Brandon Wilkins has won gold in the English Karate Federation National Championships.

British junior karate champion and College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) student Brandon Wilkins has won his first English title.

The 17-year-old fighter won gold in the junior under 68Kg category in the 16 to 17 age group of the English Karate Federation National Championships at Leicester Arena on 15 April.

Brandon, who was ranked 49th in the world for his size and weight in 2017, secured the victory in his last year as a junior fighter. He will fight at senior level when he turns 18.

He said: “I am very happy and proud to become English champion. It’s my first time I have won this competition and it’s good to win it in my last year.

“Every time I have competed in this competition before I have finished second or third, so it was nice to finally win it.”

“I trained well and made sure I was focused, fit and well prepared. I felt confident going into the fight and beat my opponent quite easily.”

Brandon Wilkins training at CONEL.

Brandon achieved a gold medal in the junior British Karate Federation 4 Nations Championships in 2017 and believes the win will spur him on to retaining his title in May.

The annual tournament includes fighters from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“I won the British championship last year and looking to defend my title,” said Brandon, who is studying for a Sport 90 Credit Diploma Level 3.

“With the other nations competing it will be tougher, but I’m looking forward to it. I look forward to every competition.”

CONEL runs a Martial Arts Academy in partnership with the English Karate Federation, which includes professional coaching, physiotherapy and nutrition advice.

For more information on the Martial Arts Academy call 020 8442 3673 or click here visit www.conel.ac.uk/martial-arts-academy.html.

CONEL also has a Sports Scholarships Programme to elite athletes like Brandon worth up to £2,500 a year for competition and training expenses. For more information visit www.conel.ac.uk/sports-scholarship-programme.html.

Science student Naomi Conlon made a discovery in the fight against cancer.

A young scientist from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) has made a major breakthrough in the fight against cancer while on work placement.

Naomi Conlon, 17, made the discovery with scientists undertaking genetic research at MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, part of Imperial College London.

The research used experiments with E. coli to reveal some of the information that regulates genes can also damage DNA, which may explain why this information is lost in cancer cells.

Scientists believe this will give them a much better understanding of what happens in the early stages of the disease.

Naomi, who is studying for an Applied Science Extended Diploma Level 3, is expected to be named as a co-author in a leading scientific journal, in light of the findings.

She said: “I never expected anything like this. I thought I would be just watching the experiments, but I have been involved in everything we did. It feels great to have contributed to a scientific breakthrough that could help fight cancer in the future.

“I’ve been using different pieces of equipment, taking part in experiments and presenting my findings at lab meetings. It’s been an amazing experience.”

Naomi Conlon in one of CONEL’s fully equipped science laboratories.

Naomi is completing the placement as part of a pilot of new T level study programmes, which will incorporate a significant work placement element.

She said: “I really enjoy science because there are so many questions that need answering, and it can also be very exciting and rewarding when you discover something new.

“The course at CONEL is really varied with experiments, presentations and assessments in biology, physics and chemistry, which help you to understand in more depth.

 “The teachers have been great and there is a really friendly atmosphere here.”

Naomi hopes to study a degree in sports science at university when she finishes her diploma at CONEL and has aspirations to become a physio or sports psychologist.

MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences undertakes a wide range of research into genetics to advance understanding of biology and its application to medicine.

Dr Peter Sarkies, from MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, said: “I have been very impressed with Naomi.

“She is a dedicated and conscientious student who has proved herself to be a real asset to my research team and a great ambassador for the T level programme as a whole.”

CONEL offers Applied Science diploma courses from Levels 1-3 as well as an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Science.

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

CONEL backs Mayor of London’s London Needs You Alive anti-knife campaign

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) is backing the Mayor of London’s anti-knife campaign.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is urging young people to use social media using to show their support using the hashtags #LondonNeedsYouAlive and #LNYA.

Teenagers are being asked to share the YouTube video below on Facebook and Twitter or post their own photos and videos with positive messages about why London needs them alive and why they don’t carry a knife.

They are also being asked to follow LondonNeedsYouAlive on Instagram and post messages and images using the same hashtags.

Metropolitan Police figures show that in the 12 months to February 2018 knife crime increased in London by 26 per cent with Haringey and Enfield both seeing sharp rises.

The Mayor has pledged to better target criminals, offer ways out of crime, keep weapons off London’s streets, protect and educate young people, stand up with communities against knife crime and provide more support to victims of knife crime.

Left, ex-offender Paul warns students of the serious consequences of carrying a knife last autumn. Right, students Shannon Berry and Jason Guerra share their views as part of a consultation on knife crime earlier this year.

CONEL students have been proactively involved in the fight against knife crime.

