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Clik here to view.Climbing is one of the many activities at Action Centre UK’s Pioneer Centre in Shropshire.

Students enrolling on Public Services courses will have the chance to scale new heights on an action-packed residential boot camp this September.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) is running a four-day trip to Action Centre UK’s Pioneer Centre in Shropshire for students enrolling on Level 1-3 courses.

The centre, in the Wyre Forest in Clearbury Mortimer near Kidderminister, offers a wide range of exciting activities to help young people to develop their skills and confidence.

Activities at the centre include caving, raft building, climbing, abseiling, an assault course, a zip wire, fitness test, night trek, sports, team games and marching drills.

CONEL offers Levels 1-3 courses and a Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diplioma in Public Services at Levels 4 and 5 respectively, which are ideal for anyone considering a career in the Armed Forces or emergency and security services. 

In May around 100 students enjoyed an activity break to Longridge Activity Centre in Buckinghamshire where they took part in various fun and exciting outdoor pursuits.

Aicha Drissi, 18, is returning to the CONEL this September to study for a Public Services Diploma Extended Level 3 and hopes to study criminology at university.

She said: “I decided to study Public Services as it’s my dream to join the police. My teachers have been so supportive and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

“We went on a trip to Longridge and took part in lots of activities like kayaking, raft building and rock climbing. It really improved my self-confidence, leadership and teambuilding skills, which will help in my future career.”

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Clik here to view.Activities and accommodation at Action Centre UK’s Pioneer Centre.

Public Services courses have also included past visits to the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, the Old Bailey, RAF Halton, Imperial War Museum and Crowborough Army Training Camp in East Sussex.

Mushtaq Atifi, 18, has just completed a Public Service Diploma Extended Level 3. He was among the students who visited Crowborough Army Training Camp.

“It has always been my passion to join the Army,” said Mustaq, who plans to return to CONEL to study Engineering before going into the military.

“The officers put us through some intense physical training and we camped overnight. Some people found it tough but the process helped them to get over their fears. 

“I really enjoyed it. It gave me a real insight into what life is like in the Army, and inspired me even more in my choice of career.”

The trip to Action Centre UK’s Pioneer Centre will take place from 18-21 September.

To apply for a Public Services course in September at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London and the chance to take part in Bootcamp 2017, click on this link.

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Clik here to view.

Aspiring rail engineers are being offered the chance of an Apprenticeship with global transport technology giant Bombardier.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) will be providing training for 10 recruits to the firm’s Apprenticeship scheme at its Enfield Centre.

Bombardier is one of the world’s largest engineering and technology companies for the rail and aerospace industries, with more than 70,000 employees in 76 locations in 25 countries.

The new Apprenticeship programme follows a similar partnership with Siemens launched last September, through the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR).

Apprentices will be trained in both electrical and mechanical engineering, and gain the skills to investigate faults and carry out maintenance on trains, including projects on Crossrail.

The Apprenticeship takes 18 months to complete and leads to industry recognised qualifications – Level 2 Rail Engineering (Competence) and Level 2 Rail Engineering (Technical Knowledge).

It is the first time Bombardier has offered a Level 2 Apprenticeship as part of the Trailblazer scheme, where groups of employers work together to design and set industry standards for training.

Training will initially take place at NTAR’s Training Centre in Northampton and then on site at a rail depots in London and at CONEL, with some additional learning and development taking place at Bombardier’s sites in in Derby and Leicester.

On completion of the training, apprentices will have the chance to further develop their skills with Bombardier.

Entry requirements are grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in GCSE English, maths and ICT, along with a science or engineering qualification or equivalent.

Anyone wanting to apply for an Apprenticeship with Bombardier should send an email with their CV to Apprentices@rail.bombardier.com

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Clik here to view.Johanna Willard at Redemption Brewing Company, where she is now permanently employed after completing apprenticeship with CONEL when the business received financial support from the Opportunity Investment Fund (OIF).

Employers are reaping the benefits of being able to offer more apprenticeships with the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) through a council-run funding scheme.

The Opportunity Investment Fund (OIF) is a £3.6 million business loan fund provided jointly by Haringey Council and the Mayor of London and has been running for two years.

The loans provide financial support to help new and existing business to the borough to generate jobs, improve work space or purchase machinery or production equipment.

A £100,000 loan enabled Redemption Brewing Company in Tottenham to move to much larger premises of nearly 10,000 square feet and take on two apprentices to meet increased demand for its craft beer.

Johanna Willard, 22, completed an Advanced Apprenticeship in Business and Administration and is now a permanent employee at the brewery, which began trading in 2010 and produces 15,000 pints of beer a week.

“Doing the apprenticeship was a great decision and CONEL has been fantastic,” she said.

“I initially thought that Apprenticeships were just for training for careers in manual labour, and it never occurred to me they would offer them in business administration.

“They were not on my radar at all until it was mentioned when I came for my interview here, and now it’s given me the opportunity to work full time.

