Free courses result in record numbers of people enrolling at North London’s leading college.

As the academic year gets under way, leading London college CONEL (The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London) are celebrating record student enrolments across both its sites, in Tottenham and Enfield – thanks to the college’s innovative free courses for students who want to study at Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 (Level 2 is equivalent to a GCSE, intermediate apprenticeship or a Level 2 National Vocational Qualification) regardless of their age or income.

As of 26 September, one third more people than last year had enrolled on a course at CONEL.

With the highest student satisfaction rates of any College in England in 2016/17, CONEL offers full and part-time courses for young people and adults of all ages, plus apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships. Subjects range from Accounting, Business and ICT, to Construction and Engineering, as well as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), English, Maths, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, as well as Sport and Fitness and Travel and Tourism… and more besides.  Every year, they give thousands of local people the skills, knowledge and experience they need to succeed at work or progress to university.

Someone already benefiting from a free CONEL course is Adam Sullivan, 33, who enrolled on our free evening bricklaying course last year. Adam has worked in road construction for several years and is keen to move into the building trade. “I wanted to decide what I was interested in rather than diving straight into a course, which can be quite expensive,” he said. “Having a course in the evening meant I could fit it around my work as well.”

CONEL Principal Kurt Hintz said:

“Our college serves Tottenham and Enfield – wonderful areas, but which are also home to some of London’s most deprived communities. Many local families are struggling and when in work it’s often low paid, part-time and insecure. Our research tells us that for many local people, cost is the biggest barrier to them coming to college.

“We know that one of the very best ways to get a job, or a better one, is to boost your skills. Given this, and the real money pressures that many local people face, we’re offering all our entry level, level 1 and level 2 courses free of charge. We were the first London college to do this, and that’s why hundreds more people from our local communities than ever before want to come to CONEL. The big rise in enrolments shows the great impact that free courses are having on local people – giving them more opportunities to boost their skills and get ahead. It also shows that the appetite for learning is as strong as ever.”

Sonja Camara works for 4U2 Newsmag, a community news magazine that serves Haringey. She has worked with many local people who have studied at CONEL and is full of praise for CONEL and its free courses offer.  She said: “People on low incomes have always struggled to pay for further education – it’s a real barrier to getting back into education after school.  But as well as education, a lot of people on lower incomes are isolated and alone, which has a real impact on them and on society too.

“Making courses free encourages more local people to come to college. So, they can get out of the house and make friends as well as learning new skills. It’s a real platform for people to get on, get a job or start a small business to provide for their families.”

So, if college fees were holding you back from embarking on your dream career, you can now get the skills that you need for your future at CONEL. Visit conel.ac.uk to find out more and enrol today.

Nicola Churcher says specialist Teacher Education courses have helped help to become the best teacher she can be.

An English teacher has told how studying two specialist teaching diploma courses has given her the skills to become even better at her career.

Nicola Churcher, 40, successfully completed two Level 5 Diplomas in Teaching English: Literacy and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and Teaching Disabled Learners.

She studied at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), one of a few colleges in London to offer specialist Teaching Education courses.

Nicola said: “Gaining knowledge and experience of both literacy and ESOL teaching has really opened up the opportunities available to me as a teacher. I am able to teach GCSE English, Functional Skills or ESOL, which looks great on a CV.

“Many learners speak English as an additional language, which can be a barrier to their learning. The course taught me ways to approach these barriers and break them down.”

“Likewise the Teaching Disabled Learners course gave me a real insight into the issues these learners face and innovative ways to address them. I knew that the skills gained on this course would be transferable to any teaching job in the future.”

Nicola studied for an Access to Higher Education Diploma at CONEL, then Enfield College in 1999, where she had worked with students with special educational needs (SEN).

She added: “Although I no longer work in the SEN sector, mainstream education has an increasing number of learners with additional learning needs. Just to be aware of how to support these learners has proved hugely beneficial to me.”

Nicola says both courses helped her to adapt the way she delivers lessons and resources to make them accessible to all, which has also led to an improvement in GCSE results.

“I have always strongly believed that the role of a teacher is not just to impart knowledge, but to nurture, guide and support young people in their learning.  

“I am a real advocate of the idea that everybody can reach their full potential in education if the learning environment is right for them. These courses taught me how to create those learning environments so that I can be the best teacher that I can be.”

Nicola studied a Diploma in Education and Training (DET) at CONEL in 2016-17 at CONEL after completing a Certificate in Education and Training (CET) and Award in Education and Training (AET) the previous year.

While studying for her AET and CET she also studied the Diploma in Teaching English: Literacy and ESOL and last year completed the Diploma in Teaching Disabled Learners.

Nicola, who has a BA (Hons) in Communication and Language Studies with Education Studies, has no hesitation in recommending the College.

"The training I had was second to none and set me on a path to the job I had hoped for, as well as gaining additional skills and qualifications along the way,” she said.

“The teachers were supportive, friendly and encouraging in getting me to where I am today.”