In March they were invited to share their views as part of a wider consultation for a Knife Crime Action Plan commissioned by Haringey Council.

The information was being gathered by Godwin Lawson Foundation, which supports young people in Tottenham and Enfield to achieve their potential by providing them with positive opportunities to keep them away from crime.

The charity was set up by Yvonne Lawson, the mother of 17-year-old Godwin Lawson who grew up in Tottenham and was killed in a knife attack in 2010.

Last autumn students also heard about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife from an ex-offender who was jailed for life for stabbing a man to death.

The session was organised by the charity London Village Network, which offers young people support with their personal development, career advice, gaining new skills and social issues.

Click here for more information on the London Needs You Alive campaign.

Plumbing tutor Paul Oatham, who has been nominated for the Further Education Lecturer of the Year in the Pearson Teaching Awards, with some of his students.

 A plumbing tutor at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) is in the running to be named Further Education Lecturer of the Year.

Paul Oatham has been shortlisted in the Pearson Teaching Awards 2018 after being praised as a ‘wonderful and inspirational’ teacher by his students and colleagues.

The Pearson Teaching Awards recognise the outstanding work of exceptional teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers and further education lecturers across the UK. 

Rachel Joseph, 46, who is studying a Plumbing Diploma Level 2 after completing a Level 1 last summer, was one of the students who nominated Mr Oatham for the award.

She said: “I’ve never had a teacher like Paul. He cares for every one of us and goes out of his way to explain what we need to know and help us through our exams. He is a great support and mentor.

“He sends us videos of what is coming up on the course and makes sure everything is ready. It’s all there, step by step. He’s very inspirational and motivates his students, and just a wonderful teacher.”

Award nominees for the Further Education Lecturer of the Year are judged based on the learning environment they have created, teaching and learning, working with others, assessment and their contribution outside the classroom.

CONEL also nominated Mr Oatham who was awarded a Staff Excellence Award by the College in 2017 where he was described as “a brilliant teacher”.

Torcato Coutinho, Head of Teaching and Learning, wrote: “When I first met Paul I knew he was a special lecturer. He came to my office to introduce himself when he first joined the College and spoke about his love for teaching with great passion and commitment in a way I had not heard for some time. 

“Paul is an inspirational lecturer. He empowers and motivates everyone he engages with. These qualities are just a few of the many he exhibits with all of his and other students, every single day.”

Mr Oatham, who joined CONEL in September 2016, said: ““I believe passionately in teaching and learning, and it’s unbelievably humbling to be recognised and be put forward by this group of learners and the College for this award.”

Judging will take place during April and May with the winners set to be announced on 22 June.

One hundred years after his bravery in France, Alfred Herring’s commemorative stone was unveiled at the Tottenham War Memorial outside the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London last month (Friday 23 March).

On 23/24 March 1918 at Montagne Bridge, France, the enemy had gained a position on the south bank of the canal and Second Lieutenant Herring's post was surrounded, but he immediately counter-attacked and recaptured the position, together with 20 prisoners and six machine-guns. During the night, the post was continually attacked, but all attacks were beaten off, largely because Lieutenant Herring was frequently visiting his men and cheering them up. It was owing to his bravery and magnificent handling of his troops that the enemy advance was held up for 11 hours at a very critical period.

This picture shows attendees including Alfred Herring’s family, the mayor of Tottenham and Tottenham Hotspur ambassador Ledley King standing around the commemorative paving stone.

The ceremony included prayer, speeches and hymns, which lasted around 30 minutes. Tottenham Hotspur ambassador Ledley King was there and even spoke to some of our students about the event. He said “It is important for us to come together as a community to remember the heroic actions of Alfred Herring and reflect on the incredible courage displayed by him and many others 100 years ago.”

CONEL Students pictured with Ledley King, left to right: Beyzadin Emmanuel, Ledley King, Kell, Bruce.

After the ceremony the Mayor invited attendees to join him in the town hall for tea and coffee.

To keep up with all other news and events that happen in and around the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London follow this link: https://www.conel.ac.uk/news-events/news-archive.html

If you are interested in studying a course at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London please click here: https://www.conel.ac.uk/courses.html

*Source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Cecil_Herring

*Source for quote http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/club-pays-its-respects-to-tottenham-war-hero-230318/

CONEL students Kiera Holmes, Ledian Hoxhaj and Melany Monteiro Moniz, who are calling for the public’s support to win this year’s Big Idea Challenge.

A group of Business students want the public to help them win a competition by voting for their idea for a new safety product inspired by the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Kiera Holmes, 18, Ledian Hoxhaj, 20 and Melany Monteiro Moniz, 22, are representing the College of Harngey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) in the final of the 2018 Big Idea Challenge.