“I think there is a lot of stigma attached to Apprenticeships, but I feel it’s unjustified - I’m a real advocate of Apprenticeships now.”

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Clik here to view.Andy Moffat, Managing Direct of Redemption Brewing Company, with former CONEL business and administration apprentice Johanna Willard, who now secured a job with the brewery.

Andy Moffat, Managing Director of Redemption Brewing Company, said the loan was vital in helping the business to expand and apprenticeships are a great way for small businesses to provide training, which can often be costly and time consuming.

He said: “Jo has picked up things very quickly and been an asset to the business.

“Having someone capable doing the day to day work has allowed us to concentrate on other areas of the business, such as finance, marketing and more exporting.

“The fund came at a time when we were expanding and wanting to take on extra staff. We’ve been able to increase the size of our premises by 2,500 square feet, take on two apprentices and produce three times more beer a week.

 “Without the loan it would have been much more difficult to undertake that expansion.”

Nine OIF loans worth a total of £1.3million have been approved since the fund started in 2015.

A total of 235 full time jobs, 78 apprenticeships and 20 work experience placements have been made available through the scheme, which has also seen 77,919 square feet of floor space brought back into use.

Call 020 8442 3442 or click here for more information on apprenticeships with the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

Click here to find out more about the Opportunity Investment Fund (OIF).

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Clik here to view.Qilong Li has been named a winner in the National Qualifiers of this year’s WorldSkills UK competition.

A 'rising star' in computing has beaten students and apprentices from across the South of England to net first place in the regional final of this year’s WorldSkills UK competition.

Qilong Li, 23, who has just completed an IT Level 3 Extended Diploma course at the College of Haringey Enfield and North East London (CONEL), was a winner in the National Qualifiers of the IT and Enterprise competition.

WorldSkills UK is the country’s largest skills, apprenticeships and careers event, and aims to inspire young people in pursuing world class skills needed by UK business and industry.

There are five competitions – Engineering and Technology, Media and Creative, IT and Enterprise, Hospitality and Lifestyle and Construction and Infrastructure – each with different sub-categories.

Qilong was thrilled after winning the IT Software Solutions for Business sub-category of the IT and Enterprise competition, and the chance to compete in the National Finals at Birmingham NEC in November.

“I was surprised but very happy to have won,” said Qilong, who achieved a triple Distinction at CONEL and is now heading to Middlesex University to study Games Design.

“The time was short and it was hard to get everything done. My tutors gave me some assignments so I could practice at home, which really helped when it came to the competition, as I felt prepared when I saw what I had to do.”

“I have liked everything about my time at CONEL. The teachers were good and I learnt a lot of skills I can take to university.”

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Clik here to view.Qilong Li is heading to Middlesex University after completing a IT Diploma Level 3 Extended course at CONEL.

The contest, which took place at North East Surrey College of Technology in Epsom, tested the participants’ knowledge of Microsoft Office software, focusing on Word and Excel, as well as their accuracy and time management skills.

Laila Hassanzadeh, Head of School for Computing, said: “We’re very proud of Qilong and his success.

“He is an outstanding student who showed excellent commitment and motivation who passed his course with overall Distinction. He is one of our rising stars and has a bright future ahead of him.”

Qi-Long’s win follows the success of electrical apprentice Yordan Tomov who came first in the National Qualifiers of the Construction and Infrastructure competition.

CONEL offers ICT and Computing courses at Levels 1-3 along with an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Computing and a Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma in Computing and Systems Development.

Call 020 8442 3055 or click here to find out about our courses and apprenticeships at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

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Clik here to view.Beauty Therapy student Maria Georgiou believes college is a better option than school.

At the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) we know that school isn’t for everyone.

That’s why we offer a wide range of vocational skills courses and apprenticeships as a real alternative to getting into work or university than traditional A-levels at sixth form.

Many of our students say they prefer college life to school – because it is less formal, they have more independence and that they’re able to gain actual work-related skills and experience.

CONEL’s Level 3 courses are equivalent to three A-levels and each year more than 60% of our students are either in further education or employment within six months of leaving college and hundreds more gain places at university.

Maria Georgiou, 19, completed a Beauty Therapy Diploma Level 2 this summer after leaving school during her A-levels and studying business for a year at another college.

“I don’t think the options were right for me at school,” said Maria, who is returning to CONEL to study a Level 3 course this September.

“I’m more practical and learn better doing something more hands on. At CONEL I’ve worked with actual clients, which has really built up more confidence.

“At school I felt everything had to be done a certain way, but at college I get more of a chance to express myself. I’m also treated more like an adult at college.

“I get to work more as an individual and there’s less pressure.”

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Clik here to view.Maria Georgiou, fourth from left, with other Beauty Therapy students and their models after winning a competition at CONEL.

Maria excelled on her Level 2 course and was praised for her “excellent professional and technical ability” when she won a college competition against other students in June.

