Business Support and Administration

What was your route into working within Education?

My journey into education began after I became a full-time mum, once my son went to nursery I felt ready to explore a new career, at the time I had a close friend who worked as an LSP (Learning Support Practitioner) at a London FE College, she recommended that I consider a similar job as she believed I had the skills and qualities needed to work within special educational needs (SEN). Having faced my own challenges with dyslexia, I felt I had some understanding of the frustrations and struggles faced in education and felt confident that I could help support students, to look for alternative ways to support.

Over the past eight years I have become passionate about helping all students to thrive and achieve their own personal goals.

How did you originally apply to work with EKC Group?

My original application to EKC Group eight years ago was relatively easy, the job at the time required five GCSEs, and must include English and Maths above a C, now would be 4-5s. No additional formal qualifications were needed, as you would be trained on the job. What you needed was key skills, listening, patience, understanding, fast thinking, problem solving, teamwork and passion for the students.

My second interview for my current role, Schools and Events Officer was harder!! This consisted of a PowerPoint on something you are interested in, with an interactive element, I chose Yoga, trying to persuade my now manager and her boss to stand and complete yoga moves was definitely harder than I had anticipated!! But I got through it!! After followed what felt like pages of questions.

Have you had any other roles within the organisation?

My career with EKC Group began in 2016 working in Inclusive Learning as Learning Support Practitioner (LSP) where I enjoyed this role for six years, towards the last year there I was able to experience a step up in a temporary role as a lecturer, which gave me the encouragement and confidence in my abilities to progress and apply for a new position within EKC Group working with the Schools and Events Team where I have been for the past two years.

What do you enjoy most about working within the Group?

I have personally found EKC Group a supportive working environment to work, there are always opportunities to progress within the Group, departments push you to engage in training and upskilling, in both my departments I have found my managers have pushed me to achieve.

I find staff very friendly and welcoming, wherever I go staff will say hello and smile.

No day is the same, which I love, this keeps me on my toes and keeps the job interesting, I enjoy engaging with the students, I think interacting with the students helps keep you young at heart!!

EKC Group is always growing and staying updated with new technologies. I find it inspiring to see what the Colleges can offer the next generations. Learning now is so different to when I studied; students now have so many opportunities to fine-tune their skills and their interests, and the colleges offer an array of learning options to suit the students. It feels great to be in a job where I can interact with students at school and help support them on their journeys in education and help support and inform those students in making their choices post 16.

Do you have any career highlights or stand out moments from your time with the Group?

For me personally it’s seeing the students grow and flourish and to know that myself, staff and the College have helped to support each student on their journey. It brings me great joy to have old students come up to me and tell me their achievements, and future goals.

I recently visited inclusive learning to say goodbye to a cohort I supported and taught. I saw one of these students stand alone on the Lanfranc Stage at EKC Canterbury College singing her heart out to the end of year show. A few years before when she first joined the College, she was unable to sit in a busy café and eat lunch, and there she was on the stage, confident and happy singing, asking the audience to join in and to see all the hard work she and the staff around her had put in is magical.

What do you think are some of the most important qualities needed for your role?

I believe in my role, you need to be welcoming, confident, friendly and patient. Students, staff or parents may not know all their options post 16, or may be worried about their transition. It is my job to offer an alternative option to school with knowledge and understanding. Our workshops are designed to build confidence in the students, each workshop will be different, therefore you need to be creative, adaptable, resourceful, we are there to support and inform students, so they are able to make the best decision that supports and suits them, therefore you need to be understanding, supportive and inspiring.

What would you say to anyone else considering applying for the Group?

EKC Group provides a variety of job opportunities at all levels, with staff that are friendly and welcoming. There is ample potential for growth and skill development, as EKC Group actively promotes continuous professional development (CPD) both internally and externally. There is opportunity for career progression, with support available to help you achieve your goals.

The group also promotes staff wellbeing, through an array of offerings, from newsletters, to support groups, and counsellors, money saving scheme like my rewards and a great pension!

For myself, I have also found EKC Group extremely supportive when I asked to return to University, the group have offered flexible working and support to allow me to achieve my personal goals.

What was your route into working within Education?

My route into Education and the Estates team was through a direction change in my career path. I previously worked for two large agricultural estates which involved maintaining the housing stock, agricultural buildings and grounds within the Estate. A position at the College was advertised and going into the education sector provided me with a rewarding role and a great work life balance.

How/why did you originally apply to work with EKC Group?

I used to work for Ashford College as an Estates Technician before it joined the East Kent Colleges Group. When we joined, I was looking forward to working for the Group as it had a strong vision and was aiming to provide an outstanding education delivery and facilities to communities it serves. I wanted to be part of a group that could make a real difference and to play my part in delivering that.

Have you completed any training to help you complete your role?

I’ve recently enrolled on a course to achieve a NEBOSH fire safety certificate, and I am really looking forward to this. I have worked with several external fire risk assessors in my role and completing this training will allow me to build my knowledge in the subject. It will enable me to undertake fire risk assessments in-house and share my knowledge within the team and organisation.

What do you enjoy most about working within the Group?

I think the variety within the role makes every day unique – no two days are the same. Working with amazing staff and students in a great environment is a big highlight. Every department plays their role with the common goal of enabling the students to be the best they can be in their chosen field of study. Being part of a college group provides the support and backing of large organisation where we can share knowledge and resources.

Do you have any career highlights or stand out moments from your time with the Group?

In September 2023, opening the new Phase 2 campus of EKC Ashford College is a big personal highlight of mine. It was very rewarding to be involved in the planning, development and fit out of the new £10 million extension and then seeing the new group of students occupy the state-of-the-art facility.

I also think that supporting the College in achievinFg its Ofsted Outstanding status, was a brilliant collective achievement.

Throughout the year as an Estates team, we assist in supporting students with their accessibility needs. At the end of the year, it has been lovely to receive thank you cards and realise that we’ve personally helped with their journey at College and getting them to the next steps in study or career path.

What do you think are some of the most important qualities needed for your role?

For my role, the ability to problem solve, find solutions to challenges, being flexible and agile to the changing needs of the sector, good communication skills and to be approachable are all key qualities to have. You also need a determination and drive to constantly strive to improve the environment and workplace for students, staff and communities we serve.

What would you say to anyone else considering applying for the Group?

100% go for it. It’s an amazing group with a fantastic set of Colleges and schools, serving the East Kent community.

What has been your recent journey to becoming a College Services Assistant?

Being put forward for the Get Into Administration course with EKC Group was one of the best things that could have happened to me. Not only did it provide me with skills essential to a career in administration, after attempting to get a job in administration for over a year, but also connections that helped me land a job at EKC Canterbury College.

When I first applied for the College Services Assistant role, I didn’t have success, not even making it to interview. When the role was advertised again, I initially wasn't going to apply for it but with the course lecturer's insistence, I did. And I'm pleased I did! His advice and support are what helped me reach the interview stage and get the job after a nineteen month long job search. I don't think it would have been possible without attending the Get Into Administration course.