Paul Cassell, Author at Capital City College Group

Game on! CONEL Cyphers reach British Esports Student Champs national finals

Posted on June 16, 2023June 19, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Gamers from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) have reached the British Esports Student Champs finals.

Five students from the CONEL Cyphers team at the college’s Esports Academy will face Exeter Academy in the national finals of the tournament at Confetti X in Nottingham on 24 June.

CONEL entered A, B and C teams in the Valorant competition with the A team going all the way to the final having played 16 matches and lost only once this season.

The competition format meant the A team previously played and beat Exeter Academy to reach the final having defeated Cheshire College South & West, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College and Cambridge Regional College in the play-offs.

Valorant is a team-based tactical first-person shooter where the attacking team aim to plant a ‘spike’ or eliminate the defending team before a timer runs out. In a typical game there are 25 rounds each lasting 100 seconds with the first to win 13 rounds crowned the victors.

Ahead of the final the A team, comprising Sefa Mankaloglu, Danial Ra, Emil Lusuvaliev, Cyrus Sullivan and Ermir Frashni, showed off their new Esports Academy jerseys.

Team captain Sefa, 23, said: “We are very excited to go to Nottingham. Our first match was way back in September and the team has changed a lot since then. It’s been a good year and I’m sure our hard work will pay off.”

Daniel, 16, said: “Although Cyrus, Ermir and myself joined the team later in the season, it’s been a lot of fun! Playing and working in a team is so much more interesting than solo-queue. The final is going to be tough since they’ll be out for revenge, but we’ll take it for sure.”

CONEL offers Esports Diploma courses at Levels 2 and 3 along with many other IT and Computing and Digital Media and Creative Computing courses at its Tottenham and Enfield Centres.

The Esports Academy, located at the college’s Enfield Centre, is open to all full-time students at CONEL and features 20 powerful gaming PCs along with training from a professional coach.

The British Esports Student Champs is open to students at secondary schools, colleges and alternative provision schools in the UK. This year teams have competed against each other in Valorant, League of Legends, Rocket League and Overwatch 2.

Esports Coach Finlay Stewart said: “It’s been an incredible year for the Esports Academy. We’ve had more than 30 students take part from day one with more joining as the year went on.

“All our teams did great, but the Valorant A team have been outstanding. Sefa and Emil have been the core of the team since the start and been a consistent rock that we’ve relied on all year. The addition of Cyrus, Daniel and Ermir really took the team to the next level.

“Over the last couple months they have practised hard and their team play has improved drastically. They definitely deserve to be in the finals, there can be no doubt about that. They just need to do it one more time at Nottingham to be champions of the UK.”

Find out more about the Esports Academy here.

Apply for IT and Computing courses including Esports here. For Digital Media and Creative Computing courses click here.

Enfield Construction Skills Academy officially opens at Meridian Water regeneration site

Posted on June 14, 2023June 19, 2023 by Paul Cassell

A new Enfield Construction Skills Academy has flung open its doors to provide training to support the Meridian Water regeneration in the borough and tackle a skills shortage in the industry.

The Skills Academy will support the demand for skilled workers across the sector including the huge redevelopment project to build 10,000 homes and create 6,000 jobs.

Delivered in partnership by Capital City College Group (CCCG), Enfield Council and Countryside Partnerships, the Skills Academy aims to train 500 people a year.

According to the Construction Industry Training Board, 225,000 extra workers will be required to meet the demands of the UK construction industry by 2027.

The Skills Academy was officially opened at a ceremony on 14 June attended by representatives from the partner organisations, construction employers, education providers and other organisations.

Guests were given demonstrations and invited to try their hand at different construction skills by CONEL students, some of whom could be going on to apprenticeships at the Skills Academy.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), part of CCCG, will provide courses and apprenticeships in construction skills with a focus on sustainable development based on industry needs.

Students will benefit from a range of facilities including dedicated indoor and outdoor workspaces to give them hands-on skills using various construction methods and equipment.

