WW Martin and East Kent Colleges Group sign partnership agreement to strengthen opportunities for students

WW Martin and East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group) are proud to announce the formalisation of their long-standing partnership through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This agreement reinforces their shared commitment to delivering high-quality training, learning, and employment opportunities for students across Kent.

The MoU builds upon years of successful collaboration, with WW Martin recognised as a leading partner in employer engagement through its flagship Employment, Apprenticeship, and Training Programme (EATP).

Over the past five years, this initiative has supported numerous apprenticeships, many of which have received recognition through the Apprenticeship of the Year Awards.

Beyond apprenticeships, WW Martin has launched a range of impactful initiatives that will continue to shape the future of the partnership. One standout programme is the Work Ready Programme (WRP) – a series of workshops designed to equip students with essential employability skills, including CV writing, interview techniques, and job application strategies.

With a number of live construction projects situated near EKC Group campuses, WW Martin also offers students invaluable opportunities to experience the construction industry first-hand. Organised site visits allow students to observe and engage with site management teams and supply chain partners, offering real-world insights that bridge classroom learning with on-site practice.

The strengthened partnership will expand on this success, continuing to offer a wide range of meaningful experiences such as work experience placements at WW Martin’s Ramsgate head office, conveniently located near EKC Broadstairs College, as well as on active construction sites across Kent, providing hands-on exposure to the construction environment.

WW Martin is also set to attend careers fairs, both on-campus and in collaboration with external partners such as local Job Centres, promoting awareness of the diverse career paths within the construction industry.

The construction company will also run employer-led workshops and guest lectures, where WW Martin staff and supply chain partners share sector insights, career stories, and practical advice to support students’ progression into employment or further education.

Finally, WW Martin will support students in other disciplines, including catering, by involving them in business events and functions.

These experiences help students apply their skills in real-world settings, gaining practical experience in event planning, hospitality, and professional service.

Speaking on what the signing of the MoU means for the future of EKC Group, the organisation’s CEO, Lucy McLeod, said: “At EKC Group, we are delighted to sign this MoU with WW Martin, recognising the fantastic partnership we’ve built together.

“The impact on our students has been immense, offering them unique and meaningful engagement with a leading local business that is passionate about supporting its community and investing in the future workforce of Kent.”

Ian Posnett, Director at WW Martin, added: “For me personally, and on behalf of WW Martin, I am delighted to formally recognise and commit to our ongoing support of EKC Group through this MoU.

“As a former brickwork student at EKC Broadstairs College and having started my own career as an apprentice at WW Martin, this agreement is especially meaningful. It reflects a long-standing relationship that we are all rightly proud of.

“Most importantly, it will continue to benefit students today and future generations of potential WW Martin employees.”