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CCCG Summer Careers Fair helps students look to the future

CCCG students attend Summer Careers Fair featuring representatives from over 70 universities and employers.

City and Islington College (CANDI) hosted a summer career fair at its Sixth Form College and Centre for Business, Arts and Technology (CBAT) on 19 June.

The Summer Careers Fair featured representatives from 50 universities and over 20 employers. During the event, students from across Capital City College Group (CCCG) were able to talk to delegates from a wide range of universities and employers, gaining valuable advice and guidance about individual establishments, future progression as well as work and study opportunities.

The event provided a great opportunity for students to conduct important research before the summer holidays, empowering them with information that will support them as they navigate UCAS applications, apprenticeship applications or further employment.

In an event survey of 155 students, attendees reported that they found the Careers Fair very useful – with the event scoring an average of 4.3 out of 5. The event was also successful in providing students with relevant and attainable pathways for future education and careers, and 96% of students at the Careers Fair said that the event made them feel positive about their future options.

At CCCG, our highly experienced and qualified careers team supports students by providing comprehensive and up-to-date career advice and guidance.

Find out more about our exceptional range of courses.

WestKing students explore local heritage and get inspired during Proud Places workshop

Art students from WestKing visit Guildford Place Fountain and take part in a creative clay workshop.

Students from Westminster Kingsway College’s (WestKing) King’s Cross Centre took part in a unique workshop facilitated by the youth engagement programme Proud Places. Proud Places is a London-wide programme run by the Heritage of London Trust aimed at inspiring young people using the hidden stories of the world around them.

Over two sessions on 13 and 14 June, a group of 21 students from Fine Art A Level and Art and Design – Level 1 Diploma courses visited nearby landmark Guildford Place Fountain in Bloomsbury with facilitators from Proud Places. 

The Guildford Place Fountain was built by architect Henry Darbishire in 1870. It was commissioned by the daughters of Mrs Francis Whiting in memory of their mother. The fountain features a sculptured marble figure of the ‘Woman of Samaria’ pouring water from a jug and combines themes of spiritual fulfilment, overcoming differences and maintaining meaningful connections with others. 

Originally, the fountain provided drinking water to local people but, after falling into disrepair, it was switched off. The historic fountain is currently being restored by the Heritage of London Trust and will soon return to its former use as a public drinking fountain.

Located just a short walk away from WestKing’s King’s Cross Centre, the visit to the Grade II listed fountain provided students with an excellent opportunity to engage with local history. During their visit, they learned about the fountain’s rich history and observed current restoration work. They met with the stonemasons involved to learn about their tools, materials and techniques. Students then completed a scavenger hunt and uncovered more interesting details about the fountain and the surrounding area.

Immediately after their visit, the students returned to the college for an arts-based workshop where they made coil pots inspired by what they had seen. They explored ideas and imagery to represent fulfilment as they designed their pots, creating a range of unique vessels. 

The visits and workshops provided students with greater insight into the practical applications of their subjects and allowed them to explore another potential career path. The students gained a great deal from the event and gave a range of positive feedback:

  • “Exciting. Inspirational. It gave me an idea to learn new stuff.”
  • “Connected with something that I didn’t have the interest in looking for – but now that I had people to share that with, I can really say I’m excited to learn more.”
  • “You’re always around history so it’s important to understand it.” 

Oran Tarjan​, Employability and Progression Lead at WestKing said: “This was one of the most inspiring workshops that I had the pleasure of organising for our students. The students really gained so many new skills and knowledge throughout the whole experience – not just about local history but also about potential career paths they can go down with their artistic skills.”

Abbie Rise, Proud Places Coordinator, said: “It was a pleasure to work with the students and teachers at Westminster Kingsway College. They seemed really engaged during the stonemasonry demonstration and Q&A and made some stunning coil pots during the creative workshop.”

If you have an interest in Art and Design, take a look at our excellent range of Art, Design and Fashion Courses.

Team CCCG Sports Academies celebrate another year of sporting achievement with Sports Awards

Students and staff from across Team CCCG’s Sports Academies gather to recognise teamwork, progress and sporting success.

Students from across Capital City College Group’s (CCCG) Sports Academies celebrated the individual and team sporting achievements of the past academic year at the Team CCCG Sports Awards.

