KPMG’s Karma Besley gives advice on CVs to students Chinaka Chuksemeka and Kassandra Jean-Baptiste.

Students get job interview advice from global finance giant KPMG

Students had the chance to get some top advice on job interviews when they took part in workshops run by financial giant KPMG.

Around 200 students joined in a series of employability workshops with the global at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

Staff from the global company, which specialises in audit, tax and advisory services, gave an overview of the business before giving presentations and running activities to improve students’ job prospects.

This included an introduction to networking, pitching yourself in a job interview, a Q&A with new recruits to the company, the recruitment process and personal presentation skills.

Accountancy pre-apprentices Chinaka Chuksemeka and Valarie Dube were among those who attended the workshops.

Chinaka, 22, said: “It was interesting to hear how they got to where they are at KPMG and know what they are looking for, and learning how to communicate that better and improve your CV.

“It’s been really helpful in preparing myself for what to expect and practising towards interviews.”

Valarie, 21, said: “There was a lot of good advice and tips, particularly on interview skills and little things you can do to make yourself stand out to make employers think that is something difference when you actually go for a job.”

The event also saw the presentation of certificates to three students, Kassandra Jean-Baptiste, 23, Pradesh Roujee, 19, and Atilla Polgar, 31, who had achieved top marks in modules on their accounting courses.

Clockwise from bottom left: Students discuss employability skills with staff from KPMG; Students Kassandra Jean-Baptiste, Pradesh Roujee, and Atilla Polgar, with their accounting certificates.

KPMG has 144 offices worldwide and boasts clients including Shell, BMW, BP Visa, GlaoSmithKline, HSBC, Nationwide, Deutche Bank, Liverpool FC and Symantec.

The company encourages staff to take time off to undertake either charity or voluntary work in the community as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.

Kara Bala, Information Management Assistant at KPMG, who led one of the workshops, said: “As a company, we’re very big on taking on non-graduates including school and college leavers and getting them into work early.

“Some students may see jobs like ours as not accessible, but we’re here to prove that with the right preparation and employability skills they are within their reach. They are tomorrow’s workforce and some of them could be the next high flyers in business finance.

“This has been about improving their confidence when they are applying for jobs, and showing if they are passionate and believe in themselves they can achieve anything they want to achieve.”

Patrick Gray, from Dementia Action Alliance, talks to healthcare students at CONEL.

Healthcare students found out more about dementia during a presentation at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

Around 50 students on Health and Social Care diplomas and Access to Higher Education courses attended the talk by the Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) on 23 November.

Around 850,000 people in the UK are currently living with dementia with the condition costing the country £26.3 billion each year.

Students Doris Badu, Imurana Alhassan and Maria Lopez were among the students who attended the presentation at the College’s Tottenham Centre.

Doris, 26, said: “It was really informative. I used to think people with dementia couldn’t do anything and always needed to help the, but now my perception has really changed.”

Imurana, 32, said: “I learnt that dementia can happen to anyone no matter what their circumstances, and how important it is to respect their needs.”

Maria, 19, said: “Everything I’ve heard I can use to help treat people with dementia in the future.”

Patrick Gray, from Dementia Action Alliance, back row centre, with healthcare students Doris Badu, Alhassan, Alicia Gabriel. Emmanuel Ntambala and Maria Lopez.

DDA is a group of around 150 organisations across England committed to sharing best practice and taking action to improve the lives people affected by dementia.

Members include leading charities, hospitals, social care providers, government bodies, pharmaceuticals, royal colleges and wellbeing organisations.

Patrick Gray, Dementia Friendly Community Co-ordinator at DDA, said: “Unfortunately, we find there is still a lot of misunderstanding about dementia in the medical profession.

“These students will be the next generation to work in the healthcare industry, and so it’s important we increase their level of awareness about this condition and how it affects people living with it in the community.”

CONEL offers Health and Social Care diplomas from Entry Level to Level 3 along with Access to Higher Education Diploma courses in Nursing, Social Work and Midwifery.

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

Microsoft Engagement Manager Clare Riley talks to college representatives about IT in education in our Microsoft Showcase Classroom.

Educators had a chance to find out ways to use the latest Microsoft technology in the classroom at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

The College was chosen by the IT giant as the location for one of more than 100 free Microsoft UK Education Roadshows taking place across the UK in 2017 and 2018.