Kurt Hintz, Executive Principal of Capital City College Group, said: “At CCCG, we are committed to working with employers to reduce the huge shortfall of skilled construction workers in the UK. The academy will provide excellent construction training to industry standards to boost employment in Enfield and support the local and wider economy.”

“The Skills Academy will further enhance CONEL’s excellent reputation for training people for great construction careers. Our industry-experienced teachers have a huge wealth of skills and knowledge from across the industry from bricklaying, plumbing to carpentry and electrical, to give students and apprentices the best possible training. Many of our programmes will place an emphasis on sustainable development in line with our Mayor’s Academy Green Hub.”

“We look forward to building our relationship with Enfield Council and Countryside Partnerships and the new academy becoming a centre of excellence for construction training in London.”

Enfield Council is committed to empowering people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in Enfield by providing education and training.

Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Leader of Enfield Council, said: “Meridian Water is about benefiting the local Edmonton community. By investing in Enfield through programmes such as the Enfield Construction Skills Academy the council can help to deliver positive outcomes that will enable people to gain the qualifications they need for a successful career in the industry.

“This investment will ensure young people have ongoing and sustainable employment which in turn will support the local economy.”

“We are thrilled to see the first learners arriving at the academy this summer and hope they continue onto careers across the development of the Meridian Water site.”

Kate Ives, Strategic Growth Director for London at Countryside Partnerships, said: “The need for the construction industry to recruit and retain talent in the sector has never been greater, so we are immensely proud to open the Enfield Construction Skills Academy alongside our partners Enfield Council and Capital City College Group.

“Providing the workforce of the future with the skills and training opportunities to help deliver the crucial Meridian Water regeneration programme and more, the academy is set to leave a considerable legacy across the borough and beyond.”

Find out more about the Enfield Construction Skills Academy and apply here.

More information on the Meridian Water development can be found here.

Student ‘striving for better’ on EY Foundation Smart Futures programme

Posted on June 2, 2023February 14, 2024 by Paul Cassell

A student at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) says he is more optimistic about his career prospects after taking part in the EY Foundation Smart Futures programme.

Jason Uwaechie, 17, successfully secured a place on the programme, which provides paid work experience, employability skills training and the 10-month support of a business mentor.

He was encouraged by Work Placement Officer Lola Ramsden to apply for the Impactful Futures programme, which gives students the chance to learn and experience more about careers in the charity sector.

Jason undertook a work placement with Sapphire Employability and Wellbeing Academy, which aims to empower young people from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds in London through employability, wellbeing and enrichment support.

Before the placement, he joined students from other colleges in speed networking sessions with representatives from across the charity sector to hear more about their roles and organisations. He also took part in workshops that covered leadership and communication skills, self-reflection and interview techniques.

Students were later placed into groups where they were asked to come up with an idea for a charity and give a Dragons’ Den-style pitch to charity leaders from Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, Save The Children and the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations.

Jason’s team came up with a charity called Perfect Pupils, which aimed to provide eye care to underprivileged people in Africa who do not have access to quality ophthalmologic services.

Although his team did not win the challenge, Jason was awarded Best Speaker by the panel of experts who were impressed with the way he gave a persuasive personal anecdote and encouraged another member of his team to do the same during the presentation.

Jason said: “I‘ve never really had this kind of opportunity before and was surprised at how much I accomplished on the programme.

“It gave me optimism and a sense that I could achieve the positions of the people I was working with. I didn’t see being a manager as something I could do. I thought I would just go and work at Tesco or somewhere like that, but now I’m striving for better. It’s given me much more self-belief and confidence.

“The programme also taught me a lot about perseverance and discipline. It showed me that even when things feel overwhelming and difficult, you still can achieve the outcome you want regardless of how you feel at that moment. It’s also helped me prepare for my future by opening my mind to the different routes you can take in life without the fear of failure.”

