If your query is not covered by the options on our enquiry form, please call 01322 629400 or send us a private message on one of our social media channels. If your enquiry is PR (Public Relations) or media related please see the base of this page for media and press contact details.
For all Public Relations and Media enquiries please contact:
Mrs Claire Shearwood Burton
Director of Marketing and Communications
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We will get back to you as soon as we can. Please note this email is ONLY for Public Relations, Press and Media related enquiries, all other enquiries should be submitted via our online contact us form.
For Emergency ONLY (out-of-hours call out numbers for Tonbridge campus):
Please call 07912 432725 or 07534 962173.
By getting involved with our alumni programme, you can enhance the aspirations of students who wish to follow your professional path, inspiring them to succeed.
We would love to hear from you! If you are a past student, please fill out our alumni form in the hopes of inspiring prospective and current students. We also welcome past staff members to share their experience of working at North Kent College and get involved with our alumni programme.
Please click the ‘become an alumni’ button on the side of this page and fill out the form.
Our alumni programme includes monthly updates to what the College is up to and how you can get involved. A chance to be involved with mentoring, volunteering opportunities, attend alumni events, be a guest speaker and much more. You will also be entitled to an alumni package, which gives you exclusive offers, discounts and support from our careers team. We will also share your story on LinkedIn so it’s an opportunity to boost your profile!
If you would like to stay in contact with us and other alumni, but don’t wish to complete an alumni form, please join our LinkedIn Alumni network here. This enables you to make and stay in contact with other former students, hear about current business and industry issues and find job vacancies, as well as staying in touch.
We are proud of our past students and staff who have graduated or worked with us over the last 5 years. This page recognises their achievements as they share their success stories and hope to inspire the younger generation to aspire and achieve big. We can't wait to see what you will achieve!
The Corporation Board comprises of 20 governors including:
The Chief Executive/Executive Principal
2 Student Governors
2 Staff Governors
15 External Governors
Our external Governors are drawn from business, professional, public sector and community backgrounds, who bring a range of skills and experience to the Board. In return, they find that the role of a Governor is very rewarding, as it brings them into contact with other individuals with a passion for the education and training sector. Our Corporation Board works as a team to set the strategic direction of the College.
Their responsibilities are to:
The Corporation Board meets regularly to review the College mission, consider strategic developments, systematically monitor college and management performance, review and monitor the implementation of a range of college policies, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements at all times. The Corporation is charged with developing an environment that enables the College to fulfil its mission, for the benefit of learners and the community.
The Corporations role is strategic, meaning that the members do not involve themselves in the day-to-day management of the College. The Principal, who is the Chief Executive Officer, has responsibilities dictated by statute and others delegated by the Corporation. The extent of this delegation is outlined in the document known as the Instruments and Articles of Government, which are available online.
The Corporation Board has scheduled meetings that take place throughout the academic year. In addition, if there are pressing matters, they may call extra ordinary Board meetings. The number of issues Governors need to discuss is immense, so to ensure that all of them are given proper consideration the Corporation Board have an Audit Committee (Statutory Requirement), a Search, Governance & Remuneration Committee, Quality & Standards Committee and an Estates Strategy & Capital Projects Committee.
Audit Committee (Statutory)
Louis Jones - Chair
Mandeep Sahota
Sue Hubble
Martin Jenkins
Teja Biring
Rocksea Ogefere
Search, Governance & Remuneration Committee
Sarah Henwood - Chair
David Martin
Jane Spurgin
Louis Jones
David Gleed - For Search & Governance
Quality & Standards Committee
David Martin - Chair
David Gleed
Emma Cosby
Heidi King
Sue Hubble
Joanna Grant
Darren Higbee
Jane Spurgin
Estates Strategy & Capital Projects Committee
Teja Biring - Chair
Louis Jones
Irene Redman
Peter McGahan
David Gleed
Keith Norman (Co-opted Governor)
Corporation Board Meeting Schedule 2023/24
Corporation Board & Committee Meeting Schedule 2025/26 - Coming soon.