The event, which took place at The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London’s (CONEL) Enfield Centre on 14 June, was organised by staff members from the sports department to recognise the hard work and dedication of both students and staff across a wide range of sports. 

Around 100 Sports Academy students from the college group attended the event, during which awards were presented to the college group’s various Sports Academies which currently include:

The awards included Player of the Season for outstanding team members in Netball, Basketball and Football. Individual awards were also presented for Badminton, Table Tennis and MMA, demonstrating the wide range of sports on offer across the college group. League winners and Regional Champions also took to the stage to claim their respective trophies.

The event also gave students the opportunity to recognise the commitment and hard work of Team CCCG’s Sports Academy coaches and the Sports Academy partners with separate awards.

Robert Murphy, Sports Development Manager, said: “It was fantastic to see so many of our students at our first ever CCCG Sports Awards presentation evening. The students have all done really well this year and it was important to celebrate their achievements. We are immensely proud of our students, and we look forward to building on our successes next year.”

Anybody aged 16-19 and enrolled on one of our courses can join the Team CCCG Sports Academies which are partnered with local professional organisations to give you the best training, advice, and opportunities. Joining one of Team CCCG’s Sports Academies allows students to combine their courses with excellent sports training.

Congratulations to all Team CCCG Sports Academy students for another great year!

Check out our Sports Academies and book your trial now!

Warner Bros Discovery comes to WestKing

Guest speakers from an iconic media and entertainment company visit students at WestKing to share career insights and opportunities for training and employment.

Students at Westminster Kingsway College (WestKing) attended an exciting and informative event featuring representatives from leading global media and entertainment company Warner Bros Discovery.

On 17 June, around 50 students from a range of courses including A Level Media Studies, Applied Art and Design – Level 3 Extended Diploma, Film and Visual Effects – Level 3 Extended Diploma and Photography and Communication – Level 3 Diploma had the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the media and entertainment industry from guest speakers from Warner Bros Discovery.

Annie Oxlade, Early Careers Advisor, EMEA and Lottie Veale, Talent Acquisition Apprentice introduced Warner Bros Discovery and detailed the company’s guiding principles. They gave an overview of Warner Bros Discovery’s wide-reaching brands, projects and titles while showcasing the various UK employment locations on offer. Annie and Lottie then delivered an engaging presentation that detailed the company’s apprenticeship opportunities, placements and internships as well as early career roles. 

The session guided students through the application process for Warner Bros Discovery’s apprenticeships or internships. They also offered valuable recruiter tips on creating CVs, cover letters, reels and portfolios. Students were able to learn about the different stages of the interview and assessment process and receive guidance on making a positive first impression, preparing for written assessments and approaching interviews.

The presentation offered students the opportunity to learn more about a large media and entertainment organisation while considering future training and employment pathways. At the end of the session, they were also able to put their questions to Annie and Lottie to find out more about working at Warner Bros Discovery and the industry itself.

Oran Tarjan​, Employability and Progression Lead at WestKing said: “This employer encounter was an amazing opportunity for students to find out what it’s like to work for a large entertainment organisation and to have meaningful engagement. I would very much like to thank Annie Oxlade and Lottie Veale for taking the time to visit Westminster Kingsway College and speak with our learners. It was a really fantastic afternoon.”

If you’re interested in a career in media and entertainment, take a look at our wide range of Digital Media and Creative Computing Courses.

Practical tips for first-time voters

Not sure how or where to vote? Here’s our essential guide to voting in the UK General Election 2024.

Voting in your first General Election is an exciting experience. But how do you know where to go or what to do? We’ve put together the most important information so you can prepare to cast your vote in the UK General Election 2024.

When is the UK General Election 2024?

The UK General Election 2024 will take place on 4 July.

Who can vote?

To vote in the UK General Election, you must be aged 18 or over, a British citizen (or a citizen of a qualifying Commonwealth country or the Republic of Ireland) and registered to vote. The deadline for registering to vote in the UK General Election 2024 was 18 June.

To find out whether you’re registered to vote, you can contact your local council to check if you’re on the electoral register. If you’ve missed the boat this time around, then follow our essential guide on how to register to vote to ensure you’re up and running for the next election!

Where do I vote?

Once you’ve registered to vote, you’ll receive a polling card. This will tell you where your polling station is. A polling station is the place where people go to vote, and it might be located within a school, community centre or another venue. There will be signs outside so that you can easily find where you need to go.

