The event took place on 22 April at Errigal Academy in London and brought together some of the region���s most talented construction apprentices and trainees to compete in one of the UK���s most respected skills competitions.

Max had never entered the competition before, making his first place finish an exceptional achievement. Damian, who had previously competed in SkillBuild, used his experience to deliver another strong performance and secure second place.

Both students are completing their training at 窪圖勛蹋厙 while working as apprentices with Locker & Riley, a specialist decorative plastering company with a long-standing commitment to craftsmanship, technical excellence and workforce development.

Delivered by SkillBuild, the competition challenges apprentices to demonstrate high levels of technical ability, precision and time management under pressure. Competitors in the plastering category were given six hours to complete a demanding project designed to test Level 2 industry skills, including skimming, rendering, floating and fibrous plastering, while working to tight tolerances and professional industry standards.

Max���s first-place finish now puts him in contention for a place in the SkillBuild National Final this November, subject to achieving one of the highest qualifying scores nationally.

Steve Plummer from Locker & Riley said: ���We recruit around three to five new apprentices each year through our in-house training programme to help continue the art of plastering. With around 140,000 vacancies currently across the construction industry, it���s vital that we continue developing skilled individuals for the future. The success of both students reflects not only their individual dedication and talent, but also the high standards of training, professionalism and industry partnership that continue to drive success at 窪圖勛蹋厙. Max has made an excellent start to his career. He is keen to learn new skills and embraces challenges in a positive way. I���m sure he will continue to grow into a fantastic tradesman.���

His tutor, Les, added: ���Max works very quickly and his attention to detail is excellent. He has a fantastic attitude, great attendance and a high level of skill.���

Max said: ���Since starting my apprenticeship, I���ve become deeply invested in progressing and achieving as much as possible in the trade. The team at Locker & Riley and my college tutor, Les, have been incredibly supportive throughout.���

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Alongside her studies at the University of Greenwich, Lily spoke about how her ambassador role with the OddBalls Foundation has opened up exciting opportunities, including sponsored trips, networking experiences and the chance to develop leadership, communication and public speaking skills while supporting an important national campaign.

The session brought together around 25 students from Health and Social Care, as well as learners from IT and Business, for an engaging and informative discussion focused on the importance of men���s health and early cancer detection.

Organised with support from Beth Alexander at the OddBalls Foundation, the event provided students with valuable resources and practical advice. During the session, Lily spoke openly about testicular cancer, highlighting how important it is for young men to regularly self-check for any changes and to seek medical advice promptly if anything unusual is noticed.

Through discussion, activities and a question-and-answer session, students were encouraged to challenge stigma surrounding men���s health and to have more open conversations about topics that are often overlooked.

The session made a real impact, with many students surprised to learn how common testicular cancer can be among young men their own age.

One student commented that they had always assumed testicular cancer was something that affected older men, adding that the session had encouraged them to take self-checking more seriously and to talk to fathers, brothers and other family members about the importance of early detection.

Their teacher, Merle Fleming, said: ���As part of their final Health Promotion assignment, our Health and Social Care students will now build on what they have learned by planning and delivering their own large-scale health awareness event in the foyer at Hammersmith in June. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting while raising awareness of important health issues across the college community.���

The event, which will be open to all students, will feature interactive stands, competitions, games and opportunities to speak with students about a range of health topics, with a particular focus on men���s health awareness”.

The project aligns with the UK Government���s new 10-year health plan, which identifies men���s health as a key priority for improving awareness, early intervention and long-term health outcomes.

Lily has also confirmed that she will return to the college for the event, accompanied by additional ambassadors from the OddBalls Foundation, helping the students bring this important message to an even wider audience.

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The Futsal Academy enjoyed an outstanding season, winning six of their seven fixtures. Their only defeat came in a tightly contested final game against Peter Symonds College, a single result in an otherwise dominant campaign that saw them crowned league champions and, ultimately, AoC National Futsal League Champions.