We are committed to openness and accountability and therefore have the minutes of the Board meetings and key documents available on our website, to ensure transparency. We are committed to the equality and diversity of all of our students, staff and stake holder.
pdf Search & Governance and Remuneration Committee Terms of Reference (192 KB)
document Audit Committee Terms of Reference - November 2023 (61 KB)
pdf Quality & Standards Committee Terms of Reference (186 KB)
pdf Estates Strategy & Capital Projects Committee Terms of Reference (199 KB)
We welcome applications to join the Board of Governors, from all members of the community. For more details on becoming a Governor, please read the information below.
Your involvement and contribution can help us to meet the needs of everyone in our community. The College values the voluntary contribution from individuals who are keen to participate in delivery of our educational excellence.
We are keen to encourage equality and diversity on our Corporation Board, both cultural diversity and vocational diversity are important to us. You may have experience in business, community services, industry, finance or legal practice. The broader your vocational experience the better for our Governing Body, to allow an informed decision-making process.
As well as your role benefiting the community, you will also have an opportunity to further develop your own skill base and CV. You will be given the appropriate training and support, to become fully effective and will be kept informed about emerging issues and trends.
If you are interested in finding out more, please email our Clerk to the Corporation This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Find out more about our Governors in the Governor Profiles section.
Our Ofsted results from our inspections are available for you to download from the Ofsted website.
North Kent College comprises of three campuses located across the county of Kent:
We offer vocational courses and all of our campuses have distinct workplace like qualities where students can train in industry standard facilities which prepare them for employment.
Here you can explore our wide range of courses at North Kent College.
Our course offer ranges from Entry Level through to Undergraduate level, with a wealth of Level 3 provision which is the equivalent to A Levels.
Speak to one of our careers advisers if you wish to know more and we will be happy to advise about your options.
Interested in acting? Passionate about performing? Enjoy being on stage? Want to be in TV & Film? If you answered yes, then we are passionate about training you!
Our industry professional theatres and studios provide the perfect environment to train in your chosen specialism. Our team of professionals will offer you training which is unrivalled in the country.
Working as a Theatre Company on a diverse range of productions, you will learn skills and be provided with the very best learning experience possible.
At the Miskin Theatre we recognise your creativity and your ambitions and prepare you for the next step in your training and ultimately, entry into the industry.
There are visits to theatres and film sets, plus collaboration with our beauty, hair, music and media departments, to make the course vibrant, exciting and industry relevant. Our actors get to showcase their work at a variety of theatres, festivals, competitions and professional screenings, including the British Film Institute.
Find out more about our courses by visiting our Miskin Theatre website www.miskintheatre.co.uk
During your time on one of our art courses you will get the opportunity to express and share your ideas through creativity and get inspirations from a variety of trips.
We offer a range of courses specifically aimed to support our students and their talents. We offer Level 1 and 2 Art, as well as L3 Art and Design and L4 Art Practice, all discovering ways of expressing through 2D, 3D and 4D.
Our Level 1 and 2 courses are an introduction to art, exploring a vast range of techniques and processes, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, design and mix media etc.
The Level 3 course includes self-initiated projects and explores traditional to contemporary fine art techniques such as print making, mix media, video art, elements of design, 3D design and more. All courses are taught by experienced and professional artists with a diverse skillset.
During your time on one of our art courses you will get the opportunity to express and share your ideas through creativity and get inspirations from a variety of trips. You will find out what it is like to exhibit your own work in a professional space working alongside your peers and make you a more independent learner as the course progressing focusing on your chosen area of art.
The Level 4 is a one year intensive course looking at the creative industries, building your portfolio, exploring theoretical and practical elements to get you ready for employment, university, apprenticeships, or whatever path you choose to take.
Within the art department we have a range of great facilities to support your learning and creative ideas, including fully equipped workshops/studio spaces, screen printing workshop, ceramic kiln etc. You will learn technical skills to guide you towards your next educational or career choices.
Follow us on Instagram to find out more about what we get up to!
@nkc_creativestudios (Dartford)
@nkc_creativestudioston (Tonbridge)
Do you dream of setting up your own company, managing a department in a large corporation, or perhaps growing an existing business? If so, you will need the core skills our Business course can offer you. Whatever your dream, we will help you to develop a career path for a variety of business sectors and industries.