She hopes to become a make-up artist, and believes that being able to learn from tutors with such a wealth of expertise has been invaluable in contributing to her success.

“I find the teachers excellent here and very supportive and motivational. They also have more experience and know what they’re talking about, which inspires me to learn more.

“Coming to CONEL has given me a much clearer idea of where I’m heading, and that I can achieve my goals.”

Even if you don’t get the grades you hoped for, we have courses available to get you back on track, including resits for GCSE English and Maths.

If you want to progress from Level 3 we offer a number of Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HNC) qualifications at Levels 4 and 5

HNDs can be topped up to an honours degree with just one year’s further study at university, meaning the overall cost if considerably lower than spending £9,000 a year at university.

Click here for more information on courses and apprenticeships at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

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Clik here to view.Eunice Thomas-Pennant with a client at CONEL's commercial salon in Tottenham.

Grandmother of two Eunice Thomas-Pennant is proof you are never too old to cut it as a hairdresser.

Eunice, 51, works as a stylist and student mentor at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), where she trained from 2011-13.

Born in Jamaica, she recalls playing with her dolls’ hair as a child before “playing around” with her friends’ and family’s hair when she was 16.

“When I finished secondary school I wanted to go on and study hairdressing but back home it was quite expensive and so I did fashion design instead, so it never really happened until I came over here,” she said.

Eunice began working in retail when she arrived in the UK in 2001 before finding work at a friend’s hairdressing salon in Peckham, where she began to specialise in Afro-Caribbean hair.

Wanting to become professionally trained, she enrolled on a Hairdressing Diploma Level 2 course and later went on to complete her Level 3 when she was 47.

Eunice said: “The training was brilliant. I learnt a lot, particularly when it came to colouring hair. My tutors encouraged me and were very supportive.”

“When I started at CONEL, people were asking me, ‘Why are you going to college at your age?’, but I have shown them that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams.”

Eunice excelled in her studies, winning the Softsheen-Carson Student of the Year award in 2013 and also receiving an Excellence Award from the College the same year.

“I remember being at home when the phone rang and my tutor told me I had won and I began screaming. I was full of joy,” she said.

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Clik here to view.Eunice Thomas-Pennant at CONEL's commercial salon in Tottenham.

After finishing her Level 3 in 2013, Eunice began volunteering as a mentor to students working and training in the College’s commercial salon in Tottenham.

The College later offered her a temporary and then permanent position as a stylist at the salon a year later, where she continues to impart her advice and encourage students.

On why she enjoys hairdressing, Eunice added: “Most of all, it’s the look on the clients’ faces when they look in the mirror and love their new style.

“I also enjoy supporting the learners from a diverse range of backgrounds. Being able to share my experience to help them achieve makes me feel very proud.”

Click here for more information on Hairdressing courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

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Clik here to view.Thabiso Khoza is among hundreds of CONEL students heading to university after completing vocational skills courses.

Hundreds of students from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) are celebrating as they head off to university after completing vocational skills courses.

Thabiso Khoza, 19, is going to De Montford University to study a BEng in Mechanical Engineering after completing a Engineering Diploma Extended Level 3 course.

“University is going to be a new challenge and I’m really excited,” said Thabiso.

“I really enjoyed the course at CONEL. It really related to the engineering world and was more practical than at school, which should give me an advantage at university.”

During his time at CONEL, Thabiso was the captain of the College’s basketball team The Warriors, leading them to victory in the Association of College’s East Men’s League.

He joins many other successful Level 3 students who have gone on to gain places at university in recent years after opting for vocational training over academic study.

Sevgi Bostanci, 19, gained a place at London South Bank University after completing an Health and Social Care Extended Diploma Level 3 in 2016.

She said: “My teachers were kind and supportive, and helped me get the highest grade possible – a triple Distinction. The course was well structured and the work placements helped me gain the skills and experience needed to move onto a teaching degree.”

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Clik here to view.Sevgi Bostanci and Luke Taylor who both went on to university after studying at CONEL.

The College offers a wide range of Level 3 courses, which are the equivalent of three A-levels and train students in a specific job or enable them to continue into higher education.

These courses are free to 16 to 18s and include Accounting, Business, Construction, Creative and Media, ICT and Computing, Health and Social Care, Hair and Beauty, Public Services, Sport and Fitness and Travel and Tourism.

CONEL also offers Access to Higher Education courses for those who want to go to university but do not have any A-levels or have been out of work or education for some time. no formal qualifications.

Luke Taylor, 27, is now studying for a BSc in Computer Science at King’s College London after completing an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Computing in 2016.

“I found the course at CONEL incredibly helpful and really prepared me well for university,” he said.

“I am already ahead of where I need to be, which is brilliant. The teachers were very friendly and went above and beyond to provide all the information needed to help me get the grades I needed.”

Call 020 8442 3055 or click here for more information about courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

The table below shows Extended Diploma Level 3 grades and their equivalents at A-level and UCAS points.