If you haven’t got a polling card, don’t worry. You don’t need a polling card to vote and you can find your polling station here.

Polling stations open at 7am and close at 10pm so you’ll have plenty of time to cast your vote. Every polling station should have wheelchair access and will have members of staff present to help you if needed. 

What do I need to bring?

To vote in the UK General Election 2024, you must show a photo ID.

For young people voting for the first time, the most commonly used forms of voter ID are:

  • A UK passport
  • A UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
  • A PASS-accredited student card

You can still use your ID even if it’s expired, but it’s important that the photo on your ID actually looks like you. You can find out about other accepted forms of photo ID for elections here.

What do I do at the polling station?

When you arrive at the polling station you can show your polling card if you have it or tell the person at the desk (the poll clerk) your name. The poll clerk will find your name on a list and check your ID. 

If you wear a face covering for any reason, you’ll be asked to remove it briefly so that the clerk can verify your identity using your ID. Female voters can ask for this to be done by a female member of staff in a private area. Face coverings only need to be removed to check voter ID and can be worn for the rest of the voting process.

How do I cast my vote?

Once the poll clerk has checked your ID, they’ll give you a ballot paper. This is a piece of paper with a list of all of the candidates who are standing for election in your area along with the name of the political party they represent. Some candidates won’t be standing with a political party and will be listed as independent.

There will be a box next to each candidate’s name. To cast your vote, put an X in the box to show who you are voting for. Take your time and don’t worry if your X is messy or goes slightly outside the lines. Your vote will be counted as long as it’s clear who you’re voting for.

If you make a mistake, you can ask the staff at the polling station for a replacement ballot paper.

Once you’ve completed your ballot paper, you put it in the ballot box – and that’s all there is to it!

Who can I vote for?

You can find out about the different candidates in your area here. Once you’ve put in your postcode and selected your address, you’ll get a list of candidates standing in your area. On each candidate’s page, you can learn more about them and their party as well as relevant links.

If a candidate is a current MP, you can find out more about how they’ve voted in parliament, and what they’re interested in and see recent speeches or quotes from their appearances in parliament on the TheyWorkForYou website. Because parliament is dissolved before a General Election, MPs are often listed as former MPs rather than current MPs on the site just before an election.

Who should I vote for?

This is completely up to you and it’s a very personal and private choice. The best thing you can do to help you choose is to find out about the people standing in your area and the parties they represent.

You can find out which party’s policies appeal to you most on the Vote for Policies website. Vote for Policies is a completely independent not-for-profit organisation and allows you to compare what the main parties say about different issues. You start by choosing the issues that matter to you and then compare key party policies on each issue. The site’s survey tool allows you to create a shortlist for each issue before choosing whose policies you like best. It’s a great way to get an impartial view of different parties and think about what matters most to you.

Can I tell people who I’ve voted for?

Yes, you can – but remember that political discussion is not allowed inside or immediately outside the polling station because of the risk of influencing others. If you want to chat about who you’ve voted for and why, wait until you’re further away from the polling station.

Who are the people outside the polling station?

You might be approached by someone conducting an exit poll. These people usually work for private companies providing information for news outlets and broadcasters. They ask voters who they voted for in order to predict election results, but you don’t have to answer their questions if you don’t want to.

You might also be approached by a teller. A teller is a volunteer who works for candidates or parties gathering information on who has voted. They’ll ask for the number on your polling card and use the information to check who has voted and to help remind people who haven’t voted to do so. Again, it’s completely up to you whether you talk to them and give them any information.

Can I take a selfie in the polling station?

You might be excited to be voting for the first time and want to record the event with a quick selfie but hold off until you’re outside the polling station.

In order to protect people’s privacy, the inside of most polling stations are photo-free zones. But you can hop outside and grab a selfie with the polling station sign to mark the special day!

What can I do if I can’t get to the polling station?

Sometimes things happen at the last minute that upset even the best-laid plans. If you can’t get to the polling station on 4 July due to a medical emergency or illness, work commitments, or an issue with your photo ID, you can request an emergency proxy vote. You can apply for an emergency proxy vote up to 6 days before election day.

