Group - EKC intoWork launches employability centre in Ashford
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EKC intoWork launches employability centre in Ashford

A Kent MP was on hand to usher in a new EKC intoWork centre, allowing the further spread of employability skills and knowledge across East Kent.

The Business Unit’s seventh centre, based in Pluto House on Ashford’s Station Road, was officially launched at an event on Friday with an address made by Damian Green MP.

In operation since 2010, EKC intoWork has helped thousands of adults and teenagers to progress into working life after periods of unemployment.

Damian Green MP joined IntoWork Principal Hayley Barden and EKC Group CEO Graham Razey at the launch event


As well as CV writing and interview technique, job brokers and educators teach English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and work with prisoners re-entering the workplace.

Our provision at Ashford has already seen successes even prior to launch, including a group of Afghan nationals who received logistics training as they prepared to become HGV drivers.

Hayley Barden, Principal of EKC intoWork, said: “We’re very proud of our new employability centre, it’s good to have the provision in Ashford to develop and support borough residents in their employment.

“We’re all about retraining people to boost the available workforce across East Kent, and this Ashford centre will help us achieve that.”

One of the classrooms now available to the residents of Ashford


Ashford MP Damian Green said: “I’m delighted to welcome the official opening of this centre, and I’m sure it will do great things for those Ashford residents who need help to become employed.

“Since the reopening after the pandemic, many employers in Ashford tell me that there is a shortage of staff.

“However, in reality, there are people out there who can fill these jobs and employability centres like this one are exactly the right way to reintroduce people to the workplace.”

EKC Group's Chief Executive Officer Graham Razey and Mr Green also thanked organisations that had aided in the establishment of the new intoWork centre, including Ashford Borough Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

For more information about EKC intoWork, click here.