This achievement reflects both the rapid growth of the Futsal Academy programme and the high standard of performance being developed among student-athletes. After finishing mid-table the previous season, the programme placed a strong focus on player development and building greater squad depth, a strategy that has paid off in the most historic way possible.

Captain Luigi said: “Winning the national title is something none of us will ever forget. We’ve grown so much as a team this year and to make history for the college is a moment we’ll be proud of for the rest of our lives.“

Programme Lead and Head Coach Dylan Villalobos added: “I’m incredibly proud of every player in this squad. When I think back to where some of them started and see the confidence they carry themselves with now, both on and off the court, it’s been a real journey. They’ve worked extremely hard throughout this process, trusted what we’ve been building, and they fully deserve this moment.”

The success extends beyond the court, with a number of players progressing on to higher education. Several are heading to Loughborough University to study Sports Science and Sports Coaching, while others are continuing their studies at the University of West London across a range of courses.

The Futsal Academy trains twice per week, with sessions focused on technical and tactical development. Alongside their sporting commitments, players study the Sports Coaching and Development Level 3 qualification, enabling them to develop as both athletes and future coaches and sports professionals.

The programme has also established clear pathways into higher education and the wider game, including links with Roehampton University, ProjectLDN, and clubs across the English football pyramid – providing students with genuine opportunities to progress into university study, coaching, and competitive football.

Looking ahead, the Futsal Academy will return next season to defend their AoC National Futsal League title. The college also runs in-house tournaments each term, open by invitation to all 窪圖勛蹋厙 students, creating further opportunities to compete and engage with the college���s sporting culture.

This success represents more than just a trophy. It highlights the college���s commitment to developing students both on and off the court, supporting them to build confidence, discipline and the skills needed to progress in sport and beyond.

The victory is a significant moment for student-athletes at 窪圖勛蹋厙, reinforcing the strength of its sports programmes, our Sports Academies and the opportunities available to learners who want to combine education with high-level competitive sport. As the Futsal Academy continues to grow, this achievement sets a new benchmark and provides inspiration for future students looking to be part of an ambitious and supportive sporting environment.

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The academy status was formally marked through a student industry event on Thursday 30 April 2026, led by Pete Rai, Principal Engineer at Cisco. Pete spoke to students about artificial intelligence, how AI systems work, the opportunities and limitations of the technology, and the skills young people will need as they progress into university, apprenticeships and digital careers.

The event was attended by 25 students from across 窪圖勛蹋厙���s digital provision, including T Level Digital, IT Level 2 and Level 3 and Access to HE students. They expressed how fascinating it was to learn more about how AI works, and that the session helped them prepare for progression to university by giving them a clearer understanding of current technology and future career expectations.

Becoming a Cisco Networking Academy is significant because it gives students access to Cisco���s global learning platform, practical learning resources, hands-on labs, digital badges and certification-aligned pathways. This will support students in building the technical knowledge, confidence and professional skills needed for careers in IT support, networking, cyber security, software development, cloud technologies and AI-related roles.

Eddy Chancusi, Cisco Instructor at 窪圖勛蹋厙, said: ���Becoming a Cisco Networking Academy strengthens our digital offer by giving students direct access to industry-informed learning, practical skills and clearer progression routes into technology careers.���

The relationship with Cisco has already created valuable opportunities for students, and we have been working with Cisco on industry placements since 2024. So far, eight T Level students from 窪圖勛蹋厙 have undertaken prestigious industry placements at Cisco, gaining first-hand experience in a global technology environment. During their placements, students have been based at Cisco���s Bedfont Lakes site, where they have explored areas such as networking, cyber security, technical support, collaboration technologies and digital infrastructure. They have had opportunities to observe professional teams, understand how large-scale IT systems are supported, develop their workplace communication skills, and see how emerging technologies such as AI are being applied in real business contexts.