To get your emergency proxy vote you need to:

  1. Fill out an emergency proxy vote form
  2. Ask an appropriate person to confirm your reason for requesting the emergency proxy vote (e.g. a health professional if you’re ill or a colleague/manager if you have to work) 
  3. Return your form to the elections team at your local council before the deadline (5pm on polling day)
  4. Ask someone you trust who is also a registered voter to go and mark a ballot paper at your polling station on your behalf

So, there it is. Everything you need to know about how to vote in the upcoming UK General Election. If this has sparked your interest in all things political, then why not learn more about how to change the world around you by getting involved in politics?

If the UK General Election 2024 on 4 July is your first time going to the polls, enjoy it and congratulate yourself for showing up! By casting your vote, you’re helping to choose who gets to make important decisions about the key issues affecting people across the UK.

Find out more about how to vote here.

How to become a carpenter in the UK

Carve out your perfect career and explore carpentry. Discover what it takes to learn, work and thrive in this exciting, hands-on career.

The UK has a rich history of carpentry, with skilled craftspeople shaping wood into functional and beautiful objects for centuries. The role of a carpenter can cover anything from designing and constructing furniture to building frames for larger structures such as roads and bridges. If you’re drawn to working with your hands and using your skills to build something tangible, then a career in carpentry could be the perfect fit.

This comprehensive guide shares the key information you’ll need to become a qualified carpenter in the UK, including information on relevant carpentry courses.

What does it take to become a carpenter?

To become a carpenter, you’ll need a few key things in your skills toolbox:

  • Manual dexterity and stamina: Carpentry is a hands-on profession that requires good hand-eye coordination, precision, and physical stamina to work long hours
  • Problem-solving skills: You’ll encounter challenges as you work, so you’ll need to be able to think critically, analyse situations and find creative solutions so that projects meet client specifications and deadlines
  • Attention to detail: A keen eye for detail is crucial for ensuring accuracy in measurements, cutting, and overall project quality. Even minor inconsistencies can affect your final product both in terms of functionality and aesthetics
  • Mathematical ability: You’ll need good maths skills to calculate measurements, angles, and quantities. You’ll also be required to interpret plans and blueprints and translate them into their real-world form
  • Teamwork and communication: Some carpentry work can be done solo, but many projects require collaboration. Effective communication with colleagues, clients, and architects is essential to successful project completion
  • Safety awareness: Working in a construction environment requires a strong commitment to safety practices. You’ll need to be familiar with health and safety regulations and know how to operate various tools safely

What does a Carpenter do?

So, what is a carpenter and what do they actually do? Well, the day-to-day tasks of a carpenter can be incredibly varied depending on the type of work you undertake. Depending on the site and the project, a carpenter might be responsible for:

  • Going through technical plans and instructions with site managers and clients
  • Cutting and shaping materials for doors, frames, floorboards and other internal elements
  • Constructing and fitting structures such as floor joists, roof timbers, partition walls, staircases and door frames
  • Fitting the interiors of public buildings, offices, shops, bars and restaurants
  • Building supports to hold the concrete in place as it dries (shuttering)
  • Putting up frames for larger external structures such as buildings, bridges and roads
  • Constructing stage sets for TV, film and theatre productions
  • Restoring historical buildings
  • Assembling free-standing or fitted furniture
  • Installing kitchens, cupboards and shelving

What GCSEs do you need for carpentry?

Most carpenters enter the trade by taking a college course or embarking upon an apprenticeship.

College course requirements

The GCSE requirements for different college courses depend on the course level.

  • Level 2 courses generally require 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D)
  • Level 3 courses generally require 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent
  • T Level courses generally require 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

Some courses, like our Carpentry and Joinery Level 1 Diploma don’t require any previous qualifications. You’ll simply have an initial assessment and an interview to check whether the course is suitable for you.

If you’re looking for a more general introduction to construction, courses like our Construction Skills Level 1 Certificate cover a range of skills such as painting, tiling, carpentry, brickwork and electrical. These Level 1 courses can be a great stepping stone into the world of carpentry or construction.

Apprenticeship requirements

There are a number of reasons to do an apprenticeship and they offer flexibility, valuable qualifications and the opportunity to learn while you earn. To start an apprenticeship such as our Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, you’ll need:

  • Level 1 English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grade 3-1 (D-G). Don’t be put off if you don’t have these yet as you can complete them while doing your apprenticeship
  • To attempt the tests for Level 2 English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grades  9-4 (A*-C) before taking the end-point assessment
  • To complete an interview and assessment in English and Maths to check that the apprenticeship is suitable for you

Employers may have their own entry requirements, which you’ll need to meet in order to work with them.