Jason is receiving monthly one-to-one mentoring sessions over the next year with Salahuddin Sally-Oceane, Senior Partnerships Development Executive at Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, to support him as he explores his options and makes decisions about his future career.

Jason said: “My mentor has been working with me to boost my public speaking abilities and is helping me to be as productive as possible. A good piece of advice he gave me was to listen more than you speak, and when you do speak make sure that what you’re saying is relevant.

“I feel very confident about my future after taking part in this programme. It’s great that the college offers opportunities of this sort to students, so they can see first-hand that you can do anything you believe in no matter where you come from.”

The EY Foundation is an independent charity set up by financial giant EY, which helps young people to succeed in the workplace by tackling barriers they face and supporting them in to higher education and employment.

Claire Broomby, Programme Lead at EY Foundation, said: “Jason was a delight to have on our Impactful Futures programme. He took every opportunity and pushed himself out of his comfort zone to interact with and network with people throughout the programme.

“A highlight for me was seeing him presenting and pitching in front of a group of third-sector leaders, and giving an impromptu acceptance speech at our graduation where he accepted his Best Speaker award. His warm and inclusive nature created a positive experience for his peers.

“Jason is a wonderful young man, clearly growing in confidence and taking risks to push the boundaries of his capabilities. I have no doubt he has a very bright future ahead of him.”

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

10 promising careers in the NHS and healthcare

Posted on June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Looking to work in healthcare? Here’s our list of great careers in this rewarding sector.

The healthcare industry, especially within the National Health Service (NHS), offers diverse and rewarding career opportunities where you can have a real impact on people’s lives.

Capital City College Group (CCCG) runs Health and Social Care courses and apprenticeships including specialist courses in nursing, adult social care, infection control, pharmacy services, counselling, autism, dementia and mental health.

Here’s 10 careers to consider if you’re aspiring to work in the NHS or healthcare sector.

Registered Nurse

Nursing is a fundamental and highly valued profession in healthcare. Registered nurses play a crucial role in providing patient care, administering medications, and coordinating treatment plans. They can work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community health centres, and have opportunities for specialisation in areas like paediatrics, mental health, or critical care.

General Practitioner (GP)

General practitioners, commonly known as GPs, are primary care physicians who provide comprehensive healthcare services to patients. They diagnose and treat various medical conditions, refer patients to specialists when needed and offer preventive care. Becoming a GP requires extensive medical training, including completion of medical school and postgraduate training.

Surgeon

Surgeons specialise in performing surgical procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and abnormalities. They work in different surgical specialties, such as orthopaedics, neurosurgery or cardiothoracic surgery. Becoming a surgeon involves years of medical education and residency training, but it offers the opportunity to save lives and improve patients’ quality of life.

Physician Assistant

Physician assistants (PAs) work alongside physicians, providing diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services. They perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and assist in surgeries. PAs play a critical role in healthcare teams and can work in a wide range of medical specialties.

Paramedic

Paramedics are emergency medical professionals who provide immediate medical care in critical situations. They respond to emergency calls, administer medication, perform life-saving procedures, and transport patients to medical facilities. A career as a paramedic requires specialised training and certification and offers the opportunity to make a significant impact during emergencies.

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists work in the field of mental health, diagnosing and treating individuals with psychological disorders. They conduct assessments, provide therapy and develop treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Working as a clinical psychologist requires advanced education in psychology and specialised training in clinical practice.

Radiographer

Radiographers are skilled healthcare professionals who operate imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines or MRI scanners. They work closely with radiologists and physicians to capture high-quality images for diagnosing and monitoring medical conditions. A career as a radiographer involves a combination of technical expertise and patient care.

Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators play a vital role in managing the business side of healthcare organisations. They oversee operations, coordinate services, and ensure compliance with regulations. A career in healthcare administration requires strong leadership skills, business acumen and knowledge of healthcare policies and regulations.