Representatives from around 15 colleges attended the event, led by Microsoft Engagement Manager Clare Riley, which focused on how Windows 10 and Office 365 can help transform learning.

Among the institutions attending were City and Islington College and Westminster Kingsway College, which CONEL has recently partnered under the Capital City College Group (CCCG).

The event also included a roundtable discussion led by e-learning consultant Julian Bream.

Around 15 colleges attended the Microsoft Education Roadshow at CONEL.

The event was held in the College’s Microsoft Showcase Classroom, which is part of the College’s IT Academy in partnership with IT services and consultancy firm risual, and features Surface Pro laptop computers and a Surface Hub display screen.

The IT Academy was launched in November 2016 and also includes an apprenticeship scheme and workshops with industry experts.

Around 50 staff at CONEL have been trained as Microsoft Certified Educators (MCE) to support teaching and learning and other roles in the College with more to follow.

In September this year Microsoft attended the College to showcase its new IT products and services to students.

Torcato Coutinho, Head of Teaching and Learning, said: “We were delighted to host the Microsoft Education Roadshow, which was an excellent opportunity to hear from industry experts and share experiences of using IT with other education professionals.

“At CONEL we’re proud to have Microsoft as an education partner to ensure we remain at the cutting edge of IT technology, and are committed to investing significantly in this area to ensure our students are equipped with very latest digital skills.”

CONEL Principal Andy Forbes surrounded by this year's Excellence Award winners.

Students and apprentices celebrated as the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) held its annual Excellence Awards.

Seventy-five learners received awards in recognition of their achievements at a glitzy ceremony at the College’s Tottenham Centre on 5 December.

Principal Andy Forbes introduced each of the winners before Sarah Ebanja, Chair of the CONEL Local Advisory Board, presented them with their awards.

The winners, from across each of the College’s curriculum areas, were put forward by their tutors, with two being chosen to receive Exceptional Performance Excellence Awards.

This year's Exceptional Performance Excellence Award winners, Electrical Installations student Daanyal Parvez and Beauty Therapy student Nese Aslan, and Paul Head Excellence Award winner Lucy Mazur.

This year’s Exceptional Performance Excellence Award winners were Electrical Installations student Daanyal Parvez and Beauty Therapy student Nese Aslan.

Daanyal, 20, said: “I am absolutely shocked to be chosen out of so many students.

“I really put the time and effort into doing everything properly. My teachers really believed in me and helped me to succeed and prepared me to get a job.”

Nese, 31, whose father died recently, said: “When I completed my course I told my dad how well I‘d done and he was really happy, and I know he would be very proud of me now.

“I really enjoyed my time at CONEL. There were times when I thought I might give up but my teachers were so supportive, and I can’t thank them all enough.”

The ceremony also saw the presentation of the Paul Head Excellence Award, named after the College’s former principal, for a learner who has made outstanding progress over the year.

Mr Head’s wife Victoria Phillips presented this award to Supported Learning student Lucy Mazur.

Lucy, 21, said: “This means a lot. I’ve never got an award before. I am pleased my teachers have recognised me and with what I have achieved.

“I’ve learnt a lot at college and on work experience. It’s made me more independent and confident.”

Shanique McKoy and Joseph Pascoe, from CONEL’s music education partner SoundSkool, under their stage names Shaniqua and Joe.Seph, performed their own compositions Dangerous Me and Changed on the night.

Seven employees at CONEL receive Staff Excellence Awards at the ceremony for their superb work throughout the year, and a further five who have worked or more years at the College presented with Long Service Awards.

Employer Excellence Awards were presented to eight organisations that have worked with the College to offer apprenticeships and work placements - Breyer Group, Eagle Nursery, Halo London, Kelly Rail, St Mary’s CE Primary School, Next Step Support, Price Building Services and Sequence Care Group.

Payal Puri, Senior HR Adviser at Sequence Care Group, said: “This award is great recognition of our partnership with CONEL. We have an excellent working relationship with the College and the apprenticeship training and service has been excellent.”

Entertainment on the night was provided by Shanique McKoy and Joseph Pascoe, from CONEL’s music education partner SoundSkool, under their stage names Shaniqua and Joe.Seph, who performed their own compositions Dangerous Me and Changed.

Principal Andy Forbes said: “I would like to congratulate all our students, apprentices, staff and partner employers and join them in celebrating their success. They can be very proud of their achievements.” 