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Clik here to view.Choose from hundreds of course and apprenticeship at CONEL.

The College of Haringey Enfield and North East London (CONEL) is flinging open its doors to prospective students and apprentices as enrolment begins today.

Whether you’ve just left school, looking for work or want to develop your skills, you can choose from hundreds of vocational skills courses, apprenticeships and higher education qualifications.

Enrolment starts at the College’s Tottenham and Enfield Centres on Thursday 17 August from 10am to 7pm and continues throughout the summer to early September.

CONEL boasts top facilities including a Microsoft Showcase Classroom, Career Academies, Sports Academies, fully equipped workshops, creative suites and salons, along with many other enrichment activities and support services.

Vocational skills courses include construction, engineering, hair and beauty, science, accounting, business, health and social care, ICT and computing, creative and media, music, sport and fitness, science, travel and tourism, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), public services, teaching and supported learning.

These courses are free to 16 to 18s and at Level 3 are accepted by many top universities as an alternative to A-levels.

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Clik here to view.Rail track engineering apprentice Muhammad Ali and former CONEL Games Design student Andre Ferreira.

Andre Ferreira, 21, gained a place at Kingston University to study for a BSc (Hons) in Motorsport Engineering after completing a Games Design Level 3 Extended Diploma.

“I told one of my friends about what I was doing on my course,” said Andre. “He said, ‘That sounds amazing,’ and he changed college so he could study at CONEL.

“I was always encouraged to give it my best, and I’m so proud of what I achieved.”

If you need to resit your GCSE English and maths or improve your literacy and numeracy you can do this alongside many of our courses.

Apprenticeships are another great way to train in your chosen career by enabling you to earn while you learn, usually spending four days at work at work and one at college.

Muhammad Ali, 20, chose an apprenticeship with Kelly Rail over a degree in civil engineering at university and is currently working on London Underground.

“The best thing about the apprenticeship is that I am actually learning what I need to learn rather than wasting a lot of money going to university and it taking longer to get a job,” he said.

“I’m really enjoying it. It’s helping me to achieve what I want to in life.”

CONEL also runs Access to Higher Education Diplomas for those wanting to get into university who do not have A-levels or may have been out of education for some time.

For those wanting to continue their studies at CONEL we offer several Higher National Certificate and Diploma courses, degree and postgraduate qualifications.

Call 020 8442 3055 or click here to find out more about courses and apprenticeships at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

Click here for more information on when and how to enrol.

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Clik here to view.• Accountancy apprentice Steven Gallego secured a job and promotion at Notting Hill Housing.

Apprentices trained at the College of Haringey Enfield and North East London (CONEL) are flourishing as they embark on their careers with top employers.

Steven Gallego, 23, secured a job and promotion within a year of completing an Accountancy apprenticeship with the College at Notting Hill Housing in King’s Cross.

Notting Hill Housing is one of London's leading housing associations and property developers, managing nearly 32,000 homes across the capital.

Steven began as a Finance Officer in 2015 before transferring to become a Finance Systems Officer and being promoted to Project Officer within the Finance Systems team.

“Before I started my apprenticeship I was working for an event company but it wasn’t going anywhere. I wanted more of a career path so I looked at finance,” he said.

“I applied for two apprenticeship positions in Finance Systems and Payments at Notting Hill Housing. At first I didn’t know anything at all, but over time I learnt a lot and it was a good experience.

“After a year and a half they offered me a full-time job, and since then I have moved up to another role in the company.”

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Clik here to view.ICT and Computing apprentice Arun Flora and Clinical Care apprentice Georgia Hughes.

Apprenticeships are a great way to earn while you learn the skills needed for a great career without having to pay tuition fees as these are covered by your employer.

Georgia Hughes, 18, swapped A-levels for a Clinical Care apprenticeship at North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust last year.

She said: “I felt that I learnt better doing something practical rather than from a book.

“I’ve been able to get hands on experience and understand hospital protocols and the way the different roles work with each other. Doing an apprenticeship was the best decision I ever made. I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Arun Flora, 20, an ICT and Computing apprentice at Winchmore School in Enfield, said: “I’ve learnt so much that I know I wouldn’t have learnt in classes alone. I’m learning new things every day both at college and at work.”

CONEL trains more than 1,000 apprentices each year in areas including accounting, business, childcare, construction, creative and media, engineering, hair and beauty, health and social care, computing and teaching.

The College also offers pre-apprenticeships, 12-15 week courses that provide the skills needed for an apprenticeship, in accounting, business, dry wall lining and rail track engineering.

Call 020 8442 3442 or click here for more information on apprenticeships at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

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Clik here to view.Shewit Tecleberhan, who achieved an A* in maths.

Adults studying GCSE maths and English at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London celebrated an outstanding set of results in this year’s exams.

Figures released today show that 75.4% of students aged 19 or over achieved A* to C grades in maths, with 15% attaining A* or A.

The College also saw exceptional results English with 39.4% gaining A* to C grades.