Their idea, a Safety Jumping Bag (SJB), is a giant airbag that can be deployed in situations when fire and rescue services cannot reach people, such as in a fire or earthquake, to enable them to jump from buildings without harm.

Seventy-one people lost their lives and 70 more were injured in the fire at the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block in North Kensington in June 2017.

The students, who are all studying Business 90 Credit Diploma Level 3, are up against 20 other colleges from across the UK.

Ledian said: “Our idea is based on the concept of film industry stunt people jumping from high rise buildings onto safety bags. The product has the same design and would be made of fireproof fluorescent material with built in sprinklers.

Melany added: “We’re aiming to sell this product to developers who would pay the full amount, directly to councils and governments for half price and the fire services, who will have a mobile unit on the back of their trucks.”

The students initially had to submit their idea and identify how it resolved a problem met a need as well as its customers and how it will make money.

They then developed it at a boot camp hosted by NatWest bank, where they received coaching and mentoring from business professionals to develop their ideas before creating the short video pitch below.

The winning team will win prizes including free websites, internships and business mentoring to help turn their idea into a reality.

The Big Idea Challenge is run by London Metropolitan University and invites teams from further education and sixth form colleges to develop and pitch business plans.

Jackie Mitchell, Head of School for Business, said: “We are very proud that our students are among the finalists of  the Big Idea Challenge for the second year running. They have done so well to get this far.

“It is s a fantastic competition and a great opportunity for students to show their creativity and innovation while developing their skills in business. They have come up with a brilliant idea, and we hope as many people as possible vote for them to win.”

To vote for the CONEL team go to http://bigideachallenge.co/finalists-2018/idea-8. Voting closes at midnight on Wednesday 25 April.

The idea with the most votes will be crowned the People’s Choice winner at a gala awards night on Thursday 26 April.

Business students Natalia Ender and Travis Pantel on work placement at Crutch Haringey.

Big-hearted students have been undertaking work placements at a charity offering a lifeline for people in need in north London.

The group, who are all studying Business at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), gave their time to support Crutch Haringey earlier this year.

The organisation, run by Citizens Advice Haringey, provides practical support for people in the borough experiencing financial hardship or crisis.

The four-year project helps families with essentials such as food, clothing and shelter, as well as advice and guidance to get them back on their feet.

During their placements the students carried out a wide range of tasks, particularly around promoting the organisation, including marketing, publicity and social media campaigns.

Travis Pantel, 18, who is studying an Introductory Diploma in Business Level 1, said: “I’ve never worked for a charity before and it was a good experience to get involved and find out how they get support and fundraise, while also being able to help people less fortunate than myself.”

Crutch Haringey supported 436 residents in 2017 by providing 401 emergency food bags and 451 free meals.

Earlier this year it was named The Mall Wood Green’s Official Charity of the Year 2018.

Dean Wigzell, Team Leader at Crutch Haringey, said: “As a project we are always keen to work with other local organisations as they can provide the type of local knowledge we need to give the correct level of support to our clients.

“We aim to empower the community with the ability to support itself, and the opportunity to work with the next generation to help them to understand the issues being faced in their neighbourhoods can only be positive for the future.”

CONEL offers full-time business courses from Level 1 to Level 3 as well as a pre-apprenticeship course in retail and full apprenticeships with a range of companies.

Anne-Marie Melbourne, Employer Engagement Officer at CONEL, said: “We’re very proud at CONEL to support our local community and provide all kinds of work placements for our students to develop their skills, including at organisations like Crutch Haringey where voluntary help is most needed.”

Come to our Open Day on 12 May from 10am to 2pm or click here for more information about Business courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) student Olinda Quispe Lopez has her blood pressure checked by Loyce Walker, Health Champion at the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.

Students had the chance to get their blood pressure checked as part of a week encouraging them to lead healthier lives.

Health and Wellbeing Week at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) featured stands from various community organisations.

These included One You, Embrace UK, Insight, Bringing Unity Back Into The Community, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust.

Hairdressing student Mujgyan Handi. 17, said: “I was surprised that my blood pressure was okay because sometimes I think it must be low because I feel dizzy.

"It’s good to be able to get it checked at college. It’s important to look after yourself.”

The themed week also included a session by Haringey Council on the dangers of alcohol abuse.

One You is a project run by the NHS in partnership with Reed Momenta and London councils to provide healthy lifestyle and wellbeing programmes to residents.

This includes health checks along with advice and support to eat well, get fitter, drink less, quit smoking, reduce stress and sleep better.

