College is the most cost-effective option when it comes to real-world success

This is a guest blog by Angela Joyce, CEO of Capital City College Group

Hands up if you have a university degree. Now ask yourself the following question: if you were standing at an educational crossroads today, knowing what it took to get where you are in your career, would you still choose to sign up for the student debt that comes with a university education nowadays?

Universities have long been celebrated as the pinnacle of higher education, with their academic rigour and prestigious degrees. But as the job market evolves, so too must our approach to education.

For many, colleges provide a more affordable, realistic and direct route to achieving career goals—one that’s tailored to the real-world skills employers are hungry for.

Take the example of our alumnus Andrew Wong, a Michelin-starred chef who has become a culinary icon. He attended Westminster Kingsway College, part of Capital City College Group. After completing university degrees, Andrew turned to further education to gain the practical skills he needed for the demands of the kitchen. At further education college, Andrew gained hands-on experience and practical skills to fuel his rise to fame:

“Colleges offer hands-on experience in hospitality that prepares students for the real world, often more effectively than the theoretical approach of universities,” says Andrew, adding: “My time at Westminster Kingsway really gave me the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment and set myself up for the future”.

Andrew’s story underscores the unique advantage that colleges offer in bridging the gap between education and the real world, and at Capital City College Group we have many more examples of the deep connection between colleges and local industries.

Colleges also tend to be more accessible for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds compared to some universities.

That means it’s easier for students who might not have had a smooth educational journey to get started and succeed. By providing practical skills and strong industry connections, colleges help students build stable and fulfilling careers without the financial burden that would be unsurmountable for many.

So colleges are more than just educational institutions. They’re integral parts of their local communities.

It’s a close connection that means that colleges understand the needs of the people they serve and can respond quickly to changes in the local job market.

And through initiatives like The Mayor of London’s Skills Academies, which focuses on regional and local skills needs, we have helped over 10,000 Londoners in the past year and get into high-demand sectors such as digital, creative, green technologies, and construction.

When it comes to equipping students with the practical skills needed to hit the ground running in the workplace, colleges shine.