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People across the county will have their first chance to get a new qualification later this year.

As the rollout of the government’s Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) approaches, EKC Group is preparing to welcome its first HTQ cohorts.

The local education provider - which has campuses in Ashford, Broadstairs, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Sheppey – was granted £200,000 from a national budget to assist in its work to build capacity to deliver the new Higher Technical Qualifications at Levels 4 and 5.

Being rolled out over the next few years, the new qualifications will focus on key areas in our economy such as Digital, Construction, and Health and Science. HTQs are designed to help the economy recover after the pandemic and ensure businesses thrive in the future.

The new courses are also intended to support Government plans to promote technical education while ensuring young people have the skills to flourish in their future careers.

EKC Group is preparing to rollout its own HTQ options, but if you're on the lookout for your perfect higher education course now, EKC Group's family of community colleges already offer a wide array of provision across east Kent.

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) are Level 4 qualifications and serve as a springboard for Higher Education courses or careers. Students aiming to get practical skills generally take these courses, which run for a year full-time or two years part-time, or Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) which are double the length and lead to a Level 5 qualification.

HNCs are equivalent to one year at university, while HNDs are equivalent to two.

EKC Group runs a large number of both HNCs and HNDs across its sites, with expert lecturers and top-of-the-range equipment to ensure students get the best possible tutoring.

For example, Canterbury College boasts a HND in Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation which can then be topped up to a full BSC at the University of Kent in a single year thanks to a close association between the two organisations.

A similar pathway can be taken into a BA in Visual Arts, this time running at Canterbury College throughout students’ studies. The preceding HNDs required for entry can be found at the College in the form of both Graphic Design and Art Practice.

Also in Canterbury, HNCs in Healthcare provide a great opportunity for those thinking about entering the world of health and social care to build core skills in the area.

The Group is also proud of its technical HNCs, such as Engineering and Construction at Ashford College and Computing at Broadstairs College.

Another qualification available through EKC Group are Access to HE certifications, which act as entries into degrees and other Higher Education courses.

Access to HE courses can be found across the Group’s campuses, and range from Veterinary Science and Zoology to Social Sciences.

The Group’s Chief Curriculum Officer, Lucy McCleod, said: “At EKC Group we are passionate in providing education at all levels, and making it as accessible as possible.

“Our Higher Education offer is a key part of that mission, and with a range of courses available, we can offer a number of opportunities for learners who want to take an HE pathway.

“We want to help you achieve your ambitions, so why not take a look at our website and contact us today."

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