Matthew Mezza was among the students who took part in a money management workshop run by Barnado's.

Students were given advice on financial planning when they took part in a money management workshop.

The Making the Most of Your Money event run by children’s charity Barnardo’s was held at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) on 30 November.

The programme included a wide range of activities, including calculating finances, spending priorities and budgeting, wants and needs, costs of living and bills, credit cards and loans as well as payslips and wages.

Plumbing student Matthew Mezza, 18, said: “I learnt a lot. The amount of tax you pay is unreal, and once you pay for your rent there’s not much left to pay the bills.

“It made me realise I need a good job to provide for myself, and support a family if I have one.”

Charlie Auburn, 17, who is also studying plumbing, added: “It was a real insight and surprising how easily your spending can become more than your income.

“It was good to know what you actually have to pay for, the amount things cost and what can happen if don’t pay up.”

Barnado’s services help children in poverty, support young carers and help families looking to foster or adopt a child as well as providing education workshops.

John Fisher, Project Manager at Barnardo’s, said: “Young people don’t really get any financial education in school, so we wanted to catch them before they make major choices in their lives whether they are going to work or university .

“We want to ensure they are well prepared and able to support themselves through good money management and get a better start financially.”

Anthony Robinson, Quality and Learner Experience Manager at CONEL, said: “Being able to manage money and make the most of it is an invaluable life skill, and can help set your students up for a happier more fulfilled life.

“It can also help them to achieve their goals and aspirations, and feel more in control of whatever life throws at them.”

Cliff Cowley, Senior Site Manager for Lovell, second from right, shows Supported Learning students around the Electric Quarter development in Ponders End.

Students with learning disabilities found out more about working in construction when they visited a building site in Ponders End.

The group from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) was invited by construction firm Lovell to see the new development at the Electric Quarter.

Last month the Government announced plans to get one million more disabled people in work over the next 10 years.

Senior Site Manager Cliff Cowley gave the Supported Learning students a tour of the site, which will comprise 167 new homes alongside retail and commercial units.

Lovell currently employs apprenticeships on its site and is keen to work with CONEL to offer training opportunities as part of its commitment to draw up to 30% of workers from the local area.

“We want to be a part of the local community and inspire the next generation to get involved and take up careers in construction, and if we can support in any training or apprenticeships we will,” said Sophia Bruce, Regional Training Adviser for Lovell.

“Inclusivity is something we value as a company, and wherever possible we will accommodate people disabilities into Lovell.

“One of our apprentices who is deaf and working on a sites in Woolwich. He is getting on well, and his co-workers are now learning to sign.”

Supported Learning students look around the site and a show home.

Government figures show that while 600,000 disabled people have found work in the past four years, only half are in work compared to 80% of non-disabled people.

Thea Charles, Supported Learning Job Coach at CONEL, said: “Our Supported Learning students study some construction skills and this visit was a great way for them to get exposure to this industry, which may inspire them to consider this as a potential career.

“We’ve also started to build a relationship with Lovell that could lead to apprenticeships and placements for Supported Learning and other learners at the College.”

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

Carpentry students Harley Caplin, back row second from left, Joshua Gudgeon and Lystra Greaves, front row third and fourth from the left, on the stage with some of the people with learning disabilities at Radiomarathon.

Christmas came early for a disability charity in Enfield after a group of Carpentry students built a new stage for its festive show.

Sixteen students from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) spent five days working on the project for Radiomarathon, which provides day care services for around 150 adults with learning disabilities.

The charity’s production A Night at the Musicals on 7 December featured a whole host of festive and musical characters singing seasonal songs and West End showstoppers.

The students spent five days in November building the stage at Radiomarathon’s centre in Enfield, which also includes a ramp for those with mobility difficulties.

Sally Trevette, 32, who attends the centre, said: “It’s very exciting being on the stage. I feel more confident. It makes me feel like a star.”

Students Joshua Gudgeon and Lystra Greaves were among the students involved in the project who are all completing a Carpentry and Joinery Diploma Level 1 at the College.

Joshua, 17, said: “Working on the stage has helped me to develop my skills and experience. It was our first build and we were learning things each day as a team we worked well.

“It’s also been nice to help disadvantaged people in the community, and great seeing their reaction and how happy they all were and knowing we’d done a good job.”