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

A Construction Teacher at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) has been named a runner up in the FE Lecturer of the Year category of the prestigious Pearson Teaching Awards.

Paul Oatham, Curriculum Manager for Construction, was shortlisted after achieving a Silver Award but narrowly missed out on a Gold Plato Award at the ceremony at The Brewery in Chiswell Street, Central London, on 21 October.

After the ceremony, Paul said: “It’s been an amazing year! I’m so very humbled to have been nominated for the Pearson Award for FE Lecturer of the Year. Although I did not win the Gold Plato Award tonight, to win a Silver Award was amazing and something I never expected.

“This was a very proud moment for me, seated with amazing teachers who have helped their learners achieve their dreams. I would like to thank my family, students and work colleagues, without whose support I would not be here today.”

Paul's students and the College  nominated him for an award and described him as ‘inspirational’, ‘awesome’, ‘brilliant’, ‘knowledgeable’ and, ‘ supportive’, during their studies.

His creative teaching and learning methods and often self-made resources have had an incredible impact with all his students successfully completing their courses ahead of schedule and progressing onto higher levels of study or employment.

Interim Principal Kurt Hintz said: “We are extremely proud of Paul’s achievement in receiving one of this year’s Silver Pearson Teaching Awards. Paul embodies all that it is to be a teacher at CONEL and his recognition is recognition for all of our teachers who work so hard to inspire students in the classrooms, workshops and workplaces. It’s been a great year for CONEL and Paul’s recognition and award does top it all off. Congratulations to Paul”

The Pearson Teaching Awards will be televised in a programme called Britain’s Classroom Heroes on BBC2 on Sunday 28 October.

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

Molly Napier-Doyle's recreation of the Mona Lisa using burger leftovers and sauces. Inset, Molly creates her artwork.

 A former student from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London has (CONEL) recreated the Mona Lisa using sauces and burger leftovers.

Molly Napier-Doyle, 18, who now studies Art at City and Islington College, which along with CONEL is part of Capital City College Group (CCCG), produced her version of the famous Leonardo Da Vinci painting while out for a meal with friends at her local Wetherspoons.

They were enjoying burgers and cocktails when Molly began to play with the leftovers on her plate at the pub in Holloway Road.

Using the straw from her drink, she shaped the ketchup, mayonnaise, brown sauce and mustard to produce a copy of the classic work of art.

She also produced another portrait of her idol, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, using leftover limes, tomatoes and lettuce leaves.

Molly, who studied at the Royal Drawing School for nearly 10 years, said: “It was just a whim - I was having fun with my friends in a Wetherspoons and thought it would be funny for the waiters to see that when they came to collect the plates.”

Molly’s friends drew the attention of the chefs, who proceeded to take pictures of her artwork, which quickly gained notoriety and was picked up by the media..

The story of her food artwork was covered by The Sun, LADbible and an Indonesian website called detikfood, as well as featuring across social media.

She added: "Frida Kahlo is a face I'm very familiar with because I paint her a lot and I thought that would be a fun one for me. Frida Kahlo is definitely one of my favourite painters.

"I know that the Mona Lisa is such an icon and because Da Vinci is such an old master, I thought it would be funny if it were re-done out of ketchup.”

Left, Molly's winning seasonal greetings card design that she created at CONEL in 2015 and, right, collecting her Excellence Award at the College in 2016.

Molly was a Key Stage 4 student at CONEL where she won a seasonal greetings card competition in December 2015 and received an Excellence Award in 2016 for her achievements at the College.

At the time, she said: “I found all my teachers to be very qualified in their subjects and really enjoyed my lessons and coming into College every day.

“They gave me great one to one support when I was stuck and were absolutely brilliant. Overall, my time at CONEL was a fantastic experience.”

Click here for more information on Key Stage 4 provision at CONEL.

Click here for more information on Art, Design and Fashion courses a City and Islington College.

The Association of Colleges (AOC) hosted the England’s College Football Association (ECFA) men’s phase one trials at our Enfield campus on 25 October. There were four CONEL representatives from the football academy trialling in front of the AOC and Tottenham Hotspur coaches. 

The AOC visits regions all over the country hosting trials for college players. Successful trialists move onto phase two and so on until a 24 man team is created with the best college players in the country. Students can be put forward by their college for exceptional ability.

Charlton Academy goalkeeper and CONEL student Akan George said, “I travel from Harlow everyday to be here (CONEL) because of the good facilities and coaches. I think I played well even though I’m currently injured so hopefully I get through. I also study sports science Level 3 which will hopefully help.” 

Those who make it to the final squad will be rewarded with a football tour of Italy, enrolment onto the group’s training camp with a fixture at St. Georges Park, and fixtures against Australia and Wales in the coming year.

Senior Competitions Officer at AOC sport, Ian Barber, said, “This is the first time we have come to London for a while. Good chance to see the talent in the area and good chance for lads to play at country level. Also great to come to The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London and use their great facilities.”

Trials continue throughout London until 2 November. CONEL have expressed interest in providing facilities for the trials in the coming year.