You will learn about how businesses are created and structured and the impact of the wider world on business success. You will learn the skills and qualities required to work effectively in a business environment such as meeting deadlines, teamwork, budgeting, project management and marketing. Our Business course shows you how to develop employability skills, such as analysing information, critical thinking and problem solving, working collaboratively and people skills. Plus, emotional intelligence, negotiation and persuasion skills, and building leadership qualities.
In addition to the above, at Level 3, you will also be introduced to the concept of marketing in business. You will investigate various aspects of internet marketing, drawing on the experiences of contrasting businesses. You will learn methods of attracting and keeping customers. The course will also equip you with knowledge on how to create promotional campaigns, by examining the role of advertising agencies and the media.
Our Business course will help you to develop the critical skills required to work in a business environment and you will then be in a prime position to apply for relevant business apprenticeships, entry level roles in business or indeed further study.
Our highly technical Computing & Games Development department benefits from industry-standard computing hardware and software, which allows you to learn using the latest equipment and technology.
You will be taught by staff who have gained their knowledge and experience first-hand from industry and academic backgrounds.
The courses are designed to meet the needs of the individuals as well as industry and commerce. We have a high level of achievement and progression into employment, higher education and have prominent recognition with employers. Are you interested in working in the games industry, designing, developing, and building video games? Then we have courses for you. Our gaming courses will give you hands-on practical across and within a range of technical skills areas, which reflect current industry practice. Our courses will equip you with skills required to produce ideas, problem solve, develop technical skills, engage in professional practice and communicate professionally.
For our computing courses, you will develop a common core of IT knowledge and study areas such as the relationship between hardware and software that form an IT system, managing and processing data to support business and using IT to communicate and share information. If you wish to specialise in Computing and Games Development, we have the courses, technology, and expert teaching to help you get there.
Our Construction courses are delivered in excellent workshop environments, allowing you to experience your chosen trade as you would in industry.
Construction courses are all based at our Gravesend Campus, where we have dedicated facilities for Brickwork, Painting and Decorating, Carpentry and Multitrades.
We have strong business links with local employers, businesses and trade outlets. We have a great record for getting our students on to apprenticeships with reputable companies. Our staff are all from industry, highly qualified, and use their experience to give you the best support and start to your future.
Although our focus is to give you the best practical education, we also love a competition and throughout the year there will be opportunities for you to compete against other students at the college, which can lead to you competing against students at other colleges locally, nationally and even internationally.
Within our dedicated course areas, our specialist tutors will prepare you for life as a skilled trades-person, whether employed or self-employed running your own business. Our facilities are just like real work places, where you will construct buildings, walls and a variety of structures, in your chosen trade of brick or wood, or learn painting and decorating techniques on a number of surfaces.
Electrical courses are delivered in our excellent industry-standard workshops which simulates real environments and give you practice of working in the electrical industry.
We have developed strong business links with local employers, providing great benefits to our students. Due to our employer links, we have established a notable record for getting our students on to apprenticeships with reputable small businesses.
Having industry qualified and experienced staff is incredibly beneficial and vital to the delivery of our courses, as they are able to pass on their own personal experience to you.
Our qualifications are offered through EAL, and these link directly to an NVQ and apprenticeship programme, which can be achieved once you gain employment within the industry.
Within our Engineering department, our aim is to help you to develop a career in engineering by providing high quality education and training in realistic working environments.
We offer courses in General, Electrical/Electronic and Mechanical Engineering. The engineering provision includes a machine shop with welding and fabrication facilities in addition to well-equipped electronic laboratories. We also have computer suites with computer aided design (Autodesk) software.
Our workshops, laboratories and classrooms are designed to meet the highest industry standards. All of our teaching staff have relevant industrial backgrounds, which provide a high standard of teaching that enables you to explore a wide range of engineering settings.
We offer a full range of levels starting at Level 1 through to Higher education level programmes. This means that it is possible to start learning with low level qualifications and progress onto our Higher National Certificate (HNC) in General Engineering.
Do you want to Sing, Dance and Act? If yes then look no further. We offer a vibrant,exciting and inspirational training that will allow you to follow your dreams into theperforming arts industry.
Welcome
The Miskin Theatre has been established for over 20 years, providing outstanding training across all areas of Dance & Musical Theatre. We are committed in delivering the highest quality of professional training, which provides each performer with the essential tools to thrive within the competitive industry and further education.