Lystra, 17, said: “It’s helped them and it’s helped us. We got the experience of working on the project, and they are reaping the rewards of using the finished stage.

“One of the guys at the centre said it would definitely not have got done if we hadn’t helped. It’s great to know that we made a difference. They were smiling before, but now they’re beaming!”

Carpentry students Lystra Greaves and Joshua Gudgeon building the stage for Radiomarathon.

CONEL became involved in the project through technology giant Johnson Matthey, which has also provided support to charity through £1,000 in grants for drama, including lighting, costumes and other equipment.

Clifford Tolliday, Centre Manager at Radionmarathon, said: “The stage has really transformed drama for everyone who comes to the centre. It is a really big deal for them. They absolutelly love it. Every lunchtime someone wants to get up on stage and sing a song!

“What the students at CONEL have done for us is amazing. Their professionalism was overwhelming and we’re so grateful that they have done this for us, and want to say a big thank you to them all.”

CONEL plans to continue its support of Radiomarathon by providing Construction students to carry out maintenance work at the centre and get other areas of the College involved.

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

Jessicah Wignal who has secured a place at the University of York to study a law degree, and Rasel Basith who is studying a BEng in Computer Systems Engineering at Queen Mary University of London.

The number of university places being offered to students from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) is on the rise.

The College saw 87.8% of applicants offered places in 2016/17 - more than the previous two years - including entry onto degree courses at Russell Group universities.

CONEL offers a wide range of vocational courses as a real alternative to sixth form study, with high grades on Extended Diploma Level 3 courses the equivalent of three A-levels.

The College also offers Access to Higher Education Diplomas to enable those with no formal qualifications to gain the knowledge they need to study at university.

Jessicah Wignal, 20, secured a place at the University of York to study a law degree after achieving a triple Distinction on a Business Extended Diploma Level 3 at CONEL.

 “When I was applying I only opted for Russell Group universities. It was agonising waiting for my results, but when I realised I had got a place I was over the moon,” said Jessecah, who has deferred her entry to next September to save up for her degree studies.

She added: “The teachers really pushed us to make sure we got the grades we deserved. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I would have made it to university.”

Rasel Basith attained a double-starred triple Distinction on an Engineering Extended Diploma Level 3 at CONEL and is now studying a BEng in Computer Systems Engineering at Queen Mary University of London.

The 21-year-old Italian student began his studies on a Level 1 diploma following advice from teachers at CONEL who felt it would help him understand how things work in English.

“My teachers encouraged me to do well, prepared me for exams and when I was doing my Level 3 they recommended which universities I should go to. I am more than proud of what I achieved at college,” he said.

“It was a good feeling getting into university. What CONEL did for me really helped me a lot. It has made my future much brighter.”

Vocational courses at CONEL include Accounting and Business, Construction, Creative and Media, Engineering, Health and Social care, Hair and Beauty, ICT and Computing, Public Services, Science, Sport and Fitness, Travel and Tourism.

Access to Higher Education Diploma courses are available in Accounting, Computing, Engineering, Midwifery, Nursing, Science and Social Work.

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

Princiapls and vice principals from South Korean vocational high schools visit CONEL.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) welcomed a group principals and vice principals from South Korea this month.

The 25-strong delegation represented some of the top vocational high schools from the Asian country visited CONEL’s Enfield Centre on 19 December.

The visit, led by Chungnam National University and supported by South Korea's Ministry of Education, was part of a one-week research trip to learn about vocational education in the UK and Ireland with a view to implementing best practices in South Korea.

The visiting schools provide training in a variety of industries, including engineering, electronic, motoring, maritime and energy.

The group was given an introduction to CONEL by Vice Principal Kurt Hintz before being taken on a tour of the College's workshops and were shown examples of students’ work.

“We were very pleased to welcome these visitors from South Korea to CONEL,” said Mr Hintz.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for the College to build international links and share our knowledge and expertise of vocational learning.”

South Korean visitors with CONEL staff outside our Enfield Centre.

Creative and Media student Mihai Pirogov films as Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb watches on.

Young film-makers from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) have produced a video backing the lowering of the voting age to 16.

Creative and Media students Mihai Pirogov, Alexander Bernard-Borrell and TJ Akberali and apprentice Henna Abid created the short film in support of the Votes at 16 campaign during a visit to the Houses of Parliament.

