Member Article

East Kent College unveils £2.9m transformation

New facilities have been officially opened at East Kent College in Dover after an investment of almost £2.9 million transformed the campus.

Led by contractors RAP Interiors and Benning Brothers, the newly renovated skills and training facilities, will provide industry relevant learning environments to support the district’s young people into new careers.

Students in the Engineering Centre will be making use of the latest mechanical, electrical, pneumatics and robotics equipment while the Hospitality Training Facility features an Air Cabin and Check In Customer Service Facility and a reception desk, enabling students to practise customer service skills.

Speaking at the opening, which was sponsored by RAP Interiors, Graham Razey, Principal of East Kent College, told an audience of councillors, local employers and VIPs: “We’ve worked hard to create a campus that will benefit the business community here in Dover, as well as young people seeking fresh opportunities.

“Our vocational training space has been designed to develop future employees armed with the skills the local economy really needs.”

The are also three suites decked out with high spec IT equipment for computing students, while the automotive area includes industry leading Level 3 facilities, enabling learners to experience real work related activity.

The Plumbing Centre has been equipped with practical workshops and classrooms while those studying Hairdressing will train in two professional salons.

Dover Campus Principal Victoria Copp-Crawley said: “Each specialist area has its own floor in the main building so students can immerse themselves in their studies. We are now keen to continue developing relationships with local employers who can provide us with industry knowledge and ensure we are sending students into the world with the skills they need to be employable.”

Victoria continued: “We’re looking forward to showing students around the campus at the Dover Careers Fair and hopefully inspiring them to think about their options. We have created learning environments that are as close to the workplace as possible so students can be fully prepared when they leave college.

“It’s also important to remember that many skills learned at this age are transferable. You don’t have to decide on a career at 16 but if, for example, you have customer service skills you can enter all kinds of professions.”

The campus currently has 350 students, of which 240 are aged between 16-18, but East Kent College plans to cater for 500 learners and apprentices in the future.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .