyed the course.”

Student Colin Russell said; “I had gaps in my knowledge about being a promo producer and this filled in the gaps and also gave me the opportunity to do a dry run at everything and now I feel a lot more confident.” 

By the end of the course, the students had created a finished piece of work that they can add to their showreel and send out to production companies. During the course presentation event, they were able to showcase their work in front of BBC Studio staff and the award-winning director and producer, Robbie Samuels. 

Following the course, students will be able to access post-course employment support, networking groups and access more skills and training.

Find out more about the wide range of courses offered by the Mayors Skills Academies here.

Learn more about Digital Media and Creative Computing courses here.

Students Learn Secrets to Self-Defence at CONEL

A series of self-defence workshops at CONEL have helped students improve personal safety while raising awareness about violence against women and girls.

During December, around 400 students took part in a series of self-defence workshops at The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London’s (CONEL) Tottenham and Enfield Centres.

The 24 workshops, which took place between 4 December and 15 December were organised by CONEL’s enrichment team to raise awareness about violence against women and girls. The sessions helped students mitigate the dangers of street violence and enhance their overall personal safety.

The training was led by Sev Necati, a specialist facilitator who teaches practical contact and non-contact self-defence techniques. Her expertise, passion and sensitivity created a learning environment where participants were comfortable and engaged.

The workshops attracted a range of female-identifying students of all ages from various courses and academic backgrounds. During the sessions, students learnt about a range of verbal and physical techniques to improve safety and then practised them through role-play. They also received training on how to de-escalate certain situations and promote the safety of others.

There was a range of positive feedback from participants, who said: “I learned tips and we actually practised how to defend ourselves” and “I’ve always wanted to learn self-defence, so this was really helpful”.

Find out about our enrichment activities and college life here.

Staff and Students Enjoy Visionnaires Festive Fair at CONEL

Visionnaires Festive Fair showcases entrepreneurial diversity at CONEL’s Tottenham Centre.

Staff and students gathered at the second Visionnaires Festive Fair on 7 December at The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London’s (CONEL) Tottenham Centre.

The pop-up market, organised by the Visionnaires team, featured 25 independent sellers who have completed Visionnaires programmes.

Visionnaires is a social enterprise that supports adults in transforming their business ideas into reality. Working in partnership with colleges such as Capital City College Group, they offer groundbreaking programmes created by entrepreneurs. Since launching in 2019, Visionnaires has supported over 2000 people with free Start Your Own Business Courses, masterclasses and events.

The market included a wide range of goods and services and featured everything from home accessories to photography services. Customers were able to browse the various stalls and were entertained by drummers and music from students in Creative and Media courses.

In addition to showcasing their products, the Visionnaires Festive Fair allowed vendors to test the market, gain exposure, network and gather feedback on their goods and services. The market, which welcomed around 150 students, also offered sellers the opportunity to build a customer base and connect with community members.

Georgina Moore, who recycles textiles into clothing and home accessories with her brand Moore Revival, said: “I really enjoyed it too and talking to people about their ideas and their story, and to other students at the college. My stand is ever-changing and I’m always looking at different and new ways to display my product better. But mostly I love seeing you guys! There are some familiar faces there now which is great, such a nice little community and one I’m grateful to be part of.” When talking about her experience with Visionnaires, she added “You really kick-started my year in such a positive way, and gave me the shoulder rub that I needed to get me to keep going, and that I was doing ok so far. I feel I’ve come on leaps and bounds this year, but still have so much to learn.”

You can find out more about Visionnaires programmes here.

Former WestKing Apprentice Tom Hamblet Wins Masterchef: The Professionals

Following a gruelling competition, Tom Hamblet, a former WestKing Hospitality and Culinary Arts Apprentice was crowned winner of MasterChef: The Professionals.

A former WestKing Hospitality and Culinary Arts Apprentice has been crowned MasterChef: The Professionals Champion 2023. Tom is the 17th chef to win the trophy, following in the footsteps of fellow WestKing alumni Nikita Pathakji and Alex Webb, both of whom won Masterchef competitions in previous years. 