Votes at 16 is made up of UK youth organisations, political parties and other supporters, including the British Youth Council, Children's Rights Alliance for England, The Co-operative Group, National Union of Students and the Scottish Youth Parliament.

The film (above), entitled Young Voters Bill, was made following the introduction of a new parliamentary bill to reduce the voting age.

It features interviews with Conservative MP Nicky Morgan, Labour MP Peter Kyle and Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb, who are all in favour of giving 16 year olds the right to vote.

They were asked how education could support the introduction of any new legislation to reduce the voting age, why they felt 16 year olds were mature enough to vote and how giving them the vote would affect their lives.

The video was commissioned by the Association of Colleges and was shown at its annual conference in Birmingham.

Top left, Creative and Media student TJ Akberali filming the video. Top right, Creative and Media student Alexander Bernard-Borrell interviews Labour MP Peter Kyle. Bottom, left to right, Conservative MP Nicky Morgan, Labour MP Peter Kyle and Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb appearing in the video.

A behind the scenes video (below) produced by Henna, 20, showed the three students working on the production and included their thoughts on the campaign.

Alexander, 18, said: “Lowering the voting age to 16 will encourage the youth to learn more about politics. It will become more democratic.”

Mihai, 19, said: “At the age of 16 we can already make life-changing decisions, such as getting married, joining the army and going straight into work. We need to make politics more interactive and appealing to young people.”

TJ, 18, added: “It is not just the elderly’s job to vote. Having more people involved in politics leads to a better government.”

The bill is due for a second reading in the House of Commons in May.

CONEL offers Creative and Media vocational courses at Levels 1 to 3 and also Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma courses.

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

Want to find out more about coming to College or enrol onto one of our FREE courses?

We are going to be at The Mall, Wood Green from 10am-6pm on Monday 15 January through to Saturday 20 January. Each day, staff will be on-hand to talk about our courses and help you book and make an application, and we will also have a wide range of FREE activities throughout the week to showcase what happens at College.

Monday 15 January
Children's stories and activities

Tuesday 16 January
Construction Crazy

Wednesday 17 January
Health checks (blood pressure and lung capacity)

Thursday 18 January
Photoshop Fun

Friday 19 January
Virtual reality

Saturday 20 January
Nail art and manicures

Course Team Leader Anna Salousti is heading up the digital technologies group of the Association of Colleges’ Professional Exchange.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) is taking the lead on a project looking at making the best use of e-learning in further education.

Anna Salousti, Beauty Course Team Leader at the College, is heading up the digital technologies group of the Association of Colleges’ Professional Exchange.

The Professional Exchange is a London-wide networking group that aims to improve teaching and learning through collaboration with fellow professionals.

CONEL is one of 13 training providers that make up the group this academic year, with behaviour management, digital technologies, English and maths, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses, mental health, professional standards and work experience, among the topics for 2017/18.

Anna said: “I have a keen interest in using technology with the Beauty learners I teach to improve the teaching, learning and assessment. 

“I developed my own digital skills through internal and external training, and researching new software applications I think will have a positive impact on education and learner experiences, and share these with my colleagues.”

Anna participated in the Professional Exchange for the first time in 2016 and was very impressed by how effective collaborative working is across the sector.

 “The aim of the digital technologies group is to explore the impact the use of digital technologies has on the learner journey,” she said.

 “We have been exploring the use of Office 365 and e-learning tools and apps to engage learners more effectively with the aim of achieving better outcomes.

“Another part of the project is to research the impact technology is having on education outside the classroom. I am currently in the process of analysing the impact of e-learning assessment tools. 

“So far, I have found there to be a positive impact upon learner interaction and progress not only within the classroom but also at home.

“I’ve seen that the use of apps and websites within my own teaching has greatly increased learner participation and general knowledge and understanding of my subject area.” 

The group will continue to meet this year before sharing its findings and conclusions with the Association of Colleges this summer.

Kath Moore, Managing Director of Women into Construction, inspired attendees to "normalise the position of women” in industry.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) has teamed up with Transport for London (TfL) to encourage women into construction and engineering careers.

The partnership between the College and TfL has been working with not-for-profit organisation Women into Construction to run a pre-employment training programme to recruit women into these industries.

The four-week Women Into Construction, Transportation and Infrastructure programme provides employability skills, the chance to gain a CSCS card to work on building sites and a two-week work placement.

