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A new team has been created in EKC Group, specifically aimed at increasing our impact on the communities which we serve.
The Community and Schools Liaison (CSL) team is roving across the county, meeting young people and highlighting the potential pathways they could take in later life.
The team, headed by Rochelle D'Arcy, are making in-roads with local schools and youth hubs, creating activity sessions that illustrate courses and the careers they can lead to.
They've also been making appearances at education fairs to promote the College style of learning, as well as supporting GCSE students who might be unsure as to their next steps.
Rochelle said: "Myself and the team have really enjoyed going to a range of settings to promote the EKC Group provision across Kent. Being able to deliver workshops, speak to young people and attend careers events has been really beneficial to understand the community needs.”
“Being able to respond to individual needs and support people in achieving their dream is a great feeling, it’s exciting to have things booked in for the next academic year and I can’t wait to deliver them and have a greater impact on the community.”
The CSL team, which falls under the Marketing and External Affairs umbrella, continues to make more connections across East Kent.
Recently, they visited the Shepway Youth Hub in Folkestone, bringing with them a host of fun activities linked to pathways available at nearby Colleges.
Particularly popular was design murals, which gave the participants a glimpse into an Art lesson. Others got stuck into building a bridge out of paper from one end of a table to another. Coming up with a design, before building and testing it's weight-bearing capability, was a welcome taster of a Construction lesson.
One of those taking part on the day said: "Today's been fun, I've really enjoyed myself and it's got me thinking about going to a College."
Another attendee has already enrolled at Dover Technical College to study Engineering, saying: "I'm very excited, and looking forward, to be going to Dover and kicking off my engineering career.
"Today's session has made me look forward to it more, so now I really can't wait to begin my course in September."
Julian Streader, the Youth Hub Delivery Manager for the Folkestone and Hythe District, was on hand to see the work being done by the Community and Schools Liaison Team.
He said: "We're extremely happy to be working with the team on these sessions, as they provide an unprecedented opportunity to view and discuss their options as they head into Further Education.
"We'd like to thank them for putting on these outreach sessions, and hope to work together even more in the future."