More students aged 16 to 18s taking GCSE English and maths achieved these qualifications than ever before.

This is the final year of the A* to G grading system at CONEL, with the new 9 to 1 grades being introduced at the College for the coming academic year.

Among the top performing students were Shewit Tecleberhan, 22, who achieved an A* in maths, and Anna Flak, 67, who attained an A* in English.

Shewit, who has a degree in nursing from her home country of Eritrea, is heading to Kingston University London to study for a Masters in Pharmacy.

She said: “I wanted more than anything to make my teacher proud.  I really admired him. He had a lot of experience and motivated the class really well.”

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Clik here to view.Warren Edwards, who attained a C in maths, with Ali Hadi, who gained a B in English.

Timothy Owusu, 25, who gained an A in maths and is returning to CONEL to do a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, said: “The first part of the exam was tough, but I found the rest quite straightforward. I wanted an A* but I’ve got to be pleased with this.

“The teachers here were fantastic. They had so much time for us both one-to-one and in the classroom.”

CONEL offers GCSE English and maths courses along with functional skills courses, which are taken alongside vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Kurt Hintz, Vice Principal for Curriculum and Learner Experience, said: “We are extremely proud of our students’ results, particularly the outstanding achievements of our adult learners.

GCSEs in English and maths are vital whether you are looking to gain a place on a vocational course, apprenticeship, start work or move into higher education.

“I would like to congratulate all our GCSE students on their achievements, and wish them every success in their future studies or employment.”

Call 020 8442 3055 or click here for more information about courses and apprenticeships at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

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Clik here to view.Timothy Owusu, who achieved an A in maths, and Tracy Owusu-Yeboah, who attained a B in English.

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The number of students passing Access to Higher Education courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) is 18% higher than the average for London.

Access to Higher Education Diploma courses provide students without the qualifications to study at degree level to gain the skills and knowledge they need to get into university.

Figures from OCN London, which sets the Level 3 courses, show that 89% of students passed Access to Higher Education at CONEL in 2016/17.

This compares with an average of 71% in London, and is an increase on previous years - 88% in 2015/16 and 79% in 2014/15.

A third of students at CONEL passed with Distinction, in line with the national average.

Particularly high pass-rates were seen on Access to Nursing courses with a 93% achievement rate and Computing and Engineering courses, both at 91%.

Lydia Adamu, 35, is heading to the University of Hertfordshire to study for a BSc in Nursing after completing an Access to Nursing course at CONEL this year.

She said: “I’ve worked in healthcare before.  It’s a field in which I really like working in, and so I decided to become a nurse.

“My teachers were really helpful and did a great job in helping me to get into university. I’m really excited and can’t wait until September.”

Asem Ragab, 20, secured a place at Brunel University London to study for a BEng in Civil Engineering after an Access to Engineering course.

He said: “The Access course was much better structured and less intense than doing A-levels. It focused a lot on physics and maths and was much more relevant to the degree course I wanted to do.”

Ana Dimande, 46, is set to study for a BSc in Applied Nutritional Science at Anglia Ruskin University following an Access to Biological Science.

“When I started the course I wasn’t sure if I was choosing the right path because I’d been out of education for 20 years, but I had really good support from all the staff.

“The course was wonderful. I learnt a lot and feel confident and ready for university.”

CONEL offers Access courses in Computing, Engineering, Science, Nursing. Social Work and Midwifery, and also runs higher education and postgraduate courses in a range of subjects.

These courses are free for students aged 19 to 23 if it is their first Level 3 course with loans available for those required to pay course fees.

Loans only have to be repaid once you are earning over £21,000, or are written off if you progress to university to study in the same field as the Access course.

Call 020 8442 3055 or click here to find out more about enrolling on these courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

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Clik here to view.Students Teniece Seager and Farshid Bapikee try out the Surface Studio.

Students had the chance to find out how the latest computer technology can enhance their studies with experts from Microsoft.

The IT giant visited the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) to showcase its new products and services on 6 September.

This included demonstrations of new features on Windows and Microsoft Office, including idea sharing application One Note, as well Surface Pro laptops and Surface Studio all-in-one PC.

The event was organised by IT services and consultancy firm risual and held in the Microsoft Showcase Classroom at the College’s Tottenham Centre, which forms part of an IT Academy launched with the company in November last year.

ICT and Computing student Farshid Bapikee, 18, said: “It’s been good to see the new features on Microsoft Office and how they can make things easier and save you a lot of time, and how the laptops now send reminders to your mobile phone.”

Health and Social Care student Zak Haynes, 18, said: “Every year they come out with new and better technology and I’m impressed with what they’ve improved.”

Hatice Kelmen, 22, who is also studying Health and Social Care, said: “It’s given me more ideas on how computer technology can help with presentations and complete assignments and organise my timetable.”

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Clik here to view.Students Teniece Seager and Farshid Bapikee try out the Surface Studio.