An induction to the programme was held at CONEL on 10 January and gave attendees the chance to find out more about what is involved and hear from some of TfL’s main contractors and suppliers, including Arriva, Bombardier, Dragados and Telent.

Elle Jamison, 39, who attended the event, said: “I’ve been out of work for some time and I thought I would give this a try and see where my skills might fit and maybe learn something new.

“A few of my friends who work in engineering. I’ve always had a bit of a boyish personality and don’t mind getting my hands dirty. The way it was presented to me today, I think this could be a good career for me.”

Aubery Henry, Assistant Supplier Skills Manager at TfL, left, and Karen Page, from Customer Relations at Arriva, centre, were among the speakers at the Women Into Construction, Transportation and Infrastructure event.

Kath Moore, Managing Director of Women into Construction, who taught and studied at the College, inspired attendees at the induction to “normalise the position of women” in industry.

She said: “Fifty years ago you would not have seen a female doctor and 15 years ago there were far fewer female lawyers, but seeing women in these roles is now completely accepted.

“Today is an instrumental part in doing that by changing the mindset of employers to see the value women can bring to their organisation and offering opportunities to them.”

Another former student of the College, Michael Eason, who is now an electrical manager at global construction firm Laing O’Rourke, also spoke at the event.

He told how one highly skilled woman would have “slipped through the cracks” had he not been introduced by Women into Construction.

Aubery Henry, Assistant Supplier Skills Manager at TfL, said: “We know there is a shortfall of women in these industries, so we launched this programme last year to encourage them to meet employers, see what opportunities are available and apply for jobs.

“These are extremely rewarding careers for women where they can earn gain new skills, earn a lot of money and fulfil their work ambitions, while also benefiting from the joy of working in these roles as men have done for years.” 

Childcare student Ayse Kaya climbs a tree as part of the outdoor education activities run by Hackney Forest School.

Childcare students discovered exciting ways to educate young children outdoors on a trip to Hackney Forest School.

A group from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) visited the school, which provides a wide range of outdoor teaching and learning sessions for children and their families, on 26 January.

The school is based at Clapton Park Children’s Centre with sessions taking place in the centre’s landscaped garden and on Hackney Marshes.

The students, who are all studying for a Childcare and Education Certificate Level 3, were led through some of the various activities by Lauren Mills from Hackney Forest School.

They took part in activities, including a nature trail, building a shelter with a waterproof sheet and string, walking along logs, climbing trees, identifying different woodland creatures and creating mud faces.

The students were also told about potential hazards of working outside with children, health and safety and preparing risk assessments.

Top left, Ayse Kaya and Bilqis Kalam. Bottom left, Sarah Jaigirder climbs a tree. Bottom Centre, Ralph Enrile creates a mud face. Right, clockwise from top left: Childcare students Blessing George, Jeannie Weaver, Ayse Kaya, Bilqis Kalam, Sarah Jaigirder and Ralph Enrile.

Childcare student Ayse Kaya, 17, said: “I was surprised at how much you can do outside to educate children, and that you don’t always need a pen and pencil.

“I come from a big family and looked after my brothers and sisters from a young age.

“People say it’s hard work looking after children, but it’s not really if you enjoy it.”

Another student, Sarah Jaigirder, 22, said: “It’s helped me to learn what children can do outside, and how important it is for them to explore the environment.”

Sarah left university to pursue a vocational course at CONEL as she felt the work experience offered would be more beneficial.

“The teaching at CONEL has been great. It’s been the best choice I ever made,” she said.

Also taking part in the activities was student Jeannie Weaver, 18, who has been undertaking a three-day work placement at Hackney Forest School since November.

She said: “It’s the best course I’ve experienced. It’s very challenging, but the teachers never give up on you.”

Left, Sarah Jaigirder balances as she walks along a log. Top right and bottom right, Jeannie Weaver, Ralph Enrile and Blessing George build shelters.

Hackney Forest School was developed as a collaborative project between Hackney Learning Trust and Clapton Park Children’s Centre, which also provides nursery for children at the centre for children from birth to five years.

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

GCSE English student Sahra Abdi gets some creative writing tips from Marcelle Mateki Akita from Afrikult.

Aspiring authors had the chance to put their storytelling skills to the test when they took part in a series of creative writing workshops.

Around 100 students, from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), participated in the sessions in preparation for their GCSE English exam this summer.

The event run by African literature forum Afrikult formed part of Literature Week, one of several enrichment activities organised by the College each year.