Occupational Therapist:

Occupational therapists help patients develop or regain skills necessary for daily living and working. They assess individuals’ needs, design treatment plans, and provide therapy to improve their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Occupational therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centres and schools.

Biomedical Scientist

Biomedical scientists work in laboratories, conducting research and analysing samples to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They play a vital role in disease detection, studying blood, tissues and other specimens to provide valuable insights for patient care. A career as a biomedical scientist requires a strong background in biology and laboratory techniques.

Find out more about our Health and Social Care courses and apply here.

10 essential tips for a successful job search

Posted on June 1, 2023June 8, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Finishing college and looking for work? Here’s our guide to finding and landing your dream job.

Job hunting can be a challenging and daunting task, but with the right approach you can increase your chances of finding the perfect opportunity.

At Capital City College Group our Careers Advice and Guidance team is always on hand to help students identify the right paths to achieve their career ambitions, including finding work placements and other opportunities to develop their skills with employers.

Whether you are a college or university leaver or looking to change careers, here’s our top 10 tips to help you navigate the job market and enhance your employment prospects.

Define Your Goals and Skills

Before you embark on your job search, take some time to evaluate your career goals and identify your key skills and strengths. Consider your interests, values and the type of work environment you thrive in. This will help you narrow down your search and target positions that align with your aspirations.

Research the Job Market

The UK job market is diverse with many opportunities spanning various industries and sectors. Conduct thorough research to understand the current trends, demands and growth areas in your field of interest. Explore job boards, company websites and professional networking platforms to gain insights into potential employers and job openings.

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter

Your CV and cover letter are your first impression to employers. Customise them for each application to highlight relevant skills, experiences and achievements that align with the job requirements. Tailoring your application materials demonstrates your genuine interest and increases your chances of catching the employer’s attention.

Join Professional Networks

Networking plays a crucial role in the job search process. Join industry-related events, seminars and conferences to connect with professionals in your field. Additionally, build an online presence through platforms like LinkedIn, where you can showcase your skills, engage in industry discussions and make connections for potential job opportunities.

Use Online Job Platforms

Numerous online job platforms, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, are valuable resources for finding job listings in the UK. Create a compelling profile on these platforms and set up job alerts to receive notifications about relevant positions. Regularly check and apply to jobs that match your skills and interests.

Register with Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies can provide valuable assistance throughout your job search. These agencies have established relationships with employers and can connect you with hidden job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. Register with reputable agencies specialising in your industry and maintain regular communication with them.

Prepare for Interviews

When you secure an interview, thorough preparation is essential. Research the company, its culture and its recent achievements. Practise common interview questions and develop thoughtful responses that highlight your skills and experiences. Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm.

Enhance Your Digital Skills

In today’s digital age having strong digital skills is increasingly important. Familiarise yourself with common software and tools relevant to your field. Upskill through online courses or certifications to stay competitive in the job market. Demonstrating proficiency in digital skills can give you an edge over other candidates. Check out our courses in a wide range of digital skills.

Maintain a Positive Online Presence

Employers often search for candidates online to gather more information beyond their application materials. Regularly review and update your social media profiles, ensuring they present a professional image. Share relevant industry content, engage in thoughtful discussions, and build a positive online brand that showcases your expertise.

Persistence and Resilience

Job searching can be a time-consuming process that requires persistence and resilience. Be prepared for rejection and setbacks, but don’t let them discourage you. Learn from each experience and keep refining your approach. Stay motivated, maintain a routine and use support networks to stay positive throughout your job search.

Find out more about our Careers Advice and Guidance service here.

Aspiring designers to gain creative and business skills at new Fashion Academy

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Future fashion designers will have the chance to create and distribute their own clothes with industry professionals at a new Fashion Academy at City and Islington College (CANDI).

The academy has been launched in partnership with the Fashion Technology Academy (FTA), part of Fashion Enter, a not-for-profit organisation developing skills for the fashion and textiles industry.

