Curriculum Support

What was your route into working within Education?

I grew up in the family business and was working with machines, helping to service them and machining wood up into usable timber from a very young age. I always enjoyed carpentry, so it was only natural to follow in my families footsteps and make a career out of it.

I’ve been a qualified carpenter for 45 years, having worked on projects for many big-name businesses.

Why did you originally apply to work with EKC Group?

As with a lot of tradesmen, as I got older I needed to find a job that was less taxing. Most of my jobs meant commuting to London regularly (as that was where all the big builds were at the time) and due to personal reasons I couldn’t continue doing that. I needed a local position, that had flexibility to work around my needs, and this is the best of both worlds as I still get to do what I enjoy most.

I originally started in a half post (18 hours per week) but was soon offered a full-time position when they realised the demand for my job role was there.

Have you had any other roles within the organisation?

I’m an A1 assessor up to NVQ 2 and have helped to teach many groups over the years. I enjoy stepping in where needed and helping to guide our young people with the best practices.

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

Although not needed for the Skills Practitioner role, I completed my teacher training whilst working for the Group.

What do you enjoy most about working within the Group?

Seeing the students’ progress and those who end up working in the industry. I’ll often bump into previous students who are now successful and some who have even started their own construction businesses. They always talk fondly of their time at College and say thank you for everything we did for them. It’s great to see some of them (who have their own companies) are now taking on our current students for placements. It’s great to see the cycle and positive outcomes.

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

I won ‘East Kent Teacher of the Year’ in 2020.... I was put forward by the principal at the time for the teaching I was doing with Laleham Gap students. I’ve always been humble and just try to do the best that I can, so it was lovely to get that recognition.

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

You need to be pro-active. To be successful you need to think ahead to ensure the workshops are set up appropriately and that staff and students have the equipment they need as they all rely on you.

Because you’re a vital part of a larger team, you need to be able to listen and communicate well. You’re one cog in a bigger picture, so it’s best to be able to listen to advice and work together.

You need to have passion for the subject area.

What was your route into working within Education? Have you always wanted to work within Education?

I have an industry background but have always been aware of working in Education, due to one of my parents and friends being teachers. My first step was completing an Introduction to Assessing course at Canterbury College in 2017, which sparked my interest in Further Education.

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

EKC Group, particularly EKC Folkestone College, offered a vibrant workplace with the chance to see positive results in the community. Folkestone is also my hometown.

Have you had any other roles within the organisation?

Starting as a College Services Assistant gave me the perfect introduction to working with the different Curriculum areas and systems used. Progressing to become an Exams Officer added further variety to the role, particularly during GCSEs and audits. Being an Industry Liaison Officer in Built Environment appealed to me due to my previous experience as an Office Manager in the construction sector, which has served me well, as the employers I work with trust me to understand their perspective.

Have you completed any training to help you complete your role(s)? If so, how have you found it?

During my time at EKC Group, I completed a Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor Apprenticeship, incorporating a CMI Diploma in Principles of Management and Leadership. I was very pleased to have received a Distinction and got so much out of the experience, realising that you can continue to learn and progress whatever your age and circumstances.

What do you enjoy most about working within the Group / your Business Unit?

I have particularly enjoyed the implementation of the T Levels qualification, which started in EKC Folkestone College at the same time as I commenced my ILO role. We have both grown together and I have seen how hard the staff and students have worked to produce outstanding results and amazing career opportunities. Building employer relationships and matching work experience and placements that are the best fit for both parties, to then see students increase their confidence and skills is a favourite part of my work.

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

I’m not very practical myself but enjoy donning a hard hat and taking students on visits to construction sites to learn more about methods and sequencing of the projects, which is so interesting. Other highlights have been co-presenting careers information to a secondary school audience, leading a successful College Covid testing centre team back in 2021, and each time an employer says yes to work experience. Dressing up as Mrs Ted for Nursery School children events has also been fun!

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

Enthusiasm and passion for industry, empathy, good organisational abilities, innovation and people skills. Challenge yourself to break out of your comfort zone.