Do I need qualifications to be a carpenter?

Most employers look for a combination of experience and training, so it might be tricky to enter the industry with no qualifications at all. Doing a training course can help you learn more about the industry before you dive into the world of work, and carpentry apprenticeship can help you acquire both knowledge and experience while earning a salary.

Once you’ve completed training and have gained qualifications, you’ll need one more thing. To train and work on a construction site, you’ll usually need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. CSCS is an organisation that provides skills certification for the UK construction industry. CSCS cards prove that people working on a construction site have the correct training and qualifications to do the required job, which helps maintain safety and improve standards.

Having a CSCS card isn’t a legal requirement, but most principal contractors and major house builders will stipulate that workers must hold a valid CSCS card and you may not be allowed on site without one.

How much are carpentry courses?

For school leavers aged 16-18, most courses offered by Capital City College Group (CCCG) are free. What’s more, as part of our commitment to widening participation for adult learners, students aged 19 and over can also benefit from a wide range of free short courses up to Level 2 (subject to UK residency requirements).

If you look at other training providers then fees can vary. Some offer basic introductory courses for around £500, with more intensive Level 1 courses rising to between £1000 and £1500. Level 2 courses can cost anything from £1000 to £4000 depending on the provider.

How much does a carpenter earn?

Newly qualified carpenters can expect to start on a junior carpenter salary of around £17,000 to £20,000. Carpenters with experience can earn between £20,000 and £30,000. Senior carpenters or master carpenters can command higher salaries which can range from £30,000 to £45,000.

How long does it take to qualify as a carpenter?

This depends entirely on which route you take and what type of training you choose to do – but a good guideline is around two years to gain Level 2 qualifications. Our Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship runs for a total of two years, and our Carpentry and Joinery – Level 1 Diploma and Carpentry – Level 2 Diploma or Site Carpentry – Level 2 Diploma take a year each.

How to find carpentry courses?

CCCG’s extensive offering of construction and carpentry courses includes the following course options:

Many of these courses are available as part of CCCG’s Enfield Construction Skills Academy, which gives students access to training and paid work experience, skills development and mentoring. The Enfield Construction Skills Academy also provides pre-construction and CSCS training as well as carpentry apprenticeships to support students as they progress into relevant careers in construction. You can find out more about our colleges and courses by attending an Open Day.

Career progression

Once you’ve qualified as a carpenter and gained experience in your field, you can become a site supervisor, or team leader or progress to a project manager role.

The construction industry continues to grow and thrive in the UK, and there is also the option to move into different areas such as providing estimates for construction, contract management or working in heritage restoration.

Many carpenters use their skills and experience to start their own businesses and enjoy the freedom of being their own boss, working alone or taking on other employees and apprentices. For experienced carpentry professionals looking to pass on their expertise, there is also the option of teaching at a further education college or training apprentices.

Next steps

A career in carpentry offers a rewarding blend of physical activity, creative problem-solving, and technical skills. You’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects, whether you’re crafting bespoke furniture or constructing the framework for an entire building.

The UK construction industry continues to thrive, presenting a need for skilled professionals. If you have an interest in combining physical skill with technical knowledge, then why not take a look at our Construction and Plumbing courses and apply today!

Graduation ceremony for Higher Education students at Westminster Kingsway College

Students from the BA (Hons) in Business Strategy and Enterprise Management and BA (Hons) in Culinary Arts and Business Management courses celebrated their graduation yesterday. The degrees, partnered and validated by Middlesex University, mark a significant achievement for the graduates.

The ceremony, held at Middlesex University’s Hendon Campus, was filled with inspiring speeches, joyful celebrations, and heartfelt moments. Families, friends, and lecturers gathered to witness the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. The atmosphere was electric with pride as each student walked across the stage to receive their well-deserved diploma.