Located at CANDI’s Centre for Business, Arts and Technology, the Academy will run a new Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication Level 3 Diploma – Fashion, Design and Business course.

The course will be open to 16-18 and adults and will blend practical, creative design skills and techniques with business knowledge to fully equip students for a career in the industry. It will be taught by qualified teachers from CANDI and the FTA.

Students will be able to design and manufacture their own garments using the latest industry equipment including Kornit Digital ethical printing technology, and then distribute them through Fashion Enter’s shop in Fonthill Road in Islington and online.

Marie Bradley, Head of School for Creative arts and Media, said: “We are excited to launch our new Fashion Academy. This is a fantastic collaboration between CANDI and Fashion Enter that will combine both the creative and design elements of working in the fashion and textiles industry along with relevant business skills.

“The Academy will see students attend practical workshops and lectures with teachers who are experts in their field, enabling them to explore their creativity and develop business and entrepreneurial skills by marketing and selling their own clothes collections and designs.

“At CANDI, we have a long-established history of delivering fashion and textiles courses, and over the years we have seen many talented students study with us. This partnership will further enhance our provision and give students even more access to the fashion industry and what it takes to succeed in this ever-evolving and dynamic sector.”

Fashion Enter is a social enterprise and centre of excellence for sampling, grading and production, and for learning and development of skills within the fashion and textiles industry.

The FTA has a fashion studio and factory and provides training through courses and apprenticeships with companies including ASOS, Tesco, Mountain Warehouse and Next, as well as hosting education visits from schools, colleges and universities.

Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion Enter, said: “Creativity careers will always be as unique as the individual, which is why fashion keeps evolving and reinventing itself. There are so many fulfilling jobs in fashion, not just designers, but pattern cutters, stitchers, graders, garment technologists and digital creators. There are so many opportunities to develop different skills.

“Students at the Academy will be exposed to the real world of fashion. They will be guided through the step-by-step process from idea to final garment and selling it by developing business and marketing plans, including the opportunity to generate their own brands.

“London Fashion Week is one of the big four fashion weeks on the world stage along with New York, Paris and Milan. We are thrilled to be working with CANDI to give students an incredible insight into the industry to ensure they are prepared for that global reach with designs ready to hit the catwalk.”

Find out more about the Fashion Academy here and apply for the Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication Level 3 Diploma – Fashion, Design and Business course here.

Young stars perform the Broadway smash hit musical Guys and Dolls

Posted on May 26, 2023June 19, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Aspiring young actors brought the bright lights of Broadway to Westminster Kingsway College when they performed the smash hit musical Guys and Dolls.

Performing Arts Level 3 Diploma students starred in the spectacular show for parents, staff and students at the college’s theatre at its King’s Cross Centre.

The musical, which was turned into a 1955 film starring Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons, featured the classic songs Luck Be a Lady, Marry The Man Today, Sue Me, I’ve Never Been in Love Before and Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat.

The show set in New York tells the story of gangster Nathan Detroit, who is engaged to Miss Adelaide, and high roller Sky Masterson, who falls in love with mission worker Sarah Brown.

The WestKing cast included Emilis Jarasius as Nathan Detroit, Dalia Ishak as Miss Adelaide, Demani Marshall as Sky Masterson, and Caprice Dawkins as Sarah Brown.

As part of their preparation the cast went to see a performance of the show, which has been recently revived on the professional stage at the Bridge Theatre in Southwark.

Emilis, 17, said: “I loved how this show brought everyone in. There weren’t really any scenes where there was just one person on stage.

“We got to play around with ideas and were always learning from each other. My class was really good for constructive criticism and sharing what we could do to improve on our characters and performance.

“Playing Nathan brought me out of my comfort zone. I’ve never really played a character who has to skate around so frantically. He’s quite smart but anxiously trying to stay in control despite the pressures being put on him.

