Explore the wide range of Adult Courses available via your local college website now

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Canterbury College, ceramics student Gill Reece

It’s never too late to learn something new, explore a passion or take a different direction, and adult learners across East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group) are proving just that.

From ceramics and cookery to barbering, EKC Group’s adult courses are helping people rediscover creativity, build confidence and gain practical skills that fit around everyday life.

At EKC Canterbury College, ceramics student Gill Reece has been shaping her skills, and her passion, for several years.

“I’ve been coming here since 2018. I’m very much a potter who loves working on the wheel: I’m a bit addicted to it, really,” she said. “I’ve made hand-built pieces, too, but it’s the wheel that keeps me coming back. The wheels here are fantastic, really professional and cost a fortune, so having access to them is an incredible opportunity.”

Gill describes the college as a welcoming and supportive environment that kept her motivated even when life felt demanding.

“When I first joined, I was still working full-time, teaching all day. I’d often arrive exhausted, not sure if I even had the energy to create anything, but the tutors were always so lovely, and the people here are so welcoming that even making something simple felt joyful.

“I wanted to move away from what I was doing and do something I actually enjoy.”

“Now that I’m retired, I can throw myself into it completely, literally throwing bowls after bowls after bowls!”

Meanwhile, at EKC Broadstairs College, Colin Haynes and Elon Gill discovered adult learning in an unexpected way while working on site.

Elon explained how a casual conversation sparked a new challenge.

“We were doing some electrical work and saw the menu. We decided to ask the guy in the kitchen a couple of questions and found out about the free evening course going,” he said. “We went back to work, had a bit of a chat about it, jokes, giggles, then decided we should sign up.”

The course quickly exceeded expectations, with Colin explaining that the first four weeks in the kitchen on the course had been brilliant.

“The first week we made bread and then the second week we did a Spanish omelette - that was brilliant,” he said.

“Everybody’s very friendly and obviously it’s free all around - we don’t have to pay anything for the ingredients or for the chef’s time. The chefs are great and they’ll answer anything you want to know and help you.”

FLEXIBILITY & PASSION

For Sandra Heathering‑Ford, adult learning offered the chance to focus on herself and pursue something she had always loved.

She said: “I’ve been working and supporting my family for a long time because I’ve got a few children, but now it’s about me and what I want to do.

“I wanted to move away from what I was doing and do something I actually enjoy. I’ve always loved hair and always wanted to get involved in it, so I started with a Level 2 Hairdressing course and absolutely loved it.

“The tutors are really supportive, especially Sarah, who I do barbering with. I’ve been through some personal issues as well and they’ve been there the whole time.

“If you’re struggling, they really take the time to support you and make sure you understand the technique. They won’t move you on until you’re comfortable!”

Sandra added the class times conveniently fit around her busy life.

“It works really well because it’s in the evening, so I don’t have to worry about mornings or childcare,” she said. “I can still work alongside it. You don’t get loads of assignments, either - you learn more practically.

“The exams are online and multiple choice, and as long as you take your time and read the questions they’re not as scary as people think. It just makes life easier and not complicated.”

EKC Group’s short and part‑time courses are designed to fit around busy lives, with many taking place in the evenings and during the week.

Adult learners study alongside like‑minded people in professional, friendly environments and benefit from tutors who are practising industry professionals, ensuring skills taught are current and relevant.

Whether you’re looking to explore a creative passion, gain new skills or try something completely different, EKC Group’s adult learning community offers the support and flexibility to help you succeed.

Explore the wide range of Adult Courses available via your local college website now.

INFO: www.ekcgroup.ac.uk