Updates: Colleges & Business Units | Commercial Outlets and Nurseries
Advice for: Students, Parents and Carers | College Applicants | Apprentices
EKC Group has cemented its partnership with one of Kent’s largest building companies by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the firm.
Jenner Contractors’ Managing Director Martin Sandall and Head of Communications & Business Development Ella Brocklebank visited Folkestone College to see the training and facilities offered to students.
Joined by the Group’s Chief Executive Officer Graham Razey OBE, the visitors talked to staff and students from across the College’s many Built Environment courses before signing the MoU.
The document solidifies a strong ongoing collaboration between the Group and Jenner, with the company currently building Ashford College’s Phase 2 extension. Folkestone College students have also been treated to site visits to many Jenner local developments such as the major Folkestone Seafront project, and where many students have viewed their trade first-hand.
Mr Razey said: “The signing of this Memorandum is another fantastic moment in our long-standing and effective collaboration with Jenner. Our students have already benefited from the relationship, enjoying visits and talks from those already in the industry they are working hard to join.
“Through working with them on the Ashford Phase 2 project, we can clearly see why Jenner is among the most well-respected construction companies in the South East and for our students to learn from this wealth of experience is an excellent boon to the high quality training we offer across our sites.
“We look forward to working with Jenner as we enable our students, and in turn the construction industry, to thrive.”
Signing the MoU, Mr Sandall said: “The relationship has always been strong between our organisations and this opportunity to work in partnership with the Colleges, to provide more opportunities to visit live construction sites for students learning their trades as well as work experience, is so important. They offer an excellent way of embellishing their interest in the industry and hopefully will lead to them into full-time employment in the sector and a rewarding career”.
“The sector has struggled to attract apprentices over the last 20 years and there’s been a huge reduction in the number of people coming into the industry. But it’s a hugely rewarding industry to be in with many different facets to it, as demonstrated by the wide range of courses offered here at Folkestone College”.
“Students are the lifeblood and future of the construction industry and if, through this partnership, we can encourage more people to join the sector, it will prosper and thrive as a result.”