OUR MISSION
Is to discover undiscovered talent within a supportive, industry led environment. We pride ourselves on creating an outstanding professional & supportive training environment enabling aspiring performers to fulfill life long dreams and ambitions
Here at The Miskin Theatre our courses are tailor made to allow students to experience a breadth of dance and musical theatre styles. Students are consistently coached and mentored by professionals who work within the industry. Providing excellent technical training and industry expertise that is crucial for the competitive performance industry.
We believe in creating exciting industry opportunities for our students giving them the necessary tools to create a successful career within the industry. Opportunities include the UK’s largest dance convention ‘Move It’, in house productions, workshops, guest choreographers and musical theatre directors, agency representation and professional industry work.
We are proud to have expanded and acquired purpose built state of the art facilities including; three large dance studios and a musical theatre space as well as a theatre for our renowned shows.
Over the years we have created an excellent rapport with the UK’s most prestigious colleges and as The Dance & Musical Theatre department has grown so have the opportunities. We are proud to announce that some of our most recent graduates are walking straight in to the industry, with contracts for Cabaret Shows in Paris and International cruise contracts with Celebrity and Viking Cruise Lines.
We are invested in creating an inspiring environment where students can flourish and we pride ourselves on nurturing the next generation of confident and successful performers.
Find out more about our courses by visiting our Miskin Theatre website. www.miskintheatre.co.uk
Do you want to work in the Health and Social Care sector? They require skilled professionals who care for people in private and public organisations. The industry offers experiences that give a great sense of personal fulfilment, job satisfaction and rewarding careers.
Practitioners within the sector are passionate and hard-working individuals who need to be prepared to work long hours, shifts and manage stressful and often emotional situations. Therefore individuals interested in joining health and social care need to be naturally caring, good listeners, hard-working and have enthusiasm and ambition to work in the sector.
Our courses are based on practical experience gained through work placements that offer hands-on care work to give a real insight into how the sector works and completing academic coursework in college.
The academic work ensures that you have the knowledge and understanding to support care practice and allow progression on to further study.
Our Hospitality and Catering programmes will help you to develop a career in one of the fastest growing and dynamic industries in the United Kingdom. Our programmes of study will build on the knowledge and skills that you require, for a rewarding career within the Hospitality industry.
Hospitality and Catering courses are offered in our modern professional catering facilities, which are based at our Gravesend and Tonbridge campuses. These include industry standard kitchens and service areas, two fully functioning restaurants, that are open to the public and highly equipped classrooms. You will be taught by specialists, who are able to pass on first-hand experience of working within the industry.
On completion of your programme of study you will be able to begin a career as a Chef, Food and Beverage personnel, Supervisors and Managers. These programmes will be enriched and supported with relevant trips, events and guests speakers, making the overall learning experience stimulating and exciting.
Professional industry placements are offered as part of your study programme and will enrich your knowledge of the industry and help you develop the skills required to work in the Hospitality and Catering industry.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin to find out more about what we get up to!
Do you want to have a career that enables you to make a difference in your community and help others whilst having varied and challenging work days that are never the same? Working in the Public Services can offer this exciting and worthwhile career opportunity.
Our Public Services courses provide you with the skills, experience and knowledge that will enable you to develop a career in the fire service, police, prison service, civilian roles in the uniformed services or armed forces to name a few. The personal skills that you will develop, teamed with the knowledge and understanding that you will gain, will set you up perfectly for the career you wish to embark upon. Our courses also include a range of day trips, careers talks, visiting speakers and residential trips.
The Public Service provision offers a range of full-time courses to suit students at all ability levels. Our courses include NCFE Level 1, 2 and 3 Diplomas for entry to the uniformed services as well as a Level 3 Diploma in Policing.
We have exceptional facilities at the Dartford Campus which include a large multi-purpose sports hall, 3 sports fields, access to a strength and conditioning room and fitness suite.
Our Level 2 and Level 3 courses provide a wide range of opportunities to learn, progress, gain knowledge, give you the tools to become more employable, and also to grow in confidence within yourself. This is due to the range of methods used to enable all learners to have the opportunity to achieve to their highest level.