The key themes from Pete Rai���s talk included:

• how artificial intelligence works
• what AI can and cannot currently do
• why data is central to AI systems
• the importance of responsible and ethical AI
• how AI may affect future careers
• why students still need strong technical, problem-solving and communication skills
• how digital learners can prepare for university, apprenticeships and employment

This partnership supports the college���s wider aim of connecting classroom learning with real industry practice. It also strengthens employer links by creating further opportunities for guest talks, workshops, certification preparation, employer-set projects and student placements.

Looking ahead, the Cisco Networking Academy will support future activity across our IT and Computing programmes, including the T Level – Digital, IT Level 2 and Level 3, Access to Higher Education in Computing and our adult digital skills provision. The college plans to build on this with further industry talks, practical workshops and collaboration with Cisco to help more students develop the skills, confidence and professional awareness needed to progress into the technology sector.’

Sage Lal, Director of IT Services & Digital Innovation said “At 窪圖勛蹋厙, we don���t just adopt technology, we align it to how people learn and how industries evolve. Working with Cisco enables us to equip our students and staff with the digital and AI capabilities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.“

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On Saturday 21 March, five students will have their work displayed at key Tube stations across West London, turning everyday journeys into moments of reflection and connection:

• Diego ��� Acton Town
• Fadumo ��� Ealing Broadway
• Holly ��� Earl���s Court
• Tasmia ��� Hammersmith
• Sarah ��� Turnham Green

Their work forms part of the Student With Voices Poetry Challenge, with Transport for London (TfL) continuing its support by showcasing selected poem excerpts from the winners on station whiteboards during World Poetry Day week, beginning Saturday 21 March.

All selected poems, chosen by judges Alex Murdock and Saran Green, are published in the Student With Voices Poetry Book ��� Volume 1 and will be displayed across stations serving the college���s communities.

Brenda Whinnett, Youth Voice Coordinator at Hammersmith & Fulham Council, said: ���Each piece offers an honest and powerful glimpse into the thoughts, experiences, and creativity of its writer.���

This partnership with TfL creates a platform for student creativity in public spaces, celebrating the power of young voices across the city and giving students the opportunity to be seen and heard by thousands of Londoners.

Foundation Learning students, staff, and guests will also come together at the Student With Voices Celebration Launch Event on Tuesday 24 March, where attendees will receive copies of the poetry collection. The event will also recognise winners of the 窪圖勛蹋厙 Core Values Awards and the Push a Pen Writing Competition.

Sajada Sajid, Assistant Principal at 窪圖勛蹋厙, said: ���Within these pages are voices learning to trust themselves, shape meaning from experience, and speak with honesty. Each student���s work has been treated with care and respect ��� it has been both a responsibility and a privilege to bring this collection together.���

Mark Evers, TfL’s lead on Customer Insight, Strategy and Experience, said: ���We are delighted to display these poems from some really talented young student poets for World Poetry Day. TfL���s Tube network has long been a place for poets to have their work displayed to the millions of passengers every day, with this being even more fitting as we celebrate 40 years of our ���Poems on the Underground��� scheme.���

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Organised in association with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI), the event also highlighted the quality, versatility and sustainability of Wild Alaska seafood, including Alaskan salmon and pollock. A highlight of the day was a tasting session led by Chef Carniel Levy, who worked alongside hospitality students from 窪圖勛蹋厙 to prepare two seafood canap矇s – Alaska Pollock Croustade and Alaska Pink Salmon Skewer. For many visiting pupils, it was their first opportunity to taste these seafood species.

Chef Carniel Levy said: “It was fantastic to work alongside the students from 窪圖勛蹋厙 to create these canap矇s and showcase the incredible quality of Wild Alaska seafood. Alaska salmon and pollock are sustainable, full of flavour and perfect for introducing young people to great seafood.
Seeing the reaction from students tasting these ingredients for the first time was incredibly rewarding. Events like this are a brilliant way to inspire curiosity about food and cooking.”

The dishes were finished with Imperial Gold Caviar and Wild Salmon Caviar, sponsored by Beleaev Caviar Gourmet.

