Sponsored Editorial

When it comes to colleges, the main thing people think about is getting great qualifications and progressing onto university or a job.

While that is definitely the main goal, there is so much more to life at college – the experiences you have and the friends you make along the way.

At Dover Technical College, this belief is central to everything they do and strive for. Fantastic student experiences lead to better wellbeing, which in turn boosts grades.

To achieve excellent student experience, the college maintains a very varied, year-round schedule of trips including excursions to airsoft arenas, Thorpe Park and Beaulieu National Motor Museum.

A dedicated Student Union team is also on hand to organise outings and events throughout the academic year. They regularly bring fun activities to the campus, like inflatable assault courses and free doughnuts for World Doughnut Day. The SU is also there to support students who may be having issues or who simply fancy a chat, highlighting Dover Technical College’s drive to promote wellbeing.

In addition to their studies, learners get the chance to exhibit their work in locations across the community such as Dover Castle. Dover Technical College’s partnership with English Heritage means Art, Music and Hair students put on their end-of-year shows in the historic building; a unique opportunity that anyone would love!

Learners are also given the chance to have a positive impact on the town, particularly during the bi-annual ‘Community Weeks’. These special events enable students to brainstorm ideas for how they can improve the town – be that through litter picking, creating art installations, landscaping or building bird boxes.

Community Weeks allow learners to get out of the classroom while learning more about their communities and promoting interest in keeping it thriving. Students often continue the good work after Community Week because they enjoy it so much – it just goes to show that the organised activities open learners’ eyes to things they may not have tried before.

These efforts have been recognised by Dover District Council, with the authority naming Dover Technical College as one of its five Environmental Heroes for its social action and efforts to promote a greener, cleaner future.

On top of everything that goes on at the college, its location in the heart of Dover means students get to enjoy the up-and-coming town centre during lunch times. With the recently-opened St James Retail and Leisure Park just five minutes’ walk away, students can step out for a bit of Nando’s, a Burger King or just a meal deal from M&S.

If you fancy getting away from it all for a bit, Connaught Park is just around the corner and provides a fantastic place to relax with friends or alone. A hidden gem of Dover, the park is a tranquil spot for revision, a lunchtime walk or some sunbathing.

So there are tons of reasons to join a course at Dover Technical College, aside from getting a great education. Experiences, trips, new friends and great surroundings – what is there not to love?

For more information, visit Dover Technical College’s website.