Sponsored Editorial

Projects to boost skills among the Kent adult population have already been a roaring success, with many more places still available.

EKC Group, which runs Colleges in Ashford, Broadstairs, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Sheppey, is using government funding to create adult-only courses in a wide range of subjects.

More than 1,200 people have already benefitted from the UK Community Renewal Fund (UKCRF), a government scheme aimed at rejuvenating labour markets across the UK after the economic downturn caused by Covid-19.

The Kent-wide programmes have been enabled by the organisation’s successful bid for three EKC Group ‘Skills Renewal’ projects – each based in geographic areas across the county – with adult learners able to benefit from courses across a broad spectrum of interests and careers.

Subjects available include Art and Photography, Hair and Beauty, Bricklaying, Plumbing and Psychology, however the full range of options is much larger and includes programmes offered by the Group’s business units IntoWork, DigitalLearn and WorkHigher.

However, vocational and academic subjects aren’t the only things being taught through the Group’s CRF projects. There are a number of life skills classes also being held, including employability and digital training.

Enabled by the Group’s EKC IntoWork unit, adults looking to brush up on their CV writing and interview technique can get expert guidance. The EKC IntoWork team are also running Sector-based Work Academy Programmes to support individuals with gaining employment in industries such as hospitality, security and health and social care. Sessions on improving confidence, communication and problem solving - along with training in CSCS, First Aid and Health and Safety - means the UKCRF provision can really boost skills for those out of work.

Employed individuals are also benefitting from the scheme, with EKC WorkHigher’s UKCRF courses providing continuing professional development in workplace coaching, mentoring, influencing and negotiating.

Digital skills training will range from beginners’ classes – building up from turning on a computer to using Microsoft applications - up to advanced programming. Hosted by the Group’s EKC DigitalLearn Tutors, depending on whether the students have regular access to computers, learners on these courses could be provided with a laptop to keep at the end of their lessons.

One student who completed their UKCRF course said: “It’s made a massive difference to be able to learn something new, and I’ve always been interested in photography and film. I really appreciate it being free because I’m on a low income, and it’s equipped me with valuable skills I can develop in my free time.

“I found it very beneficial for my mental health, and I should get to use these skills as part of my work

too. The support and teaching at the college were brilliant. I’ve had some mental/physical health issues recently but I was still able to access the course, and my lecturer Rob helped me catch up on what I missed when I missed a week because I was ill.

“The others on my course were great people to get to know, and very encouraging towards everyone in the group whenever we shared our work. I hope this and lots more courses can continue in the long term, to help people learn new skills and to improve mental well-being and confidence."

Kirsty McChesney, EKC Group’s Community Renewal Fund project director, said: “The learning opportunities opened up for Kent’s adults are unprecedented, allowing people to try new careers and interests without committing to them long-term.

“With the sheer number of courses on offer, there will be something for everyone. The CRF project means we can provide top quality education to more people than ever before, and we’re so excited as a Group to open our doors to assist people in getting back to work or changing careers.”

For more information on the full range of courses on offer click here or email crfenquiries@ekcgroup.ac.uk to get in touch with the Community Renewal Fund team.

You can also call the team at 01843 605051.

The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment.

For more information, click here.