Jonathan Silman and Darran Brown, who work at The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), have received recognition for contributions to their fields by the college.

Jonathan is the Head of School for Sport, Public Services and Key Stage 4 at CONEL. On Thursday 4 October he was presented with the Newham Community Project of the Year Award sponsored by the University of East London (UEL) at the Newham Awards, for his amazing contribution to the local community.

Jonathan has set-up and runs a borough-wide football programme that offers young people free football activities. Based at the Olympic Park in Stratford, the programme allows people of all backgrounds and abilities to train for free in the local E20 community.

Jonathan said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to UEL for choosing us to receive the award. I’m delighted for all the volunteers; including the work experience learners from CONEL and coaches, because without them, the free football project wouldn’t be possible. A massive thank you to all 750 members that have attended and currently attend. This achievement is for them.”

Darran Brown teaches Public Services at CONEL and specialises in working with people with physical disabilities. Darran is collaborating with Sports Able – a company that aims to promote training fitness instructors who provide a service to clients with disability. They enable the client through health and fitness activities regardless of their disability. Darran and SFE Academy enable the integration of disabled and able-bodied people via training.  His work has been recognised by mainstream health and fitness Workout Magazine, a nationally recognised industry standard magazine.

Darran aims to bring in more equipment and training to our learners to facilitate training sessions with Sports Able at the college.

Kirsten Hutchison has been selected as a winner in the outstanding Academic Achievement category of the Michael Sargent Bursary Awards by OCN London, the qualification and awarding body. She was nominated by Christine Peck, her course leader at CONEL, for producing a great portfolio and gaining multiple distinctions throughout her course.

After raising three boys, Kirsten enrolled at The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London’s (CONEL) Enfield Campus aged 45 in September 2016 to pass her Maths GCSE and re-enter the world of work. It soon became apparent to her that her long absence from work had led to her needing to boost her skills.

Kirsten passed her Maths and successfully applied to do the Access to Nursing course the following September. Kirsten said “The Access course has been an amazing, supportive experience and a fantastic opportunity for me. I’m a mum and a mature student, who did not have the opportunity to do a degree when I finished secondary school. 

“After having kids, I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way to society through the job I did, and so I decided I wanted to be a nurse. Without this course, I would not have been able to go to university and get the skills I needed to fulfil my dream of following a career in nursing.,. 

“Access has opened a door for me to a more enriched, meaningful and fulfilled life, which will also benefit my children and raise their aspirations of what it is possible to achieve in life. 

“Thanks to my successful completion of the HE Access to Nursing course I was able to accept the offer of a place on the full time BSc (Hons) Nursing degree course at City, University of London. This was my first choice university and is ranked No. 1 in London for Nursing study at degree level.”

Kirsten has secured a placement job at the end of her university course, at St Bartholomew’s hospital where she aims to secure a job within respiratory and cardiac or organ transportation teams.

Christine Peck, Kirsten’s tutor, said “It makes me proud to see Kirsten succeed and with moderators saying her work is perfect, I can see why. I am proud of all my class who have all progressed onto university despite difficulties in life.”

If you too would like to study Access to Nursing at CONEL click here: https://www.conel.ac.uk/courses/health-and-social-care/194-level-3/95-access-to-he-nursing-level-3.html

The Michael Sargent Bursary Awards ceremony is at 3pm on Wednesday 28th November 2018.

The cream of the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London’s staff, students and employers were given ‘Excellence Awards’ last night, 5 December, to recognise their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

 Almost 300 people attended the awards ceremony, at CONEL’s Tottenham Centre..

The ceremony began at 7pm with a performance from B2R, a group of City and Islington College students, covering Rude by MAGIC!

Compere for the evening, Reverend Nims Obunge, invited CONEL’s Interim Principal, Kurt Hintz, on stage. Kurt delivered an encouraging recap of the year, congratulating award winners for “shining the brightest” in their discipline.

Nims then returned to stage, handing awards to employer partners, long service staff and staff excellence awards.

(Kurt Hintz Awarding Joe Brennan Training with employer award.)

The interlude performance by Westminster Kingsway College student Paulo Reiss, who sung his own song – Can’t Stop.

Attendees were inspired by a speech from an ex-student Pat Akwenuke about her journey from Apprentice at CONEL to owner of a successful childcare business.

After the break, Rev. Obunge continued with the progression of the ceremony. Students received trophies to celebrate their achievements, coupled with short statements from the teachers and tutors who had made nominations.

The ceremony ended on a softer note, with the presentation of the Paul Head Award, taking its name from the late former Principal of the college. Potchu Mendes Calucane received the award for his efforts as an athlete, captaining the college’s football academy throughout the last academic year.

The Ceremony was closed by a speech from Sarah Ebanja, Chair of the CONEL Local Advisory Board and a Capital City College Group Governor.

Kurt Hintz said “Excellence awards is always my favourite night of the year where we get reminded of how brilliant our students really are! A wonderful evening oozing with talent and energy, congratulations to all the award winners.”