Alayna Moghal, graduating with a First Class BA (Hons) Business Strategy & Enterprise Management commented:

“I just wanted to share how incredible my graduation day was! It was immensely rewarding to see all the hard work of the past few years finally pay off. The support and guidance from our lecturers have been invaluable, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in such a nurturing environment. The Graduation Ceremony was truly special, filled with joy, celebration, and a sense of accomplishment. I’m excited about what the future holds and wanted to thank you for being a part of this journey” 

Carl Boyd, Assistant Principal at Westminster Kingsway College said: “I am incredibly proud of our student’s achievements. To be such a small part of the learners’ journey has been humbling. From sitting in mock interviews to sampling their tasting menus, I have been taken aback by the incredibly high standard of work. Their hard work, dedication, and resilience have culminated in this remarkable milestone. They have shown unwavering commitment and have truly inspired us all with their success. I am honoured to have been a part of their journey and look forward to seeing the incredible impact they will make in their respective fields.”

The ceremony was opened with an inspiring address highlighting the remarkable journey the students had undertaken and praising their resilience and determination.

David Bell, HE Programme Leader said: “I’m very proud of what our students have accomplished and today marked the formal recognition of this achievement by our partner Middlesex University.  It was a wonderful and celebratory day shared with fellow students from the wider Middlesex community together with friends and family. All our graduating students have, over the past three years, much to be proud of and I know for a fact that many have overcome considerable personal challenges along the way to achieving their BA”. 

The event concluded with a speech from a Higher Education student who spoke passionately about the challenges and triumphs faced by the graduates.  He spoke about how all of the graduates had grown and how their journey had taught them to push beyond their limits and strive for excellence in everything they do.

The graduation ceremony was also a time to recognise the support systems that played a crucial role in the student’s success. Faculty members, family, and friends were acknowledged for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout the students’ academic journey.

The graduates, now equipped with prestigious degrees are ready to embark on their professional journeys. They leave Westminster Kingsway College not just as graduates, but as ambassadors of excellence and innovation.

Congratulations to all the students celebrating their graduation!

Apply for Access to Higher Education courses and Higher Education courses!

WestKing’s School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality win Silver in Pearson National Teaching Awards 2024

Staff take centre stage as WestKing’s Hospitality and Culinary Arts Team wins Silver for FE Team of the Year.

The team behind Westminster Kingsway College’s (WestKing) School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality have been awarded Silver in the Pearson National Teaching Awards 2024 for FE Team of the Year.

Following the announcement of shortlisted candidates in March, the Silver winners were announced on 19 June, to coincide with Thank a Teacher Day.

The accolade of FE Team of the Year recognises the Hospitality and Culinary Arts Team as a driving force behind the school’s reputation for excellence. Each team member brings a wealth of expertise, experience and industry connections, which directly contributes to comprehensive and enriching programmes for students.

The award also highlights the impact of the team’s dedication to their work, enabling the School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality to offer an exceptional array of opportunities such as:

This exposure adds immense value to students’ learning experience, equipping them with essential practical skills and industry insights.

The Pearson Awards said: “The exceptional teamwork exhibited by this team is characterised by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to student success. Despite the diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise among team members, they work seamlessly together towards a common goal of providing the best possible education for their students.”

The team and their guests will be able to celebrate their success in July at a special Silver Winners Afternoon Tea hosted by Pearson National Teaching Awards. They will also remain in the running as finalists for the Gold Award, which will be announced at the Pearson National Teaching Award Ceremony in November.

Paul Jervis, Head of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at WestKing, said: “Winning the Silver Standard in the FE Team of the Year awards is a testament to our unwavering dedication, exceptional teamwork, and relentless pursuit of excellence. This recognition reflects the hard work and passion of each team member, and we are honoured to be acknowledged among the best in the field. Together, we will continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what we can achieve.”

Congratulations to everyone at the School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality on winning Silver at the 2024 Pearson National Teaching Awards!

To begin your learning journey with our award-winning team, explore the courses on offer at WestKing’s School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality.

WestKing Senior Lecturer Marc Whitley becomes UK Vice President of Disciples of Escoffier

Senior Lecturer at WestKing’s School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality takes on an exciting new position at the prestigious culinary institution, Disciples of Escoffier.

Marc Whitley, a Senior Lecturer in Hospitality at Westminster Kingsway College’s (WestKing) School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality has been voted in as the UK Vice President of Disciples of Escoffier, the UK arm of the Disciples Escoffier International. The world-renowned culinary organisation brings together chefs, professionals from the kitchen and the dining room, quality producers and gourmets.