We have progression opportunities available through all our programmes. Progression is dependent on successful completion of the course and additionally, on expected high levels of attendance, attitude and behaviour.
The wide range of subjects studied on each programme all point towards Sports Coaching and Performance and allow for a broader understanding of issues and topics within the sports industry.
We have students within our department representing in a wide range of sports at district, county, national and international levels. Students are expected to be 'people centred', dynamic and good communicators and willing to try new sports or activities to widen their knowledge and appreciation of different sports.
All our courses also offer access to the NKC Football Academy for Boy’s and Girl’s teams. Students wishing to improve their football skills and performance will access 3 training sessions per week and football fixtures on Wednesdays in the U18 Kent KSFA League and National Football Youth League.
Want to work in a fast-paced industry? Our reputation with major tour operators and travel agencies is excellent. Our amazing facilities, complete with our very own mock cabin and engaging learning spaces, will inspire you to excel in a dynamic industry.
We offer practical courses that focus on specific industry areas and developing skills to help you gain employment in your dream job. We offer a unique learning environment with extensive resources and the latest facilities to enhance your learning experience. Our resources include a mock-up aeroplane for a real-life cabin crew learning experience.
Our courses are taught by industry professionals, which gives you first-hand knowledge and experience from people who have worked in the industry to enable you to develop to your full potential.
Do you have a passion to work with children? If you are interested in a fulfilling and rewarding career that will enhance your own unique qualities, then we want to hear from you!
From an Early Year's practioner through to a Primary School Teacher the begininng of your career will start here with us. You can then choose to venture into employment or to continue into Higher Education and to build on the solid foundation that you have gained with us.
Here at North Kent College you will learn how a child develops holistically and be able to utilise your own skills to provide the best care and education for the individual needs of the child.
Our courses are taught by Early Years sector profressionals that understand the importance and impact of Early Years education and care on the lifelong outcomes for our children. Combinbed with the real-life work experience placements to give you the hands-on profressional training, you will have both the knowledge and skills to have a positive impact on children's lives.
Forest School at North Kent College
Forest school originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s, founded in its open-air culture way of life, ‘friluftsliv’, which translates into free air life. Forest school is an approach to learning that takes children into the great outdoors whatever the weather to explore the natural environment. Forest school is a long-term, nature-based outdoor learning program that focuses on holistic development and growth in children.
Here at North Kent College Early Years, we incorporate Forest School sessions into each of our courses. These sessions are led by our Forest School Leader who demonstrates the key principals of Forest School. This enables our learners to understand the importance of a nature-based curriculum for children.
Industry Placements
Combined with the real-life work experience placements give you the hands-on professional training, you will have both the knowledge and skills to have a positive impact on children's lives. Find out more abour industry placements at North Kent College here.
Student Progression
We are proud of our past students and staff who have graduated or worked with us over the last 5 years. Our Learners have gone on to study at a number of workplaces and Universities too many to name but here are some...
Higher Education Progression:
University of Chichester, Bournemouth University, University of Sussex, Canterbury Christ Church University, University of Greenwich and The University of Manchester
Industry Progression:
Dimples Day Nursery, Bright Beginnings Nurseries, Busy Bees Nurseries, Enchanted Wood Nurseries, Grace’s Day Nursery and many more
Our courses range from learning the basics of salon work to working with colour, disconnected cuts, scissor and razor techniques. Increase your confidence to become work-ready for any salon.
Studying Hairdressing with us allows you to develop your skills and experience in our purpose-built salons. Our tutors are highly qualified hairdressers and barbers, with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience, including salon ownershipand bespoke training.
You will be taught everything from basic to advanced hairdressing and barbering. We believe that your skills and knowledge will better develop by learning in a practical environment, which you will gain through working with real clients in ouracademy hair salons. As well as covering essential elements of theory work, units include monitoring and controlling safeworking practices, practical skill development in cutting, styling, colouring and colour correction techniques. Skills learnt in the academy will dramatically improve your employment prospects.
Currently our Lee Stafford Academy offers a comprehensive range of hairdressing services, available to the public which are provided by our students as part of their training.