Ellie Taylor from Wild Alaska Seafood also spoke to students about the sustainability and provenance of the fish, sharing a short video about the fishing communities behind the industry. She said: “It was wonderful to see so many young people discovering the flavour and versatility of Wild Alaska seafood. Alaska salmon and pollock are among the most sustainably managed fisheries in the world. Introducing these products to students early helps build awareness of sustainable seafood choices.”

The event also featured live demonstrations and presentations from leading hospitality professionals, including Executive Chef Mattia Ricci from Sexy Fish Mayfair, demonstrating prawn gyoza dumplings; Santhosh Ravimony from The Tower Hotel, showcasing his burger menu; Clanny Rodrigues from Sexy Fish, presenting a creative fruit platter demonstration and award-winning bar manager Salvatore Maggio from One Aldwych, leading a mocktail demonstration. Students also enjoyed a live performance from young rapper Sabodi between demonstrations.

Denise Charles, Head of Curriculum for Hospitality, Catering and Service Industries at 窪圖勛蹋厙, said: “It was a pleasure to host the sixth annual Chefs��� Forum Hospitality Industry Taster Day at 窪圖勛蹋厙. The event continues to grow each year and we were delighted to welcome the highest number of feeder schools we have ever had. Our aim is to give young people a genuine insight into the hospitality industry while allowing them to experience professional cookery and high-quality ingredients first-hand.���

The event concluded with a doughnut decorating competition between schools, judged by visiting chefs. Ealing Alternative Provision won the competition and received a copy of The Chefs��� Knowledge. Students who joined chefs and mixologists on stage during demonstrations also received copies of the book.

Through demonstrations, tasting sessions and interactive activities, the Hospitality Industry Taster Day gave students a memorable introduction to the hospitality sector and the training opportunities available at 窪圖勛蹋厙.

The college would like to thank First Choice Produce, Premier Foods and Lee Kum Kee for supporting the event with ingredients and supplies. Photography & film by Carlos Farinha��

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Billy has excelled throughout his apprenticeship with 窪圖勛蹋厙, demonstrating impressive ability both in the workplace and in his college studies. The award recognises his performance on site, his mature and developing skillset, and the consistently positive conduct and attitude he has shown during his training.

During his apprenticeship, Billy has progressed ahead of many of his peers. 窪圖勛蹋厙 has supported his development by recognising his ability and pace of learning, allowing him to move forward at a faster rate. This tailored support has helped Billy remain engaged and motivated while continuing to build his skills in the electrical trade.

His achievements highlight the strong partnership between 窪圖勛蹋厙 and Crown House Technologies. Close communication between the college and the employer has ensured that apprentices receive the support they need to succeed in key areas of their training.

Billy���s success reflects both his personal dedication and the effectiveness of the collaboration between college and employer. He is widely regarded as a valuable asset to both Crown House Technologies and 窪圖勛蹋厙. Congratulations to Billy on this well deserved achievement!

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This year���s Colleges Week theme is Skills for All, with each day focusing on a different group of students. Day 1 highlights adult learning and the Adult Learning Pays campaign, celebrating adults returning to education, from career changers to lifelong learners, and the power of flexible, community-focused learning. The Adult Learning Pays campaign highlights the vital role adult education plays in supporting personal growth, economic resilience and social cohesion.

With the right investment, adult learning can help close skills gaps, tackle social isolation, reduce inequality and support sustainable economic growth. The campaign aims to ensure policymakers recognise that adult education is not a cost, but a strategic investment that delivers long term benefits for individuals, employers and society. 窪圖勛蹋厙 provides education and skills training to over 8,000 adults across London and beyond each year, from initial English, through our ESOL provision, to higher-level skills in our Higher Apprenticeships.

To launch Day 1, we were delighted to welcome Deirdre Costigan MP for Ealing Southall to Southall Community College. During the visit, Principal and CEO Karen Redhead OBE spoke with Deirdre about the Association of Colleges’ Adult Learning Pays campaign and the need for continued investment in adult skills training to support the Greater London Authority’s Inclusive Talent Strategy, ensuring that good work is accessible to everyone.