Creative and Mediia students produced a festive show as part of the new CONEL Creative Hub.

A Christmas variety show was among the first events produced by a new creative hub at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London has launched

The hub has been set up enable students to enhance the skills, knowledge and expertise they need to work in the media and gaming industries.

It includes a production company to offer real work experience and skills workshops along with networking and other events to give students more opportunities for their chosen careers.

This festive show at CONEL’s Tottenham Centre on 20 December featured chat, live music and games including blindfold present wrapping and eating the most doughnuts in a minute.

Students scripted, presented, filmed and live edited the show.

They group scripted and decided the running order and used three cameras, sound equipment and an app called Live:Air Action to live edit the show with others taking on roles as presenters.

Vytaute Lukauskyte, 18, and  Elod Szarvas-Kovecsi, 22, who are both studying for a Techincal Diploma in Digital Media Production Level 2, were involved in the production.

Vytaute, who directed the show, said: “It was the first time we had done a live event. I wrote the script, planned how the set would look and made sure all the cameras and everyone were in the right place at the right time.

“It was quite stressful and a real test of my organisation skills. There is always room for improvement and I have learnt from it so I can do better.

“The teachers here are always there to support you and the College has all the equipment you need to learn the skills for your future career.” 

Elod, 22, who co-presented the show, said: “There were some last minute changes to the script and it was quite loud so I had to stay calm and improvise.

“I really enjoy the way we are taught at CONEL. The teachers take care of you. You get to actually practice what you study so you know how to use the skills you’ve learnt in real life.”

CONEL offers courses in Media Production, Games Design and Music from Levels 1 to 4.

Sharon Wallace, Curriculum Manager for Creative and Media, said: “The live show was part of a series of events we have organised as part of the CONEL Creative Hub.

“To date we have also put on four successful workshops run by media professionals to develop skills needed in the industry today and beyond, such as social media marketing, pod-casting, games, film, animation and radio production.

“This has been achieved through our links with companies such as The Third Floor and BBC Podcasting who will be working with us again in the New Year.”

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

We offer FREE Creative and Media courses up to Level 2. Click here to find out more.

If you would like CONEL’s Creative and Media students to cover your event, please email creativehub@conel.ac.uk

Once again The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) is running their student mentor programme with Career Ready, to prepare students for working life. The students met their mentors for the first time on 14 January 2018 at CONEL’s Enfield campus.

Career Ready are a charity that offers a combination of group activities and employer engagement opportunities to prepare young people for the world of work. CONEL have worked with Career Ready for 6 years, offering students who successfully apply for the programme a mentor working in the sector they are interested in. This group of mentors work for household names, including Lloyds Banking Group, Santander Bank, HMRC, Pertemps Recruitment, Kaplan Financial and HM Treasury.

Students were introduced to their new mentors before watching a presentation by ex-mentee, Fatima Beedsay, who participated in the programme last year. She showed the new cohort the experiences they would be exposed to and the transferrable skills they would learn on the way. She rounded off her speech by saying “This programme has helped me with many things especially my public speaking. After never doing any, three presentations later and I am here in front of you today.”

CONEL’s Programme Coordinator, Betty Benjamin told us: “This programme really sets students up for their future. Some students who have been on the programme before have gone on to university, apprenticeships and full time work.  It builds confidence and opens students to the world of work, and is a great opportunity for them to start building their network.”

In their pairs, mentors and mentees then took part in an ice breaker quiz.

The event ended with a lunch, which was another opportunity for each student mentee to get to know their mentor and build rapport. Mentor Jane Penn, who was also part of the programme last year, said: “I think it’s a really valuable programme for both me and my mentee, I learn so much from them and it allows me to see what my mentee’s weaknesses and strengths are and help to build their confidence and bring them on to the next level.” 

For more information on the career ready programme or to be part of the next cohort please contact Betty Benjamin (BBenjamin@conel.ac.uk).

CONEL is foffering more Free Short Courses this year.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) is offering even more free short courses in 2019 following a successful first year.

Last year around 40% of those taking the courses went on to full-time study at the College.

Courses usually run between four and 22 weeks throughout the year, including some available at evenings and weekends.

Courses this winter include Accounting, Bookkeeping, Forklift and Warehousing, Construction including CSCS Card, Door Security, Hairdressing, Beauty, Health and Social Care, Childminding, Computing, English, Maths, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Modern Foreign Languages and Fitness Instruction.

The College is also offering Women Into Construction courses for the first time this year, including Brickwork, Plumbing, Carpentry and Painting and Decorating.

Elizabeth Minter, 54, who studied a carpentry course last year used her new skills to build a lean-to at her home.

She said: “It’s been brilliant. It’s given me the confidence to know I can pick up a drill or a jigsaw and use it, rather than having someone else do it.”

For others, like Natalie Galloway, 36, the decision to do a bricklaying course was not just about learning new skills.

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

The College will also be offering free full-time courses up to Level 2 for anyone aged 19 or over this September for the second year running.

The initiative was hugely successful last year and resulted in enrolments to the College increasing by a third.

