EKC Dover College

Level 3 Plumbing learner, Chloe, developed her industry skills during a work experience placement on a construction site in London.

Her talents and commitment have paid off, with Chloe now securing an apprenticeship with the company. 🔧

We caught up with her during a departmental project to hear about her time at College, what she learned on placement, and what’s next for her career: https://www.dovercollege.ac.uk/news/my-work-placement-success-chloe-level-3-plumbing/

Our staff and students came together for this year’s College Pride, and embraced a day filled with colour, creativity and community spirit. 🏳️‍🌈

Organised by the Students’ Union and our Student Experience Officer, Summer Smith, the event encouraged everyone to dress in colourful outfits and celebrate equality, diversity and the LGBTQ+ community.

Thank you to everyone who attended, including Kent Police, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and drag acts Betty Late' N Never, Poppy Love, Crunchy Noodle and Cigarette Salad.

Read more on our news story: https://www.dovercollege.ac.uk/news/ekc-dover-college-pride-2026-celebrates-community-and-inclusivity/

Art and Design students Dmitriji and Jaden have been transforming a new sensory room at Dover Big Local - designing and painting six immersive wall murals inspired by a journey through the world, from under the sea to outer space! 🌊🌱🚀

The students were given creative freedom to develop family-friendly designs together, taking on the challenge of large-scale painting despite usually specialising in digital art and pencil drawing.

🗨️ Logan, Business Support Officer at Dover Big Local, says: "Both students have been so polite and friendly whilst they're here. They're diligent and hardworking, and we're looking forward to seeing the final piece once they're finished. I hope they go away with a sense of pride, knowing they've created something special that lots of individuals from the community will benefit from."

We’re proud to give our students opportunities to gain hands-on experience with live briefs that build confidence, creativity and career-ready skills.

If your young person is passionate about Art and Design 🎨 why not consider applying so they can gain real industry experience too!

👉 Learn more or apply today: https://www.dovercollege.ac.uk/study-with-us/creative-and-design/

"I'm so happy to get a 7 in GCSE English. I was expecting a 4 or 5, so it's a big achievement to have done even better than I thought I would.

"I love coming to College because the people are great and I'm loving the Level 3 Hairdressing course."

Freya has had an amazing time at College, from getting the right support to achieve incredible GCSE results to finding a subject she loves in Hairdressing. 💇‍♀️

If you're looking to progress like Freya, why not explore our adult courses: https://www.dovercollege.ac.uk/adult-learning-in-dover/

✨ Exciting things are taking shape in Dover.

As work continues on The Bench, our Principal has shared their excitement about the opportunities this transformative new campus will bring for learners, the College and the wider community.

💬 "We're very excited to be getting closer to opening such a transformative, creative learning space in the heart of Dover, and unlocking new possibilities for our learners thanks to the development of The Bench.

"The new Campus, which has been funded by the UK Government, is set to host our creative provision, which has been getting ever-stronger in recent years.

"We're overjoyed to be part of this new development and what it means for not just our College community, but also the local community of Dover."

We can't wait to welcome learners into this exciting new creative hub. 🎨✨

"Believe me, you can. If I can do it, everyone can do it." 💙

After moving to the UK and studying English courses to build her confidence, Adriana decided to take the next step towards a career working with children.

Now, after studying Early Years at EKC Dover College, she has secured a job through her work placement and is preparing to start full-time in the sector this September.

From balancing family life and studies to gaining the skills needed for a rewarding new career, Adriana's story is an inspiring reminder that it's never too late to learn something new.

Read her full story here 👇
🔗https://www.dovercollege.ac.uk/news/adrianos-journey-into-education-and-early-years/

From College to Career: Your Future in Plumbing 🔧🚿

Plumbing isn’t just about fixing leaks; it’s a career with real skills, strong earning potential, and plenty of opportunities. From apprenticeships to self-employment, gas and heating, there’s a path for everyone.

Is your young person thinking about their next step? Learn more about the variety of plumbing careers in our latest blog: https://www.dovercollege.ac.uk/news/plumbing-dover/

"I decided to do an apprenticeship so that I could get the hands-on experience doing the job, whilst also being taught all the theory and working towards a qualification.

"It’s great to be able to put what I’m learning in the classroom into practice and learn from everyone here who has years of experience."

We recently caught up with Nathan, who is a Level 3 Automotive apprentice.

With one day a week at College and the rest at Halfords Autocentre in Maidstone, he’s developing the skills needed for a successful career. 🔧

Learn more on our news story: https://www.ekcgroup.ac.uk/news/halfords-autocentre-teams-up-with-east-kent-colleges-group-tosupport-apprenticeships/

In today’s fast-moving economy, upskilling and investing in growth is the way forward, for both businesses and the people who work in them.

From options like MOT Testing to Early Years, our courses deliver practical, industry-focused skills that make a real difference in the workplace.

Learn more below, or explore our adult courses with the link in the comments: https://www.dovercollege.ac.uk/adult-learning-in-dover/

"By being here, my work ended up being in the Turner Contemporary, and I've managed to get my art into Cene magazine.

"My advice for those studying Art would be to definitely go here. It's a great community, full of great people and it's one of the best places you can go."

Nicola achieved a Merit in Level 3 Art and Design and is now studying Animation at University for the Creative Arts - UCA Farnham. 👏

Thanks to our course, her passion for Art has strengthened, and she was able to specialise in a creative medium that suited her interests.

Explore today you how can still join our Art courses this academic year: https://www.dovercollege.ac.uk/apply-for-a-course/