Each of student who attended was given a free goody bag, which included a mug, lanyard, pencil, fidget spinner, stress ball and water bottle. Cupcakes and coffee vouchers were also handed out.

They also had the chance to enter a free prize draw to win a Surface Pro laptop computer.

Andy Lee, Evangelist Manager at Microsoft, said: “Events like these enable us to give hints and tips to students to find out about our products and services and how they can make more use of them in their studies.

“They also help us to get an understanding of their needs and feedback from them to further develop our technology.”

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Clik here to view.Eunice Thomas-Pennant, Mek Mehmet-Yesil and Natalie Galloway.

With the kids back at school after the summer holidays, now is the perfect time as a mum to also head back to the classroom.

Whether you’re looking to improve your career prospects or just want to try something new, the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) has places still available on courses starting this September.

These include courses in Health and Social Care, Childcare, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Sport and Fitness, Public Services, Accounting and Travel and Tourism.

Eunice Thomas-Pennant decided to train as a hairdresser at CONEL in her late 40s and now works as a student mentor at the College’s commercial salon in Tottenham.

She said: “The training was brilliant. I learnt a lot, particularly when it came to colouring hair. My tutors encouraged me and were very supportive.”

“When I started at CONEL, people were asking me, ‘Why are you going to college at your age?’, but I have shown them that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams.”

For those wanting to head to university the College also has places left on an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Social Work.

Mek Mehmet-Yesil, 47, who completed an Access to Nursing course this summer, said: “The teaching at CONEL has been fantastic.

“I’ve had the most amazing tutors who’ve given me so much encouragement to do well. I’m feeling really good about my future.” 

Loans are available to cover tuition fees on all vocational courses, which do not have to be paid back until you are earning over £21,000 a year.

Access courses are free to students aged 19 to 23 if it is their first Level 3 course, with loans for those aged 24 and over written off if they progress to university to study the same field.

CONEL also runs various free and professional courses in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Construction, Engineering and IT throughout the year.

For Natalie Galloway, 24, the decision to do a bricklaying course was not just about learning new skills.

“You can save money if you need a job done when you can do it yourself, so it’s more financially beneficial,” she said.

Call 020 8442 3055 or click here to find out about courses and how to enrol on a course at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

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Clik here to view.CONEL is launching a new Smart Meter Installation Academy.

A new academy is to be launched at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) in response to a national roll-out of smart meters.

The Smart Meter Installation Academy, run in partnership with Nationwide Training Services (NTS), will be opened at the College’s Tottenham Centre on 5 October.

Smart meters keep track of real-time energy usage, avoiding the need for customers to stay at home for meter readings or receive over-estimated bills.

The Government has made a commitment to install 50 million gas and electric smart meters at domestic and commercial premises by 2020.

Energy companies say smart meters will reduce running costs in relation to enquiries about estimated bills and also help meet UK targets for cutting carbon emissions.

The academy will offer a 14-month apprenticeship or a short 14-week Dual Fuel Smart Meter Installer course at a new workshop at CONEL’s Tottenham Centre.

Ian Dean, Director and founder of NTS, said: “This fantastic new academy will form a key part of the Government’s mandate to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy management.

“Apprentices and students will be taught not only how to install electric or gas meters, but also meter testing and maintenance, risk assessment, codes of practice and health and safety regulations.”

Smart meters were first adopted in Britain in 2009, and there are now over 6.78 million smart and advanced meters operating across homes and businesses in Great Britain.

Latest figures show that more than a million domestic smart meters were installed by large energy suppliers in the first quarter of 2017 - a 10 per cent increase on the previous quarter.

This represented a six per cent increase in overall smart and advanced meter installations compared to the last quarter of 2016.

Jackie Chapman, Director of Employability and Employer Engagement, said: “At CONEL we work closely with business and industry to develop new apprenticeships and courses.

“We’re delighted to be working with NTS on this exciting new project, which will provide hundreds of employment opportunities in the foreseeable future and longer term as smart meters are introduced across the country.”

Anyone interested in attending the launch can reply through Eventbrite or by emailing marketing@conel.ac.uk

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Clik here to view.Learner Recruitment Manager Marie Cunningham, centre, holding the matrix Standard accreditation, with colleagues from the Learner Recruitment Team.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) has been re-accredited with the matrix Standard for its support to students.

The award in an international quality standard recognises an organisation’s support to individuals in their choice of career, learning, work and life goals.

To be considered for accreditation, CONEL’s Learner Recruitment Team undertook a self-assessment to measure the College’s advice and support services, which was reviewed by assessors from matrix against set criteria.

CONEL was praised for its innovative and forward thinking leadership and the incorporation of the role of Vice Principal for Curriculum and Learner Experience to establish a consistent line of responsibility.

Understanding and clarity of services was also commended, along with staff relationships, cross-referrals and confidence in the skills of specialist colleagues.

Assessors further recognised the College’s use of internal systems to measure the impact of services, and its insightful use data to make better informed decisions.