Tom Hamblet (Image: BBC/Shine TV)

Tom began his Apprenticeship at Westminster Kingsway College when he was 17. After completing his studies, he went on to work at Michelin-starred and AA Rosette-winning restaurants. Currently, he works as Sous Chef alongside his chef parents at Camellia, a three AA Rosette restaurant in South Lodge Hotel, Horsham.

During the MasterChef competition, Tom surpassed 31 other professionals in a gruelling seven-week competition where he took on a series of demanding culinary tasks. His culinary creations impressed judges, restaurant critics and leading chefs. During the quarter-final, columnist and critic Grace Dent said: “That is the best dessert I’ve had on MasterChef in all the years I’ve been here.”

During the final week, Tom cooked a four-course meal in front of 24 specially selected diners who held 22 Michelin stars between them at the Midland Grand Dining Room in King’s Cross. As the contestants were whittled down to a final three, they travelled to Copenhagen to learn alongside Head Chef Rasmus Munk, mastering and delivering complex dishes that formed an incredible 50-course tasting menu.

In the final leg of the competition, the three remaining chefs served three courses to MasterChef judges Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace. They had just three hours to prepare a starter, main course and dessert. Tom demonstrated his technical skill, creativity, and unique talent and impressed the judges with his winning menu. He served an original and superbly executed menu which included poached native lobster tail, seared beef fillet and an olive oil sponge cake.

Marcus Wareing, the Michelin-star chef and judge, said: “From the minute that young chef stepped into this kitchen he’s been consistent and he’s delivered at every single level. Tom’s food today was technical, it was beautiful and most importantly, it was delicious.”

Masterchef presenter Gregg Wallace said: “Tom is a talent. I think today, we watched a very young chef come of age. Someone who’s always had the technical ability, but today was brave enough to put his own stamp on the classical.”

After winning the trophy, Tom said: “I’m lost for words. It’s been such a good experience. I’ve done it! The trophy’s here. I’m holding it! I couldn’t be happier right now. I’m just going to enjoy the moment.”

Following his MasterChef victory, Tom continues to aim high. He said: “I’m still at South Lodge, working hard to deliver high standards. I’m still young, so feel like I’m working out my ambitions every day. I want to have a successful career and that means continuing to learn and progress. I’d love to aim for my own Michelin-starred restaurant and maybe do more TV. I’m keen to take on projects that allow me to become a better chef and person so hopefully, there are more exciting things coming!”

Congratulations Tom on winning the prestigious title of MasterChef: The Professionals Champion 2023!

Find out more about our Hospitality and Culinary Arts courses here.

Harnessing a Sustainable Future: 6 Reasons to Study Renewable Energies 

If you’re interested in using your skills to contribute to a brighter future, a career in renewable energies could be the right pathway for you.

There’s no shortage of concern about the environment, and amidst an ever-changing energy landscape, renewable energy is a beacon of hope for a sustainable future

If you’re seeking a career that reflects your passion for making a positive impact on the world around you, then taking a course in the rapidly growing field of renewable energies could be the perfect next step for a number of reasons.

1. Help combat climate change and preserve the environment

Renewable energy sources play an essential part in counteracting climate change, which continues to threaten our eco-systems. Fossil fuels remain the biggest contributors to climate change and environmental degradation. 

By developing techniques and technology that allow us to harness the power of the sun, wind, water and geothermal heat, we can access clean alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. A course in renewable energies will enable you to gain a deep understanding of the science behind renewable energy sources, so you can critically evaluate and develop innovative solutions to combat these universal issues.

2. Improve energy security

The cost of fossil fuels can shift dramatically in a short space of time, and fossil fuels are also a finite resource that will eventually run out. Renewable energies are abundant and can be acquired using natural resources, offering much-needed security to people around the globe.

3. Embrace sustainable growth and a diverse career path

A move towards renewable energy is essential for environmental protection, but it also has great economic value. Studying renewable energies opens up a wide range of career options in a rapidly expanding industry. 

You can choose to specialise in an area that ties in with your area of interest, whether it centres around a specific type of renewable energy or energy storage and management systems. With renewable energy industries growing rapidly, there are a multitude of job opportunities in various sectors including design, engineering, installation and maintenance.