Photo credit: Disciples of Escoffier

After an online ballot to members, Marc was announced as the organisation’s newest UK Vice President. In his new role, he will organise fundraising events, attend meetings in the UK and abroad and work to increase the organisation’s membership through active campaigning. 

Marc, who has been an active member of Disciples of Escoffier since 2019, also holds the role of College Liaison Officer, which sees him act as a spokesperson for the School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality on matters relating to student opportunities and networking. He encourages and oversees visits to the college from Disciples of Escoffier members, delivers informative student talks and connects with industry representatives to build strong partnerships which provide student employment opportunities.

Photo credit: Disciples of Escoffier

Westminster Kingsway College’s (WestKing) School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality has a long-standing connection with the Escoffier name. Auguste Escoffier was one of the key members involved in the school’s inception and his teachings are used as the foundation for a number of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Courses. Students also benefit from the Disciples of Escoffier’s fundraising activities, with monies raised being used to subsidise the cost of essential uniforms and fees.

Marc Whitley said: “As Senior Lecturer in Front of House Escoffier, it is only right that I am a member and help promote the Disciples of Escoffier and his teachings to the students. After all, this is a legacy started by Escoffier that we are proud to promote. Thousands of our alumni have been taught Escoffier’s basic principles of cooking and service skills. Every year in October during his birthday week, The Escoffier Room restaurant dedicates a week to Escoffier recipes, which is always sold out.”

Congratulations to Senior Lecturer Marc Whitley on your new role!

Apply now for Hospitality and Culinary Arts courses!

01Founders welcomes LCCI Chief Executive to its WestKing centre

LCCI Chief Executive Karim Fatehi MBE visits 01Founders to learn about the coding school’s collaborative approach and extensive services and find out how it delivers a skilled workforce to meet the needs of the UK tech sector.

The London Chamber of Commerce’s (LCCI) Chief Executive, Karim Fatehi MBE, visited 01Founders at their campus within Westminster Kingsway College’s (WestKing) Regent’s Park Centre during London Tech Week, which ran from 10 June to 14 June.

01Founders is a unique coding school which offers free access to coding courses with an emphasis on collaboration and creativity, opening the doors for the next generation of diverse talent to a wealth of tech career opportunities. Joining Karim Fatehi from LCCI were Stuart Pick, Senior Partnerships Manager, and Cathy Scott, Stakeholder Engagement Manager.

During the visit, which took place on 14 June, 01Founders students showcased the skills and projects in development through the coding school’s unique peer-to-peer pedagogy. They talked about their reasons for choosing 01Founders, highlighted its unique approach to learning, and discussed the depth and breadth of services on offer – all aimed at preparing students for roles within London’s vibrant tech community.

Matt Harvey, Director of Business Development and Partnerships at 01Founders, said: “The students found the visit incredibly inspiring, knowing that the skills they are developing through 01Founders’ unique peer-to-peer pedagogy are preparing them for roles in the tech sector.”

Also in attendance were members from 01Founders’ network of employers and partners, who talked about the challenges they faced in securing a talented workforce in London. They shared their experiences of delivering apprenticeships, internships and training programmes with the support of 01Founders and Capital City College Group (CCCG), and detailed the subsequent positive impacts on business growth and stability. Employers and partners at the event also expressed their appreciation for LCCI’s active engagement with the London business community.

Karim Fatehi MBE and senior team members at 01Founders and CCCG also took the opportunity to share ideas about procuring investment in UK tech from global entities. The event concluded with a unique networking opportunity, where around 25 01Founders students were able to network with a range of employers and LCCI representatives.

Jackie Chapman, CEO of 01Founders and CCCG Group Principal, said, “We were delighted to welcome Karim Fatehi MBE to 01Founders as part of London Tech Week. We launched our Project Work Paid Internships in Easter and valued the opportunity to share this offer with the wide range of employers who are part of The London Chamber of Commerce.”

Karim Fatehi MBE, Chief Executive of LCCI, said: “It was particularly rewarding to hear the positive feedback from both the students and the employers.  The students’ enthusiasm for their chosen fields and the employers’ recognition of the valuable skills being developed were truly inspiring.”

If you’re interested in becoming part of London’s skilled tech workforce, take a look at what 01Founders have to offer and explore their apprenticeships, internships and AI courses.

Queen's Award for Enterprise
FE Team of the Year