How does EKC Canterbury College inspire future generations?

7 November 2025

We’re proud to play an active role in inspiring the next generation. Here’s a look at some of three recent ways our departments have engaged with the young minds of the future.

At EKC Canterbury College, we’re proud to play an active role in inspiring the next generation.

Thanks to a series of creative workshops, practical experiences, and meaningful partnerships, we help young people across East Kent explore career paths and build confidence in their own potential.

Here’s a look at some of three recent ways our departments have engaged with the young minds of the future:

Engineering, Health and Public Services: Thornden Wood Careers Workshops

We recently welcomed 26 Year 6 pupils from Thornden Wood Primary School, for a morning of exploring future career paths. The children took part in a range of activities designed to introduce them to careers in Engineering, Health and Social Care, and Public Services.

In our Engineering lab, pupils got to see KUKA robots in action, which was very exciting for them. They also created key rings with help from our students, which also functioned as grabbing tools.

One of the primary school students, Harvey, said about the session:

“It was so much fun and I liked making the grabbers. It makes me want to go into engineering when I am older.”

Thornden Wood students exploring our Engineering labs in College

In our Health simulation suite, children got to experience our mannequins that can simulate a range of illnesses. They personally got to care for patients with upset stomachs and categorised fake stool samples.

Tilia shared, “The mannequins were great; they were so life-like with their movements, blinking and breathing. I think I’d like to be a midwife in the future.”

Thornden Wood students learning how to help patients in our Health Simulation Suite.

Meanwhile, pupils interested in careers in the police, army and fire service supported each other and displayed great teamwork skills to complete a challenging blindfold obstacle course.

Aiden said: “I loved the obstacle course and activities. It made you trust other people more.”

Liam discovered more about his career options, saying: “I didn’t know the Army is a public service. It’s what I’d like to go into in the future.”

Thornden Wood students being instructed by our Sports team, ahead of the obstacle course.

Music: Workshops with Orchard School:

As part of a series of termly workshops, our Music department hosted pupils from Orchard School for a creative exploration of sound and performance.

Led by our Level 3 Year 2 Music students, and supported by two former students now at university, these sessions included studio recording and music therapy activities.

These workshops gave the children the chance to experiment with instruments and sound, while our students gained valuable experience in teaching and music education.

Sessions like these not only encourage creativity in young people but also help them to build their confidence and communication skills, which are vital for the future.

Orchard School creating music tracks on the computers in our Music department.

Early Years, Health and Animal Care: Intergenerational Event at Streetside

Our Early Years, Health and Animal Care students this year also took part in a heartwarming intergenerational event at Streetside, engaging with children from EKC Canterbury Nursery and local care home residents.

Animal Care learners introduced their animals to the visitors, and created animal handling sessions with the guinea pigs, snakes and insects.

Closeup of an Animal Care student handling insects for our guests.

Early Years and Health students led activities with the children and the residents such as colouring, reading, and sensory games, designed to their support creativity and early maths skills.

Early Years student reading storybook to two children.

It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to connect with local people and share what they’ve learned so far on our courses.

For the young people and local care home residents, activities like this are a great chance to meet others, build relationships and have a unique day out in the community.

Careers and Student Experience Manager, Rachel Smith, is proud of the work that we do as a College to help young children explore their options early. She said:

“Thanks to coming into College, pupils are now considering careers they may not previously have done, and are also starting to make links between the different industry sectors. Events like these are a big success, promoting awareness and enabling the children to start thinking about their own career aspirations.”

These events are just a few examples of how EKC Canterbury College works with the community to inspire future generations. Whether it’s new creative workshops, career tasters, or intergenerational projects, we’re committed to helping young people discover their passions and potential.

If you’re considering your options, whether that be whilst in Year 9 with our Junior College, or leaving school after Year 11, we have a course that’s right for you.