CONEL also received plaudits for its support existing and new employers through its Work Experience group and Apprenticeship team.

In particular, it was commended for its investment in engineering, notably rail engineering, and working smarter to fill future skills gaps.

Assessors further acknowledged CONEL’s strong relationships with employers who recognised the College as a professional organisation, which stood out among its competitors.

Marie Cunningham, Learner Recruitment Manager, said: “I am delighted the CONEL has been fully re-accredited with the matrix Standard. Overall the assessors felt there was a real feeling of optimism, and a confidence in the College from students, staff and employers.

“I would like to thank all the staff and students involved for their support in taking part in interviews and helping completing the necessary requirements needed for the College secure the matrix Standard.”

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Clik here to view.Student Potchu Mendes Calucane chats to CONEL Sportsmaker Rob Murphy about sports activities at the Freshers’ Fair.

Newly enrolled students attended the first of two Freshers’ Fairs at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London’s (CONEL) Enfield Centre this week (20 September). 

The second fair will take place at CONEL’s Tottenham Centre on 27 September.

Hundreds of students discovered more about activities and support services provided by the College and other organisations at the event.

Business student Gaelle Mundeke, 18, said: “I just signed up to the Martial Arts Academy. I’ve never done anything like that before, and they encouraged me to give it a go.

“I used to do a lot of fitness and was 100m sprinter. I gave it up because of an injury and  thought this would be good to get back into a healthy lifestyle.”

English for Speakers of Other Languages student Patrik Havlik, 16, said: “There’s a lot of opportunities for young people out there, and it was good to find out about them and how I can get involved.”

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Clik here to view.Gloria Anane and Adetola Adekola, right, talk to Kirstie Warman and Shamim Miah from Bywaters.

Many of the organisations attending welcomed the chance to meet the students and explain more about how their services can support them during their studies.

Rebecca Gocke, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, from Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “Many young people have difficulties with stress, whether its personal or preparing for exams, and events enable us to tell them there is support out there and about the therapies we provide.”

Georgia Violari, Volunteer from Enfield Voluntary Action, said: “Voluntary work is a great way for young people to gain experience to put on their CVs.

“We’ve had a good level of interest among the students who’ve been keen to find out more about what they can do, and how it can help them in the future.”

Among the groups attending the fair were Enfield Council, Volunteering Matters, Bringing Unity Back into the Community (BUBIC), Bywaters, Enfield Voluntary Action, The Goal League, National Citizen Service and Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust.

There were also stands promoting CONEL’s Sports Academies and other enrichment activities, including information on becoming a Student Ambassador for the College.

If your organisation would like to attend an event or support students at CONEL call 020 8442 3055.

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Clik here to view.CONELthe best for student satisfaction in FE Choices Survey.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) is officially the best further education college in the country for student satisfaction.

The College, which has centres in Tottenham and Enfield, scored a 94.6% response rate from students who said they would “recommend CONEL to their friends and family” in the FE Choices Learner Satisfaction Survey for 2016/17.

This score compares to a national average for England of 88% across all public and private post-16 training providers, including sixth form colleges and specialist colleges.

The survey was carried out by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) from October 2016 to April 2017.

CONEL offers a wide range of vocational skills courses, many offering work experience as part of their programme of study, along with apprenticeships, higher education courses and teacher training qualifications.

Areas of study include accounting, business, childcare, construction, creative and media, engineering, hair and beauty, health and social care, computing, music, public services, science and travel and tourism.

The College also boasts Business Management, Accounting and IT and Computing Academies to help prepare students for the world of work, including paid internships, mentoring and employability workshops with top employers.

Enrichment activities at CONEL include Football, Basketball, Martial Arts and Athletics Academies, and specialist weeks focusing on diversity, health and wellbeing, college values, and fundraising and volunteering.

As one of the largest apprenticeship providers in London, CONEL delivers to over 1500 Apprentices and 450 employers each year. CONEL also ranked number 1 in London for Employer Satisfaction in the FE Choices Survey, which shows the College offers excellent training and support to employers and students alike. 

Kurt Hintz, Vice Principal – Curriculum and Learner Experience, said: “We’re thrilled to have achieved the best in the country for student satisfaction in the 2016/17 Learner Satisfaction Survey, and along with the top ranking for Employer Satisfaction in London last year, we are exceptionally happy.”

“The fact that our students and employers have recognised CONEL as a great place to study and would recommend the college to their friends and families is one of the best endorsements we could possibly have.”

Enrolment for courses starting this term is still taking place at CONEL.  Call 020 8442 3055 or click here to find out more about our courses and apprenticeships or visit www.conel.ac.uk/enrol

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Clik here to view.Business student Shaqueen Greaves gaves her presentation to the Career Ready Local Advisory Board.

Business students have told employers of their “amazing experience” on paid internships with some of the biggest financial firms in the City.