4. Develop a skill set in high demand

With the growing focus on renewable energy both in the UK and around the world, the skills and knowledge you’ll acquire while studying in this field are highly sought after in various industries. If you can develop expertise in designing, developing, implementing, and managing renewable energy systems, you’ll be in high demand. As with all developing industries, the global market offers an incredible range of employment opportunities for qualified professionals.

5. Stay ahead of the curve

Research and development around renewable energies are constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging regularly. At the same time, governments across the planet are implementing policies and regulations to promote renewable energy adoption. 

A course in renewable energies will provide you with industry-specific knowledge and skills as well as an understanding of policies – all of which will enable you to keep abreast of advancements and adapt to developing trends and needs.

6. Do something rewarding that reflects your values

No matter what your field of work is, knowing that you are having a positive impact provides immense satisfaction – we all want to leave the world in better shape than we found it.

Working in renewable energy offers the opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future for your community and local economy while having a positive impact on the planet. 

You’ll be part of a wide-reaching team, collaborating and innovating to transform the energy landscape, provide cleaner air, improve public health and safeguard the environment for generations to come.

If you’re interested in studying renewable energies, Capital City College Group offers a range of exciting courses and career pathways through our Green Academy.

As part of our commitment to serve our community, there are also free courses on offer such as Green Skills, Sustainability and Green Careers, Solar Energy and Windfarm Operations.

CCCG Highly Commended for Green and Sustainability work at Haringey Community Impact Awards 2023

CCCG’s Green Academy has received recognition for its efforts in Green and Sustainability at the Haringey Community Expo 2023.

Capital City College Group’s (CCCG) Green Academy was Highly Commended in the Green and Sustainability category as part of the Haringey Community Impact Awards. The awards were presented during the Haringey Community Expo 2023 which took place on 1 December at Tottenham Green Pools and Fitness Centre.

More than 250 Haringey residents and representatives from voluntary organisations gathered for the event, which was organised by the Bridge Renewal Trust in partnership with Haringey Council. The Haringey Community Expo aims to recognise and celebrate the work of local voluntary and community organisations. 

During the event, over 70 local projects and services presented their efforts at a diverse array of stalls. There was also a panel discussion on the topic of culture and creativity, which allowed key community members to share their insights. 

Rachel Hughes, Chair of The Bridge Renewal Trust, said: “We are immensely proud of being part of this community and being able to showcase the work of our colleagues in the Voluntary Sector at the Haringey Community Expo. Thank you to all who participated and supported this event. Together, we have laid the foundation for another year of community growth, collaboration, and excellence”.

The Haringey Community Impact Awards were presented to a diverse array of exceptional organisations to mark their contributions to the community. CCCG’s Green Academy was Highly Commended in acknowledgement and appreciation of its impact in the area of Green and Sustainability. The Green Academy is part of the Mayor of London’s Skills Academies and works closely with Haringey council and supports local residents through its training pathways. With extensive links to employers within the green construction sector, the Green Academy aims to assist with the provision of a skilled workforce and address the skill shortage in the construction sector.

Mishary Alfahad, Head of Green Academy at CCCG, accepted the award on behalf of the college. He said: “We’re honoured to be amongst the nominees and to receive an award at the Haringey Community Impact Awards for Green and Sustainability. It’s incredibly rewarding to be recognised for our efforts this year. The Green Academy is heavily focused on supporting those from underrepresented groups and we’re proud to be having a noticeable impact in such a diverse borough.”

Congratulations to everyone at the Green Academy!

You can learn more about the Green Academy here.

CANDI Students Visit Downing Street for Christmas Lights Event with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

Students from City and Islington College join Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at a Downing Street event to mark the start of the Christmas season.

A group of students from City and Islington College (CANDI) had the unique opportunity to visit Downing Street on 30 November to take part in an exclusive Christmas event with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Government Ministers.

During the festive celebration, The Prime Minister and his wife, Akshata Murty, led a countdown to turn on the Christmas lights outside Number 10 before visiting a Christmas market on Downing Street and speaking to guests. CANDI students joined military families, Points of Light award winners who have been commended for their charitable work and other business students as guests at the event. 