Marcelle Mateki Akita and Zaahida Nabagereka, who founded Afrikult, led students through various practical exercises including creating a story around an object, understanding story structure, themes, description and characterisation.

English student Erin Cooney, 16, said: “The workshop was really good. Hearing about the books that the two authors from Afrikult had written was very inspiring.

“I often struggle with coming up with the idea for a story and they gave us lots of tips on how to do that, which will hopefully be useful for the exam.”

Another student, Fardeen Jisan, also 16, said: “It was fun. They did so many activities on description and techniques you can use as well as helping us to understand more about structure and ways to hook in the reader.

I really enjoy creative writing and it was good to get some ideas from other students when they read their stories out. It’s given me a lot more confidence going into the exam.”

CONEL offers both GCSE English and maths both as qualifications in their own right and alongside many of its vocational courses.

The College also runs English for Speakers of Other Languages courses from Pre-entry Level to Level 1

English tutor Pamela Dheer said: “The creative writing workshop was a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their English skills and apply them effectively to storytelling.

“The session was interactive, engaging and fun and has seen many of our students produce more compelling and descriptive essays and stories, which form a key part of their GCSE exam.”

Call 020 8442 3055 or click here for more information on English courses and here for English for Speakers of Other Languages courses.

Over 100 Year 8 students from Duke’s Aldridge Academy attended a special taster day at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London yesterday (Thursday 1 February 2018). Students had the chance to take part in specially designed sessions in carpentry and joinery, engineering, hairdressing, health, social care and early years, media and music technology.

Opening with a presentation from Chantelle Constantinides, who organised the event, students were told about the different options available to them after Year 11, including vocational courses and apprenticeships. Students then went off to one of their two taster sessions.

Students in our hairdressing salons used industry-standard blocks to create hairstyles, using hair straighteners, pins and clips, whilst over in the music technology computer studio, students used Logic Pro to create their own drum beat and bass tracks. Students also used Macs in our media studios to create their own videos and animations.

In the carpentry and joinery workshop, students used constructed a stationery holder using wood, nails and glue, which they were able to take home. Students who chose engineering built electronic circuit boards to control LED lights, whilst the health, social care and early years session gave students some basic babysitting and childcare skills, including reading children’s books with props.

“I had walked past the College, but didn’t know what went on inside,” said Zilan. “I have had a really fun time at the taster sessions and am really interested in coming to College when I finish my GCSEs.”

Eser, Emirdzhan and Aleksi all want to study hairdressing at college to pursue careers in hairdressing and barbering, so chose to take part in the hairdressing taster session. “I had a fantastic time, my cousins came here to go to college so I knew of it and some of the amazing things you could do, but doing it yourself is even better!” said Emirdhzhan. Aleski, whose brother studied at CONEL, added, “College allows you to have fun and be practical and hands-on. I definitely want to come here after I have finished my GCSEs!” Unlike his two friends, Eser had not previously heard about the college, but is now convinced it is the right choice for him and his future.

Deputy Principal, Kurt Hintz said: “The College welcomes requests from schools for taster workshops. The taster workshops are a great way for secondary school students to try the courses CONEL offers. Our staff offer specific practical skills-based sessions in a range of vocational specialisms.”

For more information on our Taster Workshops please click here

As part of National Apprenticeships Week we’re hosting an Apprenticeships Day at our Enfield Centre in Hertford Road on Thursday 8 March.

You’ll have the chance to hear from some of our apprentices and top employers and in the industry, including Siemens, Bombardier, Hitachi and South Western Railway.

Why choose an Apprenticeship?

• Get trained for an exciting and well paid career
• You don’t have to pay any tuition fees
• Gain professional qualification up to degree level
• Get paid a salary while you learn

Schools will be invited from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm, with anyone else invited from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

Register your attendance using the form below TODAY! Please note schools only need to make one registration per class.

Schools Registration Form

6:30pm Public Registration Form

Our Apprentices

“I’ve always wanted to be an engineer and chose to do an apprenticeship because my employer pays for all my fees so I won’t have any debt at the end, and I’m learning practical skills which will help further my career.”

Sophie Davis-Willams
Siemens Apprentice

“I’ve always had a keen interest in how the railway industry works. At CONEL the facilities are amazing. I’ve learnt a lot of valuable things. The teachers are really amazing and have vast knowledge and experience.”