“What I love about acting is the way you get to become a whole different person and get to live life through their eyes. Through the power of drama I get to be who I want. It’s like living hundreds of lifetimes in one.”

Dalia, 16, said: “Miss Adelaide is very ditsy but lovable. She’s very funny, easy to please and very gullible but very strong-minded.

“I did a lot of research into the role, watching past productions and the film, and we went to see the new production. The Miss Adelaide I play was very different to the one I saw on stage who was much more aware of what was going on. I took her energy but not her personality.

“My passion is musical theatre and I hope to go on to do a course at university after college. I love dancing, singing and acting and seeing amazing shows with songs that get stuck in your head. It’s such a buzz.”

Demani, 17, said: “Sky’s quite a smooth operator. He’s cool and not afraid and ready to do what he’s got to do as long as it’s calculated and makes sense.

“At first, I didn’t want to play him as I didn’t really want to sing, but my teacher said go for it. Over the couple of months we were rehearsing I developed my singing and the character to the best of my ability.

“I’ve learnt many different performance skills and theatre styles at college and how to use them to be effective. I’ve learnt how to follow a script, take direction, voice projection and articulate myself better. My teachers are brilliant, I’d be lying if I said they weren’t.”

Performing Arts courses at WestKing cover acting techniques, vocal skills, movement, improvisation, production, text analysis, scriptwriting, singing, rehearsals and auditions.

Sarah Slade, Lecturer in Performing Arts, who directed the production, said: “The show went superbly well, and the students rightly deserved the rapturous applause they received from the elated audience.

“They worked incredibly hard to learn their lines and the songs and develop their characters, and showed real commitment throughout the rehearsals to bring the show to life. I am hugely proud of them, as they should be of themselves.”

Find out more about Performing Arts courses and apply here.

Your guide on how to apply for college

Posted on May 25, 2023August 10, 2023 by Paul Cassell

Want to study at a further education or sixth form college this year? Here’s our advice on choosing a place to study and how to apply.

Studying at a further education or sixth form college is a significant step towards university and great careers.

Making an application to college can be an exciting yet daunting prospect for many students, so here’s our guide on how to secure your place of study.

Before you begin your application, it is important to research the various colleges in your area. Many colleges have open days and taster events to give prospective students the chance to learn more about then and what they have to offer. Look at their course offerings, entry requirements and any additional information, such as extracurricular activities, facilities and student support services. This will help you to determine which college is the best fit for your education and career goals.

Capital City College Group (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. Our colleges offer A Levels, T Levels, BTECs and many other technical and vocational qualifications as well as apprenticeships in various subjects to give you the skills, knowledge and experience for university and your future career.

Once you have identified the colleges you are interested in, it is time to start the application process. Most colleges will have an online application system require you to set up an online account. When applying to CCCG you will be asked to provide your personal details, your education and employment background and other supporting information and documents. You only need to complete the full application form once no matter how many courses you apply for across CCCG.

There is no commitment at this stage, but it is advisable to submit your college applications as early as possible. You can choose as many courses at as many different colleges as you like, so you have plenty of options to choose from when you come to deciding on your preferred college.

As part of the application process, you may also be required to attend an interview or assessment day. This is an opportunity for the college to get to know you better and assess your suitability for the course, and for you to find out more about what the college has to offer. At CCCG we will find the right course and career pathway for you.

You will later be invited to enrol on your chosen course. When enrolling at CCCG you will need to bring documents to show proof of UK residency and for some courses your previous qualifications or exam results.

All our courses at CCCG are free up to Level 2 and some at Levels 3 and 4. If you are over 19, you will need to provide information regarding your income, such as payslips or evidence of benefits, to be prove your eligibility for our free courses. If you are required to pay tuition fees, you might want to consider an Advanced Learner Loan. Our Admission teams can advise on loans and provide you with a learning and funding letter to support your application.