They also discussed local priorities, including how agencies and organisations can work together to tackle homelessness in Southall and the surrounding area. Deirdre met with students, toured the Construction and Green Skills Centre, and took part in a roundtable discussion chaired by Assistant Principal Alex Hallawell.

Over at Ealing Green College, we welcomed Rupa Huq MP for Ealing Central and Acton. Rupa met with Karen to discuss key issues, including the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham���s industrial strategy, Upstream London, and how the redevelopment of Hammersmith and Fulham College will support and underpin its objectives.

She also delivered a presentation to students in the college���s immersive classroom, speaking about representation in the House of Commons and her work in the local area.

Karen Redhead OBE, Principal and CEO of 窪圖勛蹋厙, said: “We were very pleased to welcome our local MPs to the college as part of Colleges Week. Their engagement and support are invaluable, and we appreciate the opportunity to showcase the impact of further education in the communities we serve. We look forward to continuing to work closely with them, and with our other local MPs, to drive education, skills and opportunities in West London.���

Colleges Week is organised by the Association of Colleges, the national voice for further education, sixth form, tertiary and specialist colleges in England. It provides an opportunity to showcase the impact of further education and the importance of ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds can access high-quality training and education.

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The impressive result guarantees the team a top two league finish, marking a significant milestone for both the academy and the college. In recognition of their strong performance this season, the squad has also been invited to represent 窪圖勛蹋厙 at the AoC National Cup, which will take place later this season at the University of Wolverhampton.

The invitation reflects the growing strength and national reputation of the Hammersmith Athletic programme, highlighting the progress the academy has made at the highest level of college futsal in the UK.

With two matches remaining, the team now has the opportunity to make history. One more victory could see them crowned AoC National Futsal League Champions, the top league title in UK college futsal.

This achievement demonstrates the dedication, talent and hard work of the players and coaching staff, and reinforces 窪圖勛蹋厙���s commitment to developing high performance sport alongside academic success.

Our Sports Academies give students the chance to pursue their sporting ambition while completing a full-time qualification. We wish the team the very best for their remaining fixtures and look forward to supporting them as they compete for the national title and in the upcoming AoC National Cup.

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Located in the heart of Berkeley Square, Sexy Fish is world renowned not only for its Asian inspired menu and late night glamour, but also for its rigorous standards of service and culinary precision. For the visiting students, this provided a rare behind the scenes insight into how one of London���s busiest premium venues sustains its reputation at the top of the industry.

More than a guided visit, students were given the opportunity to work alongside the Sexy Fish team for a full week, gaining first hand experience of the career paths open to them after completing their studies. The placement placed particular emphasis on attention to detail and the distinction between good service and the world class hospitality for which Mayfair is known.

Speaking about the experience, student Aslan Dsouza said: “Seeing the energy of Sexy Fish Mayfair���s service up close has changed my perspective on what���s possible in my career. It���s not just about cooking, it���s an art. The atmosphere and the precision in every single plate were incredible.”

The collaboration highlights the continued commitment of The Chefs��� Forum Academy and 窪圖勛蹋厙 to providing students with meaningful industry exposure. By connecting learners with established and iconic brands such as Sexy Fish, the initiative ensures that the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals are not only job ready, but genuinely inspired.

“Opportunities like this are transformative for our students,” said Denise Charles, Head of Curriculum, Service Industries at 窪圖勛蹋厙. “Seeing the discipline and creativity required at a venue like Sexy Fish gives them a clear and tangible goal. It turns classroom learning into a realistic career pathway.”

Mattia Ricci, Executive Chef at Sexy Fish, added: “It is fantastic to welcome 窪圖勛蹋厙 students into our kitchen for work experience. At Sexy Fish, we thrive on energy and passion, and seeing these students rise to that challenge in real time is inspiring. There is no substitute for the live environment of a busy Mayfair service, and they are doing a great job of absorbing every detail.”

The Chefs��� Forum Academy extends its thanks to the management and culinary team at Sexy Fish Mayfair for hosting the students and supporting the future of British hospitality.

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