Interim Principal Kurt Hintz said: “We were thrilled with the success of the free short courses and that so many people who attended went on to study further at CONEL.

“We are continuously offering a wide range of these courses this year, which are a great way to gain new skills for employment of for a personal project.

“By offering these courses free of charge, we are making a real difference to people’s lives and our community.”

Click here to see our current free short courses and book a place today.

“I’m no good with maths”

“Maths just isn’t my strong point”

“I don’t do maths!”

How often have you heard statements like this – maybe from your children or members of your own family? Maybe you’ve even said something like this too?

In the UK, it seems almost OK not to be good at maths. Where we would hide in shame (and many people do sadly) if we couldn’t read, many of seem to be fine with having a similar lack of maths skills.

More worryingly, this lack of skills is affecting students’ wellbeing and self-esteem. Every year, over 300,000 young people resit their GCSE maths and, worryingly, some 19 year olds are now on their sixth or seventh maths GCSE resit.

The maths skills crisis is harming people’s job prospects too. If you want a job – almost any job – you need some fluency in maths.

So, something needs to be done. The Capital City College Group runs three London colleges and, just before Christmas, staff from City and Islington College staff joined their colleagues from CONEL and Westminster Kingsway colleges at a maths conference organised by the Group. Our aims were to highlight the issue and help our staff to raise their game, by learning from each other and sharing the best of what they already do.

At the conference, which we believe was the first of its kind, staff heard from leading maths experts and representatives from Pearson and MEI (the A Level and GCSE maths assessment body). Our aims were to highlight the issue and help our staff to raise their game, by learning from each other and sharing the best of what they already do. The video below explains more of the rationale behind the conference.

Sheila Rai (Head of School for English and Maths at CONEL) said: “At CONEL we offer foundation and higher maths courses. It’s really important for learners who are looking at higher education, university, an apprenticeship or employment to have the right maths skills and a sound qualification.

“The purpose of the conference was to meet colleagues in the other colleges and have those discussions about how we can all work with our learners and stretch and challenge them. So for our resit students, we’re saying that you can try the higher qualifications, not just foundation course.”

Delegates were exposed to a smorgasbord of ideas to help them enhance their practice and help students boost their skills, self-esteem, and their grades. They got advice and guidance on the new Functional Skills reforms and learned strategies to help students break out of their negative thinking around maths and gain the skills that they need. They also left armed with a toolkit of resources for teaching, learning and assessment. We also learned from delegates that they have a huge appetite for embracing technology into teaching maths.

We even learned this amazing method of multiplying the tricky numbers from 6 to 10! Try it!

We were delighted, but not entirely surprised, by the success of this event, and we are planning a similar conference later this year for our English provision.

By Julie Sinclair, Head of Development and Innovation Unit at Capital City College Group

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) has become one of the first Mayor’s Construction Academy (MCA) hubs.

CONEL successfully bid to be one of six MCA Hubs after gaining the Mayor of London’s MCA Quality Mark in recognition of its high quality training in July 2018. 

Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, launched the hubs at City Hall on 25 January, which was attended by CONEL Interim Principal Kurt Hintz, Assistant Principal Marcia Summers and Glen Lambert, Head of School for Construction.

The MCA hub programme will see a £300,000 investment in construction training at the College, which has centres in Tottenham and Enfield.

CONEL was backed in its application by many leading construction employers, training providers and local authorities, including Kier, MIT, Sir Robert McAlpine, The institute of Concrete Technology, Middlesex University, Evolve Apprentices, Women into Construction as well as Haringey, Enfield and Camden Councils.

Mahroof Anwar, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Kier, said: “We look forward to a close working relationship with the hub to ensure a skilled construction workforce is sustained for London, and working closely with hub partners to provide sustained training and employment opportunities.”

Raman Mangabhai, President of The Institute of Concrete Technology, said: “We are committed to working with the College and its partners to ensure more Londoners train in the skills they need to access construction related vacancies.”

Mark Booth, Employment Services Delivery Manager at Camden Council, said: “Delivering a skilled construction workforce is a priority for Camden, and we look forward to working closely with CONEL to provide employment opportunities for local people.”

The MCA programme aims to:

• Boost the number of skilled workers and opportunities in construction, particularly for women and those from black and ethnic minorities.
• Provide more high-quality training and initiatives across the capital to give Londoners the skills needed to enter and progress in construction.
• Increase collaboration in the sector, particularly between small and medium sized businesses and construction skills training providers.
• Support the development of training provision for the construction of more prefabricated housing in London.

The theme of CONEL’s hub is Building Services and will primarily focus on mechanical and electrical training along with building information modelling, building management systems, prefabricated manufacture, quantity surveying and construction, and site administration.

This will add to the College’s apprenticeship provision and range of construction courses in brickwork, carpentry, plumbing and electrical installation, which are free to 16 to 18s and for adults up to Level 2.

The College also offers a wide range of free short courses, and recently launched a series of Women Into Construction courses following the success of the MCA hub bid.

