EKC Group has released an exclusive podcast in collaboration with Everon, celebrating their continued partnership and spotlighting an exciting student project.
In the podcast, listeners hear from:
- Lindsey Biggs, EKC Group’s Chief Innovation and Skills Officer,
- Rich Hosier, Head of Product Development, Everon UK,
- Pete Kerly, Group Sales and Marketing, Everon Group,
- Ollie Cox, Managing Director, Mobius Networks.
Together, they share insights from their respective roles and perspectives on collaboration between education and industry.
The discussion covers a range of compelling topics, including the innovative project students are currently developing in partnership with Everon, the creation of an assistive living space, and forward-looking perspectives on how education may evolve over the next 25 years.
After solidifying their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding, the collaboration between EKC Group and Everon is going from strength to strength.
The most exciting project taking place is one involving students who are getting hands-on experience, testing technology that will be used to improve and save the lives of vulnerable people.
Rich Hosier, Group Product Owner at Everon Group, is overseeing the project, which entails the establishment of simulated care home environments.
These setups will allow students to test Everon products across a virtual 10-room care home, ensuring thorough examinations in order to locate any potential faults and performance issues. The testing sessions began in January and will continue as Everon’s product vision progresses.
Approximately 150-200 students from diverse course groups, including health and social care, electrical and engineering, are utilising the simulation equipment as part of their curriculum.
Rich Hosier said: “We are excited to partner with East Kent Colleges Group to enhance students’ understanding of the crucial importance of thorough product testing.
“In the health technology sector, it is vital to recognise the potential risks of deploying a product directly to customers without thorough testing. This initiative is essential to ensure the quality and reliability that underpin all of our products, while also preparing the next generation of workers.
“These individuals will bring unique, alternative insights, benefiting from their varied academic backgrounds and their digital-native perspectives.”
Jamie Weir, Chief Communications Officer at EKC Group, added: “At EKC Group, we’re so excited to be working with Everon UK. This partnership is a great example of how further education and industry can work together and create some really meaningful opportunities and experiences for the next generation.
“Our learners gain valuable skills in data, reporting, and problem‑solving, while the insights they produce help Everon UK continue refining their product. With technology transforming Health and Social Care, this project also supports our wider assistive tech ambitions and inspires learners about the opportunities in this growing sector.
“At EKC Group, we’re committed to helping local employers innovate, whether through collaborations like this, access to our facilities, or support for SMEs adopting new technologies.”
More articles
Drama students to hear voices on radio in ad campaign
EKC Group welcomes FE college which inspired launch of EKC Innovation Kitchen