Jordan Narkwa
Bombardier Apprentice

Supported Learning students Lucy Mazur, Ece Serkaya and Chinwoke Edeh at the Houses of Parliament.

Students with learning disabilities were given a tour around the Houses of Parliament ahead of them undertaking work placements at the House of Lords.

Three Supported Learning students from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) took part in the trip to Westminster. 

Lucy Mazur, 22, Ece Serkaya, 23, and Chinwoke Edeh, 20, were invited on the tour after applying to undergo work experience at the House of Lords this spring.

They were shown around by tour guide Tracey West, who told them about the history of the Palace of Westminster and also shared some interesting facts about the building and state occasions, such as the Queen’s Speech.

The students were further told about the artwork and ornate decoration in the different Houses and chambers, and also saw statues of previous prime ministers, including Margaret Thatcher, Clement Attlee and Winston Churchill.

Chinwoke said: “I like the design. It’s a very beautiful building, and it was interesting to hear about how it was rebuilt after a fire. Another thing about the tour I liked was seeing where the Lords and MPs sit and make decisions for our country.”

Left, Tour Guide Tracey West explains more about the histoory of the Houses of Parliament to student Lucy Mazur. Right, Students Chinwoke Edeh, Lucy Mazur and Ece Serkaya look at a wooden model of the Houses of Parliament.

Lucy recently undertook work experience with Kate Green MP and was invited back to Parliament to attend Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons.

She said: “I thought it was really good. I’ve seen it on BBC Parliament and it was very exciting to be there. They talked a lot about Brexit and helping people with disabilities, which was interesting for me.”

CONEL’s range of Supported Learning courses and programmes give students with learning disabilities the chance to gain more independence by developing their work and life skills.

Thea Charles, Supported Learning Job Coach at CONEL, said “The tour of the Houses of Parliament was fantastic and was peppered with some incredible historical facts and stories that the students found both interesting and informative.

“We are very excited that out Supported Learning students will have the opportunity to work at the House of Lords in the near future, which will hopefully inspire them in understanding more about politics as well as giving them the chance to learn new skills.”

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

Students Sian Young and Elizabeth Tesfa try to figure out how to get a straw through a potato as part of an ice-breaker ahead of being introduced to their business mentors.

Business students have told how getting the chance to learn from industry professionals will “open doors” to their future careers.

The students are all members of the Business Management Career Academy at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) run in partnerships with Career Ready.

The Academy gives students the chance to learn and gain advice from mentors from a wide range of employers in the business and finance sector to improve their job prospects.

It also runs work placement programmes with the employers, many of whom work for high profile companies in the City.

Students took part in an ice-breaker in which they had to get a straw through a potato before starting to complete their Career Ready log books, which help prepare them for applying for jobs and the modern workplace.

Malvinas Lukosius, 18, and Gulseren Halil, 17, who are both studying a Business 90 Credit Diploma, both signed up to the Academy.

Malvinas said: “I had friends on the programme last year who spoke very highly of it.

“It will be good to get guidance and a second opinion from them, and learn how my mentor got to the position she is at now and the steps she took to get there”.

Gulseren said: “I see it as a good opportunity to get guidance from experienced people in business and I am hoping it will open doors.

 “It’s been good to be able to express my feelings about deciding which direction to go in, and gain knowledge and guidance from my mentor’s past experience.”

Left, Business student Gulseren Halil introduces herself to the group. Right, student Henry Ngo with mentor Kemi Akerele from HMRC.

Career Ready is a UK-wide charity that has been linking businesses with schools and colleges to help young people gain skills for employment since 2002.

The programme also benefits the employers in being able to talent and develop young people’s skills to give them a head start in their careers.

Student mentor Adeena Wells, a trainee solicitor at international law firm Bird & Bird LLP, said: “It makes me happy to be able to help others, which is the reason I embarked on a career in the law profession.

“It is important to provide young people with opportunities, as they may have potential but need help and guidance to help them to achieve it.”

Anne-Marie Fernandes, Business Controls Manager at Santander, was also keen to pass on her knowledge to students from the Academy.

“I would like to have benefited from these opportunities at the student’s age and had the chance to seize the opportunities and take advantage of them,” she said.

“The potential for creating long lasting relationships can be rewarding for both parties.”

Call 020 8442 3055 of click here to find out more about our Business Management Career Academy.