Assistant Principal Marcia Summers said: “We are excited to be named among the Mayor of London’s first construction hubs. It is a real testament to the exceptional training we already provide at CONEL and our reputation in the industry.

“We have already made a start in offering short construction courses specifically for women. It is our hope many of them will progress to mainstream courses and gain professional qualifications within the construction industry.

“The MCA scheme also enables us to work with a much wider range of construction employers and offer more training provision to meet their demands and address the shortage of skilled construction workers in London.”

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.

Knife-crime is in the news seemingly every day and London’s young people are bearing the brunt of knife-related crime. Tottenham MP David Lammy has repeatedly called for more to be done to tackle the crisis and it is a key priority for London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan too.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) recognises that knife and serious crime is increasing in London and more needs to be done in regard to prevention activity. The fact is you are three times more likely to be stabbed if you carry a knife.

On Wednesday 28 November 2018, we hosted a Question Time-style event focusing on issues of knife-crime and gang violence. It brought students, staff and local organisations together and aimed to facilitate open discussion over the issues, hear the facts about knife crime and how to stay safe.

Learners posed questions to the expert panel and shared their experiences with them. The panel chaired by Reverend Nims Obunge, outlined the threats, influences and ways the community could take direct action and preventative measures to address the awful waste of life and serious life changing injuries inflicted almost daily on the streets of London. Yvonne Lawson gave a heart breaking account of her experience as a mother losing her son to a fatal stabbing in 2010 and the impact of knife crime on families.

  CONEL student Syed Salam said:

“This was an excellent event for us as young people to hear about the effects of knife-crime on families and the wider community.

“Also, hearing from various organisations that are involved in tackling knife crime at a grassroots level was good, as I now know what they are doing, and how I can get involved in helping to reduce knife crime in my community.”

In spring 2018, the College supported Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s campaign to clamp down on knife crime, educating students about the risks and consequences associated with carrying a knife.

Back in March, CONEL students shared their views with the Godwin Lawson Foundation, which helps young people find opportunities 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.

Yvonne Lawson returned as a panellist at our Question Time event in November 2018, alongside Chairperson Reverend Nims Obunge (College Governor), DI Timothy Tubbs (British Transport Police), Franklyn Addo (Homerton Hospital), Kwabz Oduro Ayim (CEO, Mixtape Madness), Royston John (CEO, National Coalition-Building Institute), Junior Smart (Founder, SOS Project) and Dr Angela Hervet MBE (Vice Chair, Knife and Violent Crime Prevention Group).

Anthony Robinson, Head of Learner Experience Manager at CONEL, said, “giving students the opportunities to discuss their views and opinions of the issues of knife and gang crime is key to developing solutions for this growing problem.

“At CONEL we are passionate about ensuring that our students have a strong voice to effect change. We have received funding from the Mayor’s Young Londoners Fund to help us develop activities for our students that will deter them away from getting involved in criminal activities and make better life choices.”

A group of local actors performed their debut play “Pattern Up” to over 100 students last week (Tuesday 15 January 2019) at The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London’s Tottenham centre. The play was written by one of the stars of the show Marika McKennel and is based on the real life experiences of co-stars and community activists Ken Hinds and June Tutt.

“Pattern Up” is a new play impacting on young African Caribbean men and women in Haringey, exploring themes of family, violence, race and personal redemption.

The play, named after British slang meaning to respect your elders, follows the lives of stars, Merika McKennell, Jae Marcus X, Ken Hinds, June Tutt and Efeosa Afolabi, and the story of the two young boys living in London and how their choices effected those around them. The play starts with a mother and father (June and Ken), sending their eldest son (Jae) to Antigua after he narrowly escaped jail for gang violence. The story then follows Jae’s younger brother Efeosa and friend Marika as they continue down the same criminal path as Jae while Ken and June act as narrators for the story, showing the effects the boy’s actions have on them and those around them.

As the story progresses, Efeosa and Merika decide to rob a corner store , which results with Efeosa dying. The story is concluded by first son Jae, returning from Antigua and trying to redeem himself. Jae delivers a powerful speech to the audience about how you can change no matter what you have done previously.

Student Osman Abdikarim said “I think it was really touching. In my area there isn’t that much violence, but this has shown me what is happening in London and how to prevent it. Other schools should definitely have this.”

Anthony Robinson, Head of Learner Experience Manager said “Activities like these give our students the opportunity to reflect upon a wide range of social issues affecting our local communities and to engage in exploring solutions.”

Star Ken Hinds said “the theme is very dear to me due to how the story relates to me. It also holds the historical tragedy I feel I still hold which I don’t want to project onto my children. We as a society can address these issues in different ways such as this play rather than just through lessons in a classroom at school.”

18 year old CONEL footballer Romans Andrejevs has secured a professional contract with top-flight Portuguese side Maritimo.

Romans joined CONEL’s Charlton Athletic Football Club Development Squad in 2017 and is currently studying a Sport First Diploma with us. He explained that, after playing for a professional team and the Latvian national under-16 side, he decided to move to the UK “because there is more opportunity to play here”. 