Vivienne Rochester-Clarke, Health Champion for One You, said: “We had a lot of interest from the students. They were keen to know what programmes were near where they live that were inclusive and free or at little cost.

“This was a great opportunity for us to encourage them to do something for themselves to improve and better manage their health and get active.”

Health and Wellbeing Week is running from 23-27 April and is one of many enrichment activities held at the College throughout the year.

CONEL is to run courses in cybersecurity.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) is to offer courses in cybersecurity following a surge in cybercrime.

Five-week evening and Saturday courses for IT employees of small and medium-sized businesses to give them the knowledge and to better protect their businesses IT systems and data will run regularly from July 2018 to February 2019.

Ten-day courses lasting two weeks will also be available for unemployed adults from July 2018 to March 2019 to enable them to gain the skills to get a job in cybersecurity.

Figures released by the Office for Nation Statistics (ONS) in April show that ‘computer misuse crime’, which refers to any unauthorised access to computer material, rose by 36% to 22,154 offences in the year ending December 2017.

This was largely due to a 74% rise in hacking of social media and email over the same period to 7,792 offences.

The ONS believes these numbers only represent a small fraction of all computer misuse as many incidents are not reported.

There was also a large rise of 53% in computer viruses reported last year, including several high-profile attacks and security breaches on national institutions, such as the NHS cyberattack in May 2017.

Over half (56%) the frauds reported in 2017, 1.3 million incidents, were cyber-related.

The course is being funded by the Skills Funding Agency and a successful bid for a £25,000 grant from the Government’s Flexible Learning Fund, specifically for adult education.

The CONEL cybersecurity courses are one of 32 projects to receive funding from the £11.7million Fund.

The courses have received the backing of Integral Security Xssurance, risual, Rinova, Haringey Council and Jobcentre Plus.

Torcato Coutinho, Head of Teaching and Learning said: “We want to engage adults to develop their digital and cybersecurity skills. There are currently more than 2,000 cybersecurity and business transformation vacancies in London alone.”

“The course for IT employees will enhance their practical skills and knowledge of cybersecurity business practices, offered as a Level 3 accredited unit, while the other course will be offered through Jobcentre Plus to support those who need to retrain or upskill to re-enter the workplace or to progress onto further study programmes.”

CONEL runs training courses for employers in the public and private sector, including local government, professional services, healthcare, financial, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, security and travel and tourism.

Come to our Open Day on 12 May or call 020 8442 3055 to find out more about both cybersecurity courses and other training opportunities at CONEL.

Oscar-winning producer Gareth Ellis-Unwin, centre, with Anurah Farrell, Simone Dawkins and Rochelle Laurencin, from Creative Skillset, right, and, left, CONEL students Simon Hall, Costantino Zachariou, Ryan Thompson, Maria Jose Carvajal Gomez, Camerie Houston and Fatou Sarr Ndao.

An Oscar-winning film producer inspired students at a Film and TV Careers Day at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

Gareth Ellis-Unwin is best known as the producer of The King’s Speech, which won four Oscars including best picture at the 2011 Academy Awards.

He visited the College in his role as Head of Film at Creative Skillset, which supports the development of skills and talent in the creative industries.

Mr Ellis-Unwin told of his passion for film and how he studied for a BTEC National Diploma in Media and then an HND in Programme Operations.

He then landed a job as an office runner for a film company, which set him on the path to become an assistant director and eventually a producer.

“There is a job within the screen industries for anyone who is willing to put in the time and commitment. Like anything, it comes with hard work," he said.

Left, Gareth Ellis-Unwin talks to CONEL students at the Film and TV Careers Day. Right, Rebecca Wordingham, Studio Manager at the London School of Media Make-up, third from left, with CONEL students Paula Dillion, Dzhanan Nazif and Ana Debelakova.

The day focused on the wide range of career opportunities within the film and TV business, including hair and make-up, set design and special effects.

It featured presentations from organisations including the BBC, London Film School, Association of Motion Picture Sound (AMPS), London School of Media Make-up and visual effects company The Third Floor.

Simone Dawkins and former CONEL student Anurah Farrell told how they had taken part in a film making boot camp with Creative Skillset, which led to them getting work as runners in the industry.

Simone’s first job was working as a wardrobe assistant on a TV movie called It’s a Lot, which was partly shot at CONEL, before becoming a runner for TV programmes such as Saturday Kitchen and The Russell Howard Hour.

Anurah, 29, who recently worked on a film called Rellik, said: “I studied music here and how to put music to film, which made it easier for me to edit clips.

“It doesn’t matter what course you are doing – hairdressing, construction, accounting – you can transfer those skills into the creative industries.”