When you start college, you will have access to a whole range of student services including careers advice and help with UCAS applications, student welfare, employer workshops, sports and other enrichment activities. By making the most of these opportunities at college, you can ensure a successful transition to higher education or career and a bright future.

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

Gary Hunter retires after nearly 30 years at Westminster Kingsway College and CCCG

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

After an illustrious culinary and education career, Gary Hunter has stepped down from his role of Deputy Executive Principal at Capital City College Group (CCCG).

Following a protracted period of ill-health, Gary has retired from his post at CCCG, which includes Westminster Kingsway College, which is hailed as one of the most prestigious hospitality and culinary schools in the world.

CCCG is the third largest college group in the UK and also comprises City and Islington College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, and apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training.

Previously called Westminster College when Gary joined the college 27 years ago, he started his journey as a Lecturer in Patisserie and Confectionery, employed by then Head of School Bev Puxley who he regarded as one of his greatest mentors.

He progressed to become Head of Faculty for Culinary Arts and Hospitality, working alongside Geoff Booth, before taking promotion to Deputy Principal, and eventually Principal at WestKing.

Gary said: “I feel tremendously lucky and privileged to have worked alongside so many great chefs and leading hospitality professionals, not just at Westminster Kingsway College, but within the industry itself, throughout my career.

“I especially want to salute those, both past and present, who have worked so tirelessly alongside me to create such a strong educational legacy for the profession. It always gives me a feeling of great pride to reflect upon the many talented Westminster Kingsway alumni, too numerous to mention, that we have helped to develop, nurture and succeed in the industry.

“The history of the college creates a heavy expectation like no other culinary school in further education within the UK, but I have no doubt that we are in safe hands with Paul Jervis, Sharon Barry and Terry Tinton leading the way from here forward.”

In addition to his role an as educator, Gary is the author of nine hospitality and catering books student, trainee, apprentice and professional chefs, which have been published and distributed internationally.

The Level 2 Professional Chef book has won a PACE award for innovation and forewords for this, and the Advanced Professional Chef Level 3 Diploma book, have been written by Jamie Oliver and Heston Blumenthal respectively. Both books are endorsed by the Master Chefs of Great Britain, Craft Guild of Chefs, the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and the British Culinary Federation.

Gary also wrote a non-academic book In a Class of its Own, detailing the history of the School of Hospitality and Culinary Artsl at Westminster Kingsway College.

Passionate about chocolate since his days as a student at a catering college in Norwich, Gary is also a UK Chocolate Ambassador for Barry Callebaut and has worked extensively on the UK World Chocolate Masters Competition developing UK candidates to compete in the World Chocolate Masters.

Among his many accolades Gary has been awarded the Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts for his contribution to culinary and hospitality education, he has received a prestigious Catey award in recognition for services to hospitality and culinary training and education. In 2017, Gary received the Queen’s Anniversary Award on behalf of the WestKing, awarded for the outstanding work of the culinary arts and hospitality provision at the college.

Gary has also been awarded the Education Chef Award by the Craft Guild of Chefs for services and contribution to culinary education, a City & Guilds Medal for Excellence in recognition of his work writing the VRQ series of professional chef qualifications and for outstanding performance in teaching and training in hospitality and catering.

He is also a Fellow of the Master Chefs of Great Britain and a Director/Trustee of the PM Trust, a charity dedicated to supporting young people into the hospitality industry in London.

Kurt Hintz, Executive Principal for CCCG, said: “We express our heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation to Gary for his outstanding contributions to culinary and hospitality education throughout his illustrious career. From his role as a lecturer to his position as Deputy Executive Principal at CCCG.

“Gary’s leadership, passion, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the industry. His authored books, international recognition, and numerous accolades are a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence.

“We commend Gary for his remarkable achievements and extend our warmest wishes as he enters retirement, knowing that his legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of hospitality education.”

Find out more about Hospitality and Culinary Arts courses and apprenticeships and apply here.

Seven steps to sixth form and college interview success

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

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.