He went on to say “I live with my sister here in England. I played for West Ham foundation for 1 year then moved to CONEL and have played here for 2 years” Josemar Santos is CONEL’s head coach and worked with Romans at West Ham before his job here.

He said: “Josemar has helped me understand the game better. The college has outstanding facilities, the teachers are excellent and I’d fully recommend anyone looking for a career in sport to attend CONEL.”

Romans trials for Maritimo were at the end of January. He trained with the under-18’s but coaches quickly moved him to play with the under-23’s as he was dominating the field. After trials Romans was offered a professional contract and is just waiting to complete his international clearance before he can return to Portugal.

Coach Josemar said “I have worked with Romans for three years now, he is a great learner of the game. I am proud to see him move on.”

If you would like to follow in the footsteps of Romans and many of the other great players we have had here at our Charlton Athletic Football Club Development Squad, click here: https://www.conel.ac.uk/for-learners/sports-academies/2577-football-academy-charlton-athletic-fc.html

Agnieszka Sandak took a free English course at CONEL to help  get support for her son.

Agnieszka Sandak chose to return to education to improve her English to enable her to better support her autistic son.

Born in Poland, her knowledge of English made it complicated in getting the help she needed from social services, charities and other organisations.

Agnieszka, 43, who studied a Level 1 Functional Skills course in English, 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.”

Adnieska is one of a growing number of adults who are returning to education at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) to gain new or improve their existing skills.

Some have used them to boost their career prospects or help with their everyday lives, such as a DIY project or to improve their English or maths to help their children with their homework.

Geoffrey Forde, 45, who studied a Level 2 Plumbing Diploma, said: “The teachers really sparked my interest. The course was very practical and informative, and it has really increased my confidence.

“There was really positive atmosphere in the classroom and workshop, and a great camaraderie between the students.”

Geoffrey Forde studied a plumbing diploma for free at CONEL.

CONEL became London’s first free college in 2017-18, offering all its adult courses from Entry Level to Level 2 for free, resulting in a third more enrolments.

Free part-time evening and weekend courses were also added to CONEL’s provision, with some 40% of those studying these courses having gone on to further study at the College.

These now include a series of Women into Construction courses as a result of extra investment following CONEL becoming one of the first Mayor of London’s Construction Academy hubs.

Elizabeth Minter, 54, who studied a carpentry course last year used her new skills to build a lean-to at her home.

She said: “It’s been brilliant. It’s given me the confidence to know I can pick up a drill or a jigsaw and use it, rather than having someone else do it.”

For others, like Natalie Galloway, 36, the decision to do a bricklaying course was not just about learning new skills.

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

CONEL offers free courses in Accounting, Business, Construction, Media Production and Games Design, Engineering, English and Maths, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, Computing, Music, Public Services, Science, Sport and Fitness, Travel and Tourism and Teacher Education.

The College introduced the free courses in response to more adults being trapped in low skilled, low paid jobs, ot who may have been put off by the cost of returning to education or felt they did not have the time to study.

Interim Principal Kurt Hintz said: “Affordability is one of the main barriers to many wanting to go back into education. Previously, adult learners would have to cover the cost of their studies out of their own pocket.

“At CONEL we wanted to remove this barrier to give everyone the chance to get back into education, regardless of age or income, knowing that education is the key to accessing higher paid jobs and getting ahead.”

Click here to apply for a course at CONEL or click here for the free short courses.

CONEL is holding an Open Day on Saturday 9 March from 10am to 2pm. Book here to fast-track your entrance on the day.

If you can’t make it the College is also open every Monday during term-time from 4pm to 6pm.

Aspiring engineers can find out more about rail and other engineering apprenticeships and careers from top industry experts next month.

In the run-up to National Apprenticeship Week, the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) will be holding a rail and engineering day at its Enfield Centre in Hertford Road on Thursday 28 February.

CONEL is home to the London Rail Academy, run in partnership with the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR).

Last year the College scooped the Training Provider of the Year award at the NTAR Apprentice Awards, which also saw CONEL apprentice Chris Redshaw, 17, win the Apprentice of the Year award.

Attendees will have the chance to hear talks and discuss opportunities with representatives from employers including Siemens, Bombardier, Hitachi, Eurostar, Alstrom and Miele.

Schools and colleges are invited to attend the event at the College from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Other prospective students and apprentices invited to come with their parents the same day from 6pm to 8pm.

Last year more than 500 attended a similar event at the College, which boasts some of the best engineering workshops and training facilities in London.

Siemens apprentice Sophie Davis-Williams, 20, said: 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.”

Bombardier apprentice Jordan Narkwa, 23, said: “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.”

National Apprenticeship Week is a government initiative that celebrates all apprenticeships and encourages people to choose this pathway to a career.

This year the event runs from 4-9 March.