Shaqueen Greaves, 20, Vithusan Chandrasegaram and Irina Neamt, both 18, and Aurelia Obuchowska, 17, completed four to six-week placements over the summer at Citibank, AXA Insurance and S&P Global.

The group, who are all studying for a Business Extended Diploma Level 3 this year, gained work experience through the Career Ready programme run with the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

The Career Ready programme provides opportunities for work experience at blue chip companies, including mentoring, career advice and employability skills with industry experts.

The students gave short presentations to CONEL’s Career Ready Local Advisory Board, which comprises employers from various businesses, representatives from Career Ready and staff from the College, to share what they gained from the experience.

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Clik here to view.Clockwise from top left: Business students Aurelia Obuchowska,, Vithusan Chandrasegaram and Leseana Joseph-Kennedy give their presentations.

Aurelia, who undertook an internship in the Graduate Recruitment Team at Citibank, said: “I developed my understanding of recruitment and selection and undertook related tasks, such as carrying out market insights research, creating social media content and helping organise recruitment events.

“While I was there I also managed to connect with around 270 professionals, and hope that all this exposure and networking will lead to a job at Citibank in the future.”

Vithusan, who was on placement at AXA Insurance, said: “I had an amazing experience on the internship. It helped me to gain new skills and gave me more confidence in working in the business world.

“I learnt about risk management and insurance, which fuelled my aspiration to go on to university and become an accountant.”

Two other students, Leseana Joseph-Kennedy and Maria Morar, both 17, undertook unpaid internships through Career Ready with Black Horse, part of Lloyds Bank, in Barnet.

The companies providing the placements provided positive feedback to the students and the College on their presentations and work while on placement.

AXA insurance described Vithusan as a “conscientious, reliable and eager to learn” student who took on tasks with great enthusiasm, while Black Horse praised Leseana for her “intelligent questioning” and said she was a pleasure to work with.

Career Ready is a UK wide charity that links employers with schools and colleges to prepare young people for the world of work.

Call 020 8442 3055 or click here to find out more about courses and apprenticeships in Business Management and Administration.

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Clik here to view.Access to Computing student Maria Marshall talks to Liam Stott from the University of Bedfordshire.

Students got a flavour of what to expect at university when they attended a Higher Education Fair at their college.

More than 20 universities had stalls at the event at Tottenham Centre of the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) on 4 October.

Among the institutions attending were the University of Essex, University of Portsmouth, Middlesex University, University of Bedfordshire, University College London, Brunel University London, King’s College London and London South Bank University.

Maria Marshall, 22, hopes to study computer engineering or robotics when she finishes an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Computing at CONEL next year.

She said: “I’ve got some good information from the universities and they’ve answered all of my questions on their courses, entry requirements and accommodation.”

Hagan Kumi, 38, Hagan Kumi, 38, who is studying a Health and Social Care Extended Diploma Level 3, said: “it’s been great to find out what the universities require from us and what we require from them. Now I need to have a good look at each and make my choice.”

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Clik here to view.Access to Computing student Sandor Madacsi finds out more about the University of Greenwich from Kashiah Pettigrew.

The event also included talks by representatives from the University of Westminster and Queen Mary University of London on preparing an effective personal statement for university applications.

CONEL offers a wide range of Level 3 Diploma courses which at Extended Level are the equivalent of three A-levels and accepted as a viable alternative by most universities.

The College also offers various Access to Higher Education Diplomas for those looking to go to university who do not have the formal qualifications to study for a degree.

Call 020 8442 3055 or click here for more information on Level 3 and Access to Higher Education courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

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Clik here to view.Jules Adams, Specialist Carer at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, left, receives the cash donation from students Gracia Nkodia and Fatou Sarr Ndao.

Big-hearted English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students are hoping to make a real difference after showing their support to a children’s charity.  

The students from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) made a £70 donation and have also offered to volunteer at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

The charity based in Barnet provides home and respite support for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families in North and Central London and Hertsmere.

Much of its fundraising is currently going towards its Building the Ark campaign to construct north and central London’s only children’s hospice building called The Ark.

There are more than 1,200 children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions in the Noah’s Ark catchment area but currently no children’s hospice building.

Student Luiza Dinu, 16, who is originally from Romania, said: “When we heard about the charity we all wanted to help these little children.

“They have many problems and are not feeling good. Everyone in the class has donated money and hopefully this will make their lives easier.”

Students Gracia Nkodia and Fatou Sarr Ndao, both 16, presented the money to Jules Adams, Specialist Carer at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

Mr Adams in turn handed the students with a certificate thanking them for their fundraising and spoke to them about his role in caring for families.

Fatihma Nafeel, Community Fundraiser at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, said: “I think its brilliant what the students have done.

“It’s always so inspiring when young people want to help out in this way and we are very grateful for their support.”

CONEL offers ESOL courses from Entry Level to Level 1 to improve students in reading, writing, speaking and listening in English.

Call 020 8442 3055 or click here for more information on ESOL courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).