The BBC Academy is to run a three-day summer film school at CONEL with the London Film School and the Royal Television Society in July.

Students will learn to shoot and edit films on their mobile phones and have the chance to showcase their work.

Come to our Open Day on 12 May or click here for more information on Creative and Media courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

Kelly Rail apprentices with Rail Engineering tutor Grant Lee, left, and Stuart Bruce Jones, Signalling Delivery Manager at Kelly Rail, and Philip Constable, Managing Director of Kelly Rail, right.

Newly-hired rail engineering apprentices are set to work on one of the biggest signalling projects on London Underground.

The group, who have all been offered apprenticeships with Kelly Rail, began their training at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) on 30 April.

Kelly Rail is part of Kelly Group and one of the largest rail contractors in the UK, specialising in signalling, telecommunications, electrification and civil engineering.

The group is made up of seven apprentices, training as rail signalling engineering, four in quantity surveying and one as an accountant.

They will be working out of Kelly Rail’s Edmonton depot and be involved in the project to improve signalling on the Circle, District, Metropolitan and Hammersmith and City lines.

“I’m really excited and can’t wait to get started,” said Rail signalling apprentice Connal Liles, 24, who was previously working as a commercial assistant at Kelly Rail.

“I love the challenge of working on big projects. It’s a great to see things through from start to finish. I’ve spoken to people who have worked at Kelly Rail for over 30 years and know this is a real chance not just to get a job, but a career.”

Quantity surveying apprentice Erblin Bashota, 19, secured a temp job with Kelly Rail after completing a pre-apprenticeship with the company and CONEL last year.

He said: “I started in the office and the more I learnt, the more I got to like and understand the job and knew it was something that I wanted to progress as a career.

“I want to get as much experience as I can, so I can stay with Kelly Rail.”

Muhammad Ali, 21, completed his rail engineering apprenticeship in April after being taken on by Kelly Rail with five other CONEL apprentices last year.

He said: “There is a lot of work out there in the rail industry here and abroad. It can be challenging and no two days are the same, and it’s a good long-term career to have.

I really learnt a lot on my apprenticeship. I can’t thank Kelly Rail and my teachers at CONEL enough for giving me the opportunity to prove myself and achieve my goals.”

Former CONEL rail engineering apprentice Muhammad Ali, second from right, with Grant Lee, Rail Engineering tutor Grant Lee, left, and Stuart Bruce Jones, Signalling Delivery Manager at Kelly Rail, and Philip Constable, Managing Director of Kelly Rail, right.

The apprentices were recruited through Capital City College Training (CCCT), the training arm of CONEL’s parent group Capital City College Group (CCCG).

While working at Kelly Rail the apprentices will train with CONEL and Westminster Kingsway College, which is also part of CCCG, along with City and Islington College.

Philip Constable, Managing Director of Kelly Rail, said: “Last year we took on six apprentices from CONEL and it was so successful we wanted to continue to work with the College.

“Our relationship with CONEL is very good. The talent that we have come across has been excellent and why we are keen for more of the same, if not even better.”

Come to our Open Day on 12 May or click here to find out more about Rail Engineering training at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

Supported Learning students Joseph Rweyemamu and Caroline Talabi at Vinnie’s Community Café.

Students with learning disabilities from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) have spent the past year running a community café.

The group has been cooking food and serving customers at Vinnie’s Community Café in Ponders End, a project run by the Ponders End Community Development Trust (PECDT).

The students, who are part of a Supported Learning Work Skills Programme, run the café each Monday from 10am to 2pm, with other organisations providing catering on other days of the week.

They have learnt how to cook dishes including chilli con carne, pasta bake, chicken curry, fish and chips, spaghetti bolognese, cakes and fruit tarts, as well as how to prepare tables, food hygiene and customer service skills.

Caroline Talabi and Joseph Rweyemamu prepare vegetables and Nickesha Campbell bakes a cake.

Student Nickesha Campbell, 29, said: “It’s fun working in the café. I’ve learnt to cook lots of different types of food with my friends.

“I also enjoy talking to the customers. They say it’s delicious and that they will come back soon. It makes me feel very happy that they love our food.”

Another student, Joseph Rweyemamu, 32, added: “We have learned to cook some nice, healthy food that is good to eat by ourselves.

“My cooking has improved a lot, and the customers say it’s lovely.”

Supported Learning student Canan Dogan serves customer Eddy Langsdon at Vinnie’s Community Café.

PECDT is a voluntary organisation that works to improve the quality of life in Ponders End by making it a better and safer place to live, work and study.

The café is located at its offices in Nags Head Road, which along with the Trust’s other site at The Qube is home to many other community activities, from health and wellbeing workshops and fitness classes to police surgeries.