If you or your school is interested in attending the event, please contact Barry Connelly, Director of London Rail Academy, at bconnelly@conel.ac.uk

On Thursday 7 February 2019 students at The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London’s Tottenham Centre took part in an LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and others) workshop to mark LGBTQ Month and to better understand what it’s like living as a member of the LGBTQ community.

As a nation we pride ourselves on our tolerance, but according to the most recent Government National LGBT Survey in 2017, almost a quarter (24%) of LGBT people were not open about being LGBT with their own families, and more worryingly, 40% had experienced an incident because they were LGBT, such as verbal harassment or physical violence, in the previous year.

More LGBTQ+ people live in London than any other part of the country. So, to raise awareness of the challenges that the LGBTQ+ community face every day, the Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT), an LGBTQ+ charity formed in Manchester in 1989, visited CONEL to deliver the workshop and educate students on their work.

Jason and Zoe from AKT facilitated an open and honest chat in which students were able to learn from each other by sharing their views, knowledge and experiences.

The workshop discussed around what the acronym LGBTQ+ stands for. After this the room was divided into groups where they completed task such as listing LGBTQ+ celebrities and discussing images of key moments in LGBTQ+ history.

CONEL student Mateusz Tylman said: “The workshop was very informative and helped me understand more about what the LGBT community is. I will keep in mind all the stereotypes people talk about and be more aware of how they can offend others.”

Zoe from ATK said “I am inspired by the ways communities face the challenges they now come across and especially how young people respond to those. We are particularly important as a charity in terms of supporting vulnerable communities and tackling these tough issues.”

If you missed this event don’t worry, we have drop in sessions with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation (THF) every Thursday 12-2pm. THF are running 1-2-1 confidential meetings for CONEL students with experienced LGBT coordinators. There will also be a youth group activity, that will take place on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 4:30pm.

To find out more please contact Leah Stone on leah.stone@tottenhamhotspur.com or 07384 817 763.

Ex-student Akash Ruparelia has made history by becoming the first ever fully qualified chartered accountant to graduate from the Leadership Through Sport & Business (LTSB) programme

Akash, 23, says he felt lost after failing his first year of college but was given a second chance to succeed by LTSB, who helped transform his life.

LTSB is a unique scheme that provides bright, underprivileged youngsters with unique opportunities and access to business and finance careers with major firms. LTSB prepares young people for the world of work and provides support throughout the first year or more of their employment. LTSB has worked with The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London for a number of years now offering these fantastic opportunities to its students.

Akash, who was part of the first group of young leaders to join the programme in 2012, said: “I went to The Magna Carta School in Staines where I got good grades and then went onto college but after a few weeks I knew it wasn’t for me. I stuck at it but ended up failing my first year.

“I was at a really low point but then I started looking into apprenticeships through the National Apprenticeship Service and came across LTSB. As well as always being good with numbers, what really caught my interest was that I’d be working with Tottenham Hotspur Foundation as part of the programme. I thought if they’re associated with a top football club they must be credible and so I took the opportunity and it paid off.

“I found the last five exams to become a fully chartered accountant really tough, the final stage took a lot of hard work just to get over the pass mark. I was doing weekend tuition and staying late at work, it was hard.

“I knew I was on track to be one of the first to qualify but it was never the aim however it’s a nice thing to know, especially being on the first year of the programme where there were so many talented individuals.”

LTSB offers intensive training with blue-chip companies and elite football foundations, which helps young people develop personally and professionally, preparing them for the business world.

He added: “It was brilliant to do social action in the community with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, I didn’t know Premier League clubs had outreach programmes, it was very eye opening. I was coaching football in local schools and it was great to get an FA Level 1 coaching badge and help the local communities surrounding the club.  On top of working towards getting my accountancy qualifications with the College of Haringey Enfield and North East London (CONEL), it was important to learn new skills as part of the course, skills that are transferable into a business environment.”

LTSB placed Akash in an apprenticeship scheme with BayernLB to study AAT Level 3 and 4.  After that Akash went on to work for Royal Windsor Racecourse and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, before securing a role as a Financial Analyst for global firm, Johnson & Johnson.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for Akash, he found the transition to working in a big company difficult but this is where the support system from LTSB and CONEL made a massive difference.

He said: “Everyone was just so helpful, right from the top with David Pinchin, the founder.

“David gave me a second chance. I can’t thank him enough for setting up LTSB. I wouldn’t have been accepted onto any other programme like this because of my grades but they saw the potential in me. When I joined the LTSB programme I had a goal, something to work towards and without David I wouldn’t have had this amazing opportunity.”

“It’s been hard but I’m reaping the rewards now. It was surreal to be offered a position at Johnson & Johnson as a Financial Analyst 8 months ago, especially after being told by my sixth form tutors at college that I wouldn’t be successful unless I went to university.  I’m thrilled to be working for one of the largest and most globally recognised companies in the world, it’s an incredible feeling.

“To anyone thinking about joining the LTSB programme I would say do it. Having accountancy qualifications gives you such a great foundation and means you can work in virtually any business.”

If you would like to be part of the LTSB programme or to find out more visit their website: https://www.leadershipthroughsport.org/