The Christmas market featured a range of British businesses showcasing their products and there was a wide variety of food and drink from UK businesses on offer. The London Community Gospel Choir and a military band provided musical entertainment.

Desmond Corlis, Head of School for Business and ICT at CANDI, said: “The No 10 event was very special for me and the students, who were privileged to be part of a truly memorable evening, where we were in the presence of the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, albeit for a short while. The reception received from the business vendors on show was exceptional, there was a wide array of different sole traders offering a variety of products and services ranging from bespoke key rings and homemade pies to organic gin.”

The CANDI students had the opportunity to speak to several business owners and gain valuable insight into product creation and the practicalities of running a small business.

Conor May, a Level 3 Business student, said: “Overall, the event we attended was very interesting and insightful, being related to business like our course is. At the event, we saw numerous small businesses, some of which were family-owned and some were recently created, and speaking to them to learn about their idea gave a unique perspective into their respective market and how they experienced attempting to launch a new idea. It has allowed me to further understand how businesses develop in numerous markets as well as identify the key selling points of their respective brands and products.”

Cumaali Telli, a Level 3 Business student, said: “The 10 Downing Street event was a great experience. The vibe set was joyful and welcoming. Meeting business owners and sampling their products was one of the best parts as we got to learn the overall process behind each product. This allowed me to further develop a deeper understanding of how businesses operate, along with what can create a successful product for consumers to enjoy.”

To find out more about our business courses click here.

CANDI’s Centre for Business, Arts and Technology Hosts Year 10 Students from Norlington School

Students from Norlington School visit CANDI’s Centre for Business, Arts and Technology to get a taste of college life and learn about the courses on offer.

City and Islington College (CANDI) played host to a group of sixty Year 10 students from Norlington School in Leyton. On 6 December, students visited the Centre for Business, Arts and Technology on Camden Road and had the opportunity to tour the college building and explore the facilities. 

The Centre for Business, Arts and Technology (CBAT) offers a wide range of vocational courses for 16-18 year olds, specifically focused on business, technology and the creative industries. The centre’s facilities include music recording and photography studios, computer suites, dance studios and a 150-seat theatre.

During the event, students took part in taster sessions across a range of subject areas including business, ICT, health and social care and creative arts. They also watched live rehearsals for the upcoming Christmas show and participated in business and arts activities. As part of their visit, students were able to experience both an NHS care setting and an early years education setting. Overall, the event allowed them to gain valuable insights into career pathway opportunities.

Seval Fadil, Assistant Principal at CANDI said, “As a key education provider for school leavers in the local area, we were delighted to host students from Norlington School at City and Islington College. The feedback from staff and students was incredibly positive and we plan to host many more schools in the future so that we can give them a taste of college life and help them explore the various options available for their future studies.”

@capitalccg

We were delighted to be able to invite Norlington School For Boys to our City and Islington College, Centre for Business, Arts and Technology (CBAT) yesterday! 🎉 A group of 60 year 10 students and staff were invited to CBAT, which is based in Holloway, to tour the facilities and take part in some taster sessions in our business and ict, health and social care and creative arts subject areas. 🙌 Seval Fadil, assistant principal at City and Islington College, CBAT and host of yesterday’s event, said, “we were delighted to be able to host Norlington School and the feedback from staff and students was positive. We plan to host many more schools in the future and hope that other schools who see the hard work our staff put in to ensure this visit was successful, will be confident that City and Islington College will be able to host another event at such a high standard”. ⭐️ Full news story to follow. 🤝 Would you like your school to visit one of our centres? Call us on 0207 832 5000 📞 #school #visit #holloway #cbat #CANDI #CityAndIslingtonCollege #college #london #lifeatcccg

♬ original sound – Capital City College Group

Yusuf Hafizi, Assistant Principal and Head of Key Stage 4 at Norlington School said, “It’s been a really good event. Every part of the event has been thought through very carefully and it’s been pitched really well for our Year 10 students who have come down to see the courses that are provided at City and Islington College. With very positive feedback from our students, it’s a really great place to be!”

For more information about the wide range of courses available here.

