East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group) has been named the South East’s Technical and Vocational Excellence Hub (TVE Hub) by the Association of Colleges (AoC).
The further education provider runs six further education colleges in Ashford, Broadstairs, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Sheppey, as well as adult training centres across region, which also offer apprenticeship opportunities.
Becoming the South East’s Technical and Vocational Excellence Hub means EKC Group will play a leading role in shaping vocational and technical skills across the region.
The prestigious appointment also puts EKC Group at the centre of a major national programme designed to support teachers, lecturers and education leaders as new technical and vocational qualifications are introduced across the country.
EKC Group is one of nine Technical and Vocational Excellence Hubs nationwide and, in its role, will help to drive improvements in technical education across the South East, working closely with schools, colleges, training providers, employers and industry partners to ensure leaders develop the skills local businesses need now, and in the future.
The Hubs form a key part of the Technical and Vocational Professional Development Programme, funded by the Department for Education and delivered by the AoC.
The programme is being designed by the sector, for the sector, and it will help educators prepare for the continued expansion of T Levels, the introduction of new V Levels and revised Level 2 qualifications, ensuring students benefit from high-quality pathways that reflect the latest industry standards and workforce requirements.
As a Hub, EKC Group will lead collaboration across the region, sharing expertise and best practice while helping to strengthen links between education providers and employers.
The appointment recognises EKC Group’s longstanding commitment to technical and vocational education and its track record of working with employers to equip learners with the skills needed for a successful career.
EKC Group’s Assistant CEO, Education, Nick Holbrook-Sutcliffe said: “We are delighted to be part of the Technical and Vocational Excellence Hub network.
“At EKC Group, we believe technical education changes lives when it creates clear pathways into employment, further learning and opportunity.
“As a Hub, we look forward to working with providers, employers and partners across the region to share expertise, build confidence and support high-quality teaching that helps every learner progress and succeed.
“Our Hub approach is simple: by the sector, for the sector, with learners and their futures at the heart of everything we do.”
David Hughes, Chief Principal of the AoC, added: “The Technical and Vocational Hubs will sit at the heart of the Technical and Vocational Professional Development Programme, helping build capacity from within the sector and supporting providers to deliver high-quality technical education. We are pleased to welcome EKC Group as one of our regional hub partners.
“The new role is expected to bring together education providers and employers from across the South East, helping to strengthen skills development, support economic growth and ensure the region is well placed to meet future workforce demands.”
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