Visit demonstrates how further education institutions are creating opportunity and closing the skills gap

Delivering opportunities which drive societal change was top of the agenda during a visit by Breaking Down Barriers Commission Chair, Nick Forbes CBE, to its new partner, Capital City College Group (CCCG), where he saw first-hand the impact that further education institutions can have in delivering opportunity and driving societal change. 

Hosted by CCCG’s CEO, Angela Joyce, the visit focused on its Victoria Centre, a premier institution in the heart of London which provides a huge range of courses designed to cultivate the next generation of culinary professionals. As part of one of the UK’s largest college groups, the Victoria Centre boasts cutting-edge kitchen facilities and a dedicated faculty of industry experts passionate about nurturing culinary talent. It offers comprehensive programmes in culinary arts, baking, and hospitality management which attract both aspiring chefs and culinary enthusiasts. With a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and industry placements, students are equipped with the practical skills and creative techniques necessary to excel in the culinary world and has produced many of the country’s most famous chefs. The Victoria Centre plays a vital role in shaping London’s culinary scene, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the ever-evolving food industry. 

CCCG recently announced its membership of the Breaking Down Barriers Commission with a project to assess how it is currently breaking down the barriers to opportunity across a framework of 15 goals. It will also explore the ways in which it might go even further in delivering a greater social impact for its students and for the communities it serves. 

Thanking CCCG for their hospitality, former member of Sir Keir Starmer's Shadow Cabinet Nick Forbes CBE said: “It has been fantastic to see the state-of-the-art facilities that the Victoria Centre offers its students, providing an unparalleled environment for aspiring chefs and culinary professionals to hone their skills and equip them effectively for the jobs market. It is at the forefront of culinary education, shaping the future of the sector. It also demonstrates how further education institutions are playing a crucial role in improving social mobility, offering opportunities to individuals from all backgrounds to achieve their culinary dreams and succeed in a competitive field.”