PECDT Co-ordinator Maria Aciyan said: “We were looking for groups or individuals to run our café, and delighted that the CONEL students were able to come along every Monday.

“They have learnt some great culinary and customer service skills, while at the same time supporting their community, so this has been a real win-win for everyone.

“We have had some terrific feedback from customers using the café, and hope that this partnership with the College will continue for many more years to come.”

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

English and maths student Ewelina Kurzdym celebrates with son Archie.

A group of mums who went back to class to improve their English and maths received certificates at their children’s school after passing their exams.

The proud parents studied and completed Level 1 and Level 2 courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

They were presented with their certificates at Carterhatch Infant School in Enfield at a special assembly led by Headteacher Adrienne Barrell, which included a song by the pupils.

Agnieszka Sandak, Hadiyah Alami, Alexandra Kaylan, Ewelina Kurzdym, Semra Aksoy, Hatice Aksoy, Ioana Dae, Ferdese Germizi and Esther Onochie were all commended.

Polish-born Agnieszka, 43, who is mum to Kamil, four, said: “I wanted to improve my English and have more confidence with social interaction with friends, and to help my autistic son.

“The course was amazing and the teacher was perfect and so helpful. My English was already quite good, but it has definitely improved a lot.”

Ewelina, 34, who is also from Poland and mum to Archie, four, said: “I’m very happy I did the course. We had a very good teacher who explained everything very well and always had an answer if we had a problem.

“I never thought I would do maths again in my life. Even in my own country I wasn’t very good, so I never thought I could do it in a different language, but I did it!”

Hadyiah Alamin, Agnieszka Sandak, Ewelina Kurzdym, Alexandra Kaylan, Semra Aksoy and Ioana Dae with their certificates for English and maths.  

CONEL has been working with the school in Carterhatch Lane for three years to provide English and maths courses following a request by parents.

Jeanette Fuster, Family Support and Outreach Worker at the school, said: “CONEL has been brilliant. The courses help parents get back into work, and give them an attitude for learning, which helps them become great role models for their children.

“We’ve helped parents get into work. They say the difference for them is that their children are proud of them and want to learn, because they see them working and also learning.

“I’m really happy for the parents who received their certificates this morning. You could see how proud they were of themselves. It is really important to celebrate their achievements because it encourages them to go further and have that love of lifelong learning.”

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

Supported Learning students Jamal Junkere and Eriola Krasniqi water plants in the garden.

Students have created a stunning new garden at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

Construction and Supported Learning students have spent the past three months landscaping an area at the College’s Enfield Centre into a beautiful haven.

The garden features a stone centrepiece surrounded by eight troughs containing a plethora of plants with other shrubbery around the outside.

Construction students renovated and painted a shed, painted the plant troughs and also created three wooden benches and a table out of old pallets.

Supported Learning students have been busy weeding as well as planting, watering and tending to the various shrubs and vegetables in the garden.

Andi Durici, 18, who is studying a Construction Skills Diploma Level 1, said: “Making the benches and table was a good chance to put the skills we’d learnt into practice. It was good fun and I think they turned out really well.”

Supported Learning student Michael Ackah, 18, said: “We’ve been learning about health and safety in the workplace and the garden. We’re growing cabbage, carrots, leeks and beans, and take it in turns to look after them and water them each day.”

Construction students Andi Durici, Daniel Meniru and Indrit Fsharri with the garden furniture they have made and shed they have renovated.

The garden will continue to be used by Supported Learning students, who all have some form of leaning difficulty, to learn and develop their skills.

Anita O’Sullivan, Curriculum Manager for Supported Learning, said: “The students have worked tremendously hard to transform what was just a derelict site into an absolutely fantastic and spectacular garden in just a couple of months.

“It will not only be used to help Supported Learning students, but also provide a lovely environment for staff and students at the College to enjoy.”

New CCCG Chief Executive Officer Roy OShaughnessy.

Following an extensive search, the Capital City College Group (CCCG) is delighted to announce the appointment of Roy O'Shaughnessy as its new Chief Executive. Roy will start his new role early in the autumn term. The Group’s current Chief Executive Andy Wilson is retiring, but will stay on until Roy starts to facilitate a smooth handover.

Currently the Chief Executive Officer of Shaw Trust – a national charity committed to helping transform the lives of young people and adults – Roy brings to CCCG a wealth of high-level experience across a range of sectors.

Shaw Trust provides specialist services to help young people and adults gain an education, enter work, develop their career, improve their wellbeing or rebuild their lives. He has been The Shaw Trust’s CEO for the past six years, helping the charity to grow and diversify into a £250 million organisation with over 3,500 staff.