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

Definitely apply as there isn’t anywhere else like it. It’s a great opportunity for anyone to make a difference.

What was your route into working within Education?

I have always worked within education. For as long as I can remember I’ve enjoyed being around and connecting with young people so education just made sense. I love working with young minds and creating inclusive, safe spaces to allow them to achieve and be their best selves.

I began my career working at EKC Broadstairs College, supporting within a variety of curriculum areas and Inclusive Learning. Since then I’ve had the pleasure of working within a range of SEN settings across South East Kent. I find working with students with additional needs very rewarding, and it’s a great feeling knowing I can make an impact on their lives and their learning.

Why did you originally apply to work with EKC Group?

I’ve worked within the Group for a quite a few years. I began at EKC Broadstairs College but moved on to new challenges with different educational providers. But when the LSP role came up at EKC Dover College a couple of years ago, I jumped at the chance to come back to the Group.

EKC Group are very accommodating, and the role works perfectly with the schedule I need. I’m currently part-time as I’m also training to become a qualified counsellor, and my manager has been fantastic, giving me the flexibility I need. My hours work perfectly around my studies and my placement.

Have you had any other roles within the organisation?

Whilst most of my time within the Group has been within a support capacity, I did complete my teacher training at EKC Broadstairs College. I taught Performing Arts, Music and Functional Skills Maths and loved it. The department was supportive and encouraged my training. My favourite thing about teaching was seeing the passion ignite within students, especially those who came incredibly shy at the beginning of the year. It was always great to witness their ‘lightbulb moment’, when they realised they were on the right course and loved what they were doing.

I would have loved to continue teaching but now I’m grateful that things turned out as they did. It was only once I got back into a support role that I realised my real passion was helping people and because of that I’m now on a new path, with the hopes of becoming a councillor.

I love helping students and ensuring they have a voice; I think it’s important that students are heard and valued. Within my role as an LSP I can ensure all of our young people have sufficient access to their learning, whichever way suits them best. I love building a connection and rapport with students and making them feel safe to be themselves.

Have you completed any training to help you complete your role(s)? If so, how have you found it?

I completed my teacher training at EKC Broadstairs College.

I’ve also completed countless short courses and training sessions, all mainly focused on support and ways to ensure students have the right access they need.

I love learning new things, especially when you get to network and talk to people from different settings.

I’m also currently doing a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills. This is something I’ve pursued independently and wasn’t facilitated by the College, but the knowledge I’m gaining from the skills sessions has been so helpful within my current role. I’m learning more about the importance of communication and the impact of the conversations we’re having with our young people.

What do you enjoy most about working within the Group / your Business Unit?

EKC Dover College is a community all of it’s own. I’ve worked in a variety of settings, but none as warm and welcoming as Dover. Because it’s a smaller campus everyone knows everyone and will stop to ask how your day is going. Even just smiles across the corridor can brighten your day and knowing you’re part of such an inclusive team – I think that’s really rare and so lovely.

Once I’ve completed my counselling training, I’d love to secure a Counselling role within one of the Colleges. I want to continue working with 16-19s primarily and think the counselling service within the Group is fantastic. I think this age is group is often overlooked within society, but they’re generally amazing and have so much to offer. I want to continue promoting that and the brilliant work we’re doing to support them.

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

The moments I look back on most fondly are often always involving my other colleagues. At Broadstairs I was placed in quite a challenging class of students with complex needs, the work was often tough and tiring but with the support and camaraderie of our staff team we always managed to keep a smile on our faces. I can say I’ve built some great friendships with colleagues over the years.

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

As an LSP I think patience is key. Also humour, kindness and empathy, as you have to make students feel comfortable. You’ll get the best out of them if they feel valued, heard and understood.

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

If you’re considering applying, then don’t question it as you won’t regret it. The staff, the students, the environment and the atmosphere will all be worth it. You’ll learn so much about yourself and what it’s like to work within a team.