To arrange a school visit to one of our centres, please contact us.

Steven Kavuma Joins Angel Shed as Charity Patron

Angel Shed announces that its newest patron will be CANDI alumnus writer and director Steven Kavuma.

Angel Shed Theatre Company, which is currently celebrating its 20th year, has just announced that the writer and director Steven Kavuma has become its newest patron. Angel Shed is an inclusive charity based at City and Islington College (CANDI) that provides children and young people of all abilities and backgrounds with access to the Performing Arts

Steven trained at both CANDI and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and is a strong supporter of young people in the arts and a passionate advocate for inclusion. In 2017, Steven co-founded the Diversity School Initiative, which aimed to address under-representation and diversity in UK drama schools. 

Steven went on to co-found Uproot Productions, a socially driven cross-arts production company and is also a trustee at Actors Touring Company, which creates theatre that both utilises and addresses global voices and intersecting cultures within the UK. In recognition of his work, Steven has also appeared on the Stage 100 list as one of the most influential people in theatre. 

Steven Kavuma said: “I am honoured to become a Patron of Angel Shed. I trained at City and Islington College where Angel Shed is based so I know first-hand how important the work Angel Shed does is and its impact on young people in and beyond Islington. Inclusive theatre has always been something I am passionate about and it remains to be very important in our ecology as it strives to be more inclusive and representative of our society. I am excited to work with the team and the young people to spread the important message of Angel Shed.”

Angel Shed theatre performances

David Mabbott, Angel Shed’s Artistic and Executive Director, said: “We are so grateful to Steven for his support and we are thrilled to have in him a patron who can not only help us raise awareness of our work but also provide valuable guidance and leadership to our young people. We are delighted to welcome Steven as patron of Angel Shed and this announcement is a brilliant way to celebrate the start of our 20th anniversary year.”

Angel Shed creates inspirational and outstanding youth-led theatre, focused on long-term collaboration with children and young people from across the community. The charity provides a range of Performing Arts activities (theatre, music, and movement) for young people aged 7-19, with regular workshops and performances taking place in professional theatre spaces. Angel Shed provides an inclusive, creative, and supportive space, adapting to the needs of individual members and allowing them to grow in confidence, curiosity and creativity.

Learn more about Angel Shed Theatre here.

Apply for Performing Arts courses now!

CANDI Student Wins Bronze at WorldSkills National Finals

Dante Senior, a student from CANDI’s Centre for Applied Sciences, has come third at the WorldSkills UK National Competition.

City and Islington College (CANDI) student Dante Senior brought home the bronze medal in the Laboratory Technician challenge at the recent WorldSkills UK National Finals. The WorldSkills National Finals took place from 14 to 17 November in Manchester and culminated in an awards ceremony at Bridgewater Hall on 17.

Dante, who is currently studying for an Applied Science Level 3 Diploma at CANDI’s Centre for Applied Sciences, won a place at the finals in Manchester after taking part in national qualifiers earlier this year.

After arriving in Manchester on 14 November, competitors attended a welcome evening at Trafford College, which included a speech by the CEO of WorldSkills UK, Ben Blackledge. 

The following two days included a series of four complex times tasks which tested Dante’s laboratory technician skills as well his ability to present data and relay information through charts and written reports. During the challenges, Dante had to deal with a range of issues and challenges and resolve them within time limits – all under the watchful eyes of the judges.

The final day of the competition included an unmarked advanced skills workshop during which participants learned new skills and completed further learning tasks. The competition concluded that evening with a medal ceremony at Bridgewater Hall where medalists and highly commended competitors were announced and prizes were awarded on stage.

Dante said: “I’m ecstatic having won bronze in the national final. I would like to thank my teachers and tutors for providing me with a solid foundation for the competition tasks, management at Capital City College Group for enlightening me on WorldSkills and their continuing support, and my friends and family for providing me support throughout the competition process.”

Dante is currently applying to study a Biology-related Science degree and aims to specialise in Computational Biology in the future. He also hopes to compete in the 2026 WorldSkills international competition, where competitors have the opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage.

Congratulations Dante on your bronze WorldSkills UK medal!

You can find out more about our Science courses here!

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