Roy O'Shaughnessy said: “I am excited to be joining one of the UK’s largest college groups and look forward to meeting staff across the Group and its colleges. I am sad to be leaving Shaw Trust after a decade, but pleased that I leave it in great shape and on track to achieve its ambition of helping transform the lives of one million young people and adults each year by 2022.”

Alastair Da Costa, Chair of the Capital City College Group, said: “Roy was the outstanding candidate during our extensive selection process. He has great leadership presence, is values-driven and has an ambitious and visionary sense of how CCCG should develop its ambition.”

“It is an exciting time for CCCG, its staff, students and many stakeholders. We have a record number of learners and a renewed focus on upskilling London’s workforce for the post-Brexit era – something we are perfectly placed to do. I would like to thank our current CEO, Andy Wilson, for his role in leading the Group through its first two years. Roy has the experience and desire to continue to move the Group forward and the Governors and I are looking forward to working with him.”

Andy Wilson, the outgoing Chief Executive of the Capital City College Group said: “I am tremendously proud of all the CCCG senior team, staff and Governors have done to create London’s leading college Group and look forward to passing it in to such capable hands when Roy takes over the CEO role in September.”

Free Courses at CONEL in 2018-19.

Students will be able to study for free at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) for one year only.

Anyone 19 or over will not have to pay tuition fees for all full and part-time courses from Entry Level to Level 2 at Tottenham and Enfield for 2018-19.

Students who are 16 to 18 already pay no fees.

To get the course for free, prospective students must fulfil the entry requirements of their chosen course, complete an eligibility-residency assessment and, if working, provide a copy of their latest payslip.

CONEL offers a wide range of courses in Accounting, Business, Construction, Creative and Media, Engineering, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) English and Maths, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Health and Social Care, Childcare, ICT and Computing, Music, Science, Public Services, Sport and Fitness and Travel and Tourism.

Deputy Principal Kurt Hintz said: “Adults have been telling us that education is too expensive and many are trapped in low paid, low skilled work.

“So next year we’ve decided to offer all of our Entry, level 1 and level 2 courses for free.

“We want to give as many people as possible the chance to study and gain extra skills without worrying about the burden of tuition fees.

“Our superb courses are taught by excellent tutors, many of whom have worked in the industries they teach and are experts in their field.

“Come to CONEL and see yourself by taking advantage of this fantastic opportunity to boost your skills and employment prospects.”

CONEL was recently named the best college in England for student satisfaction and was top in London for employer satisfaction for a second successive year.

The College is rated ‘good’ by Ofsted following its most recent inspection and had an overall pass rate across all curriculum areas of 91.9% in 2016/17.

Level 3 courses and above will still require payment of tuition fees.

Click here or call 020 8442 3055 for more information about our courses. Alternatively, come to one of our Open Days every Monday from 4pm to 6pm.

Hairdressing students with their creations on a wedding theme and their teachers.

Love was in the hair as students created a beautiful collection of bridal styles on a wedding theme.

Aspiring hairdressers from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) took part in an end of year fashion show on 8 June.

They used various techniques to create their styles, chose dresses and applied make-up to complete their looks, which will form part of their course assessment.

Monica Nicolaou, 20, who is studying an Advanced Technical Diploma in Hairdressing Level 3, created a hairstyle based on the idea of a music festival wedding.

She said: "I chose to study at CONEL because of its amazing reputation. My mum studied GCSEs in English and maths here recently, so I knew it was a good choice.

“I have been amazed with what I have learned in the past two years, we have had demos, theory and practical sessions, and the tutors have been really supportive."

Salma Bangura, 27, who is studying the same course, was a full-time mum before returning to education to pursue her passion for hairdressing.

She described her style as blending African goddess with London chic.

"Coming to college has been the best thing I've done, the theory is great. I've improved my skills and learned so much,” she said.

“I'm very, very happy. If anyone is thinking about coming to CONEL, I’d say definitely do it – it can make your dream a reality."

Left, Salma Bangura makes some final touches to her look, and right, Monica Nicolaou starts work on her style

The trainee stylists and their models later took part in a runway show to show off their creations at the Style Zone salon at CONEL’s Tottenham Centre.

Joan Bardouille, Course Team Leader for Hairdressing, said: “Part of the remit was that the styles had to be avant-garde and good enough to feature on a magazine cover, and I think students really achieved that and exceeded our expectations.

“Their styles looked beautiful and very professional, and really showcased their skills and talent.”

Click here or call 020 8442 3055 for more information on Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy courses at the College of Haringey Enfield and North East London (CONEL).

We’re offering FREE Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy courses up to Level 2. Click here to find out more.

Plumbing students were hown around the Tiger Way development by ane Group Building Services.

Plumbing students experienced what it’s like to work on an industrial scale when they were given a tour of a major construction site in Hackney.  

The group from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) was shown around the Tiger Way development by subcontractor Kane Group Building Services.

The Hackney Council project being led by construction firm McLaren comprises a primary school with two 14 and 11-storey residential towers combining a total of 89 apartments to be used as social housing.

Representatives from Kane Construction Services, which is the mechanical and electrical subcontractor for the development, explained to the students how it was installing boilers, pipework and other plumbing works on the site as well as giving them a talk on health and safety.

Student plumbers Geoffrey Forde, Darren Thomas and Scott Munro, who are all studying for Plumbing Diploma Level 2, were extremely impressed with what they had seen and heard on the visit.

Geoffrey, 44, said: “The site visit to Hackney was very beneficial and gave me a good understanding on what happens on an actual site, and was really useful in helping me to prepare for my career.”

Darren, 35, said: “I have family in the trade already. Today has been inspirational for me towards working in my future career.

Scott Munro, 32, added: “My training at CONEL has been fantastic. My teacher has supported me in and out of college. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Students heard about installing boilers, pipework and other plumbing works on the site as well as health and safety.

Kane Group Building Services has been established for more than 40 years and specialises in mechanical and electrical systems as well as design and facilities management.

Paul Oatham, Curriculum Manager for Plumbing and Electrical Installation, said: “The students got to experience so much when attending the site, which brought together everything we have taught them this year.

“They couldn’t stop talking about the visit, reciting what they had seen, what had been learned and more importantly what they now need to do to be successful in their construction careers.

“We are hoping to continue this relationship with Kane into next year. The benefit of their knowledge and permitting our students to see real world situations is immeasurable.”

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

We’re offering FREE Construction courses up to Level 2. Click here to find out more.

Hairdressing students took part in a competition on an avant-garde bridal theme.

Hairdressing students created a collection of stunning bridal looks with a difference when they took part in a college competition.

Students from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) were asked to produce an avant-garde bridal style, which reflected a mood board of their ideas.

Many of the looks took inspiration from the seasons with autumn, winter and summer popular choices, while others looked to nature, including a peacock and butterfly designs.

Students produced some incredible styles for the competition.

Kamila Zhuraeva, 34, produced the winning style inspired by a summer hanging basket with her intricate towering hair design, and her model wearing a flowing lilac dress adorned with colourful flowers.

She said: “I am very happy to have won. I did not have time to look at the others because I was concentrating so much on my own work, but looking at them now they’re all beautiful.

“Everyone really deserved first place, it was just my day.”

Second place went to Rositsa Angelova, 30, for her autumn fairy look, which featured a bird’s nest design on a huge beehive style and her model wearing an autumnal coloured dress decorated with leaves.

She said: “I’m very happy. I practised the braiding at home so I did not feel rushed and luckily everything went right. Everyone has done amazingly well, and it’s given me a lot of confidence.”

Kamila was presented with a first prize of a pair of hair straighteners and hair products donated by hairdressing suppliers Chris & Sons in Enfield, with Roseta receiving a pair of straighteners as runner-up.

There was also a prize of a pair of curling tongs for the best mood board, which went to Marinela Trendafili, 34, who also created an autumnal themed look.

Some of the styles created for the competition.

The competition was judged by Yvonne Stevens, from Chris & Sons, special occasion hair specialist Lynn Bayford and former art student Pinar Azizoglu.

On behalf of all the judges, Lynn said: “The standard of the students’ entries was amazing. Each year it just gets better and better.

“Their inspiration and creativity was excellent and reflected their mood boards perfectly. They had clearly all worked very hard and put in a massive effort.”

Hairdressing students and their models.

Maria Hadjinicolaou, Curriculum Manager for Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, said: “The students all did amazingly well. They should be very proud of themselves.”

Click here of call 020 8442 3055 or click this link to find out more about our Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy courses.

We’re offering FREE Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy courses up to Level 2. Click here to find out more.

Level 2 Nail Technology Group students are offering you the chance to get summer ready with a full set of gel nail extensions, a relaxing hand massage and the application nail varnish all at a discounted price.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) students will be providing this fantastic opportunity for a limited time only.

Treatments will take place at the Tottenham Centre on the following dates:

Tuesday 26^th June

Thursday 28^th June

Tuesday 3rd July

Thursday 5^th July

The cost of the treatment is £9.00 or £7.50 for staff.

If you want to like to book an appointment please call the Style Zone reception on 0208 442 3031.