If you would be interested in studying towards a Hairdressing apprenticeship, you can click the button below:
Our one-year Administration for Legal & Professional Services courses (available at both Level 2 and Level 3) will equip you with practical administrative skills and essential IT skills to gain employment in a corporate environment. You will learn how to produce professional documents using Microsoft Office software, develop skills in planning and prioritising, work as part of a team and enhance your communication skills, all of which are necessary for a career in the modern working environment.
Our one-year Administration for Legal & Professional Services courses (available at both Level 2 and Level 3) will equip you with practical administrative skills and essential IT skills to gain employment in a corporate environment. You will learn how to produce professional documents using Microsoft Office software, develop skills in planning and prioritising, work as part of a team and enhance your communication skills, all of which are necessary for a career in the modern working environment.
You will also gain an understanding of the UK legal and political system, civil, criminal and workplace law, as well as legal and business terminology, equipping you with valuable skills and knowledge for employment in a legal environment. In addition to this, there is a strong emphasis on developing your proofreading and literacy skills, which is essential to a future career as a professional administrator
Our one-year Level 2 course is suitable for Year 11 leavers (aged 16+) and at the end of the course, you will be able to apply for one of the Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeships that we have created with a number of London law firms. If, however, you would prefer to continue along the academic pathway, you could alternatively progress onto our one-year Level 3 course.
If you are a Year 12 or 13 leaver (aged 17+), you can enrol directly onto our one-year Level 3 course and at the end of this course, you will be able to apply for full-time administrative employment with a number of London law firms who recruit directly from our curriculum area, as well as access to the legal recruitment agencies we work closely with to provide opportunities.
Miskin Media offers you two distinct pathways set within a professional environment to enable you to develop your career within the creative media industry.
On our Level 3 pathways you will specifically focus on one of the following: Creative Media Production Digital Journalism for those interested in presenting, radio, journalism and creative writing: Creative Media Production TV & Film covers all the crew and production roles like filmmaker, director, or camera operator within the TV and Film industry.
Don’t worry if you don’t reach the qualification requirements for the Level 3 pathway of your choice. We also offer a one year Level 2 Media course, where you will experience and develop skills across TV & film productions, creative writing and radio & audio podcasts. You will be working with a highly experienced team of industry practitioners, with real clients, in a fast-paced dynamic and exciting environment to prepare you for the Level 3 course as your progression route.
These courses will enable you to develop a digital portfolio which will improve and benefit your chances of gaining work in the relevant industries or going on to higher education in the future. For an insight into what you could be learning on the course, take a look at our current learners' work at www.nkcmedia.co.uk
Our fully equipped Motor Vehicle facility offers you a unique experience of training and learning within a real garage environment. Our aim is to help you to develop a career within the motor vehicle industry by providing you with plenty of realistic, hands-on practical experience.
We have a fully functioning garage, diagnostic centre and workshops, which have all the latest equipment. This will enable you to gain your experience in a real world setting that will help you to progress seamlessly into the industry. All of our highly qualified staff have worked in real commercial garages and retain contact with industry. This often means we help you get work in the industry while you study.
Our courses are designed to engage and motivate learners who are interested in the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and the various roles that are available in the retail motor industry. The main emphasis of our courses are on practical skills development, which takes place in our well-equipped workshops.
Miskin Music offers an amazing opportunity to train in a professional environment as a musician, producer or sound technician through our Music Performance or Technology pathway. You will work alongside a diverse range of experienced industry practitioners in creating public performances and recordings. These will mirror the demands of the exciting and dynamic music industry.
Dartford
Miskin Music at Dartford provides a dynamic training environment for the contemporary musician. You will work to briefs requiring particular stylistic outcomes, as often required by clients in industry, performing live to audiences. You will also have the opportunity to write, record and release your own music, engaging with the relevant digital platforms. You will work alongside Miskin Theatre, Dance and Media companies in a vibrant Creative Arts environment. As a music technician you will gain an insight into sound design, composition for the music image and/or games, and develop a working understanding of both analogue and digital recording principals.
Miskin “Voice” is an exciting course tailored to the needs of the contemporary singer covering singing styles from pop to rock, R’n B to Soul, working in both the live and studio environment.
All of our courses are available at Level 2 and Level 3.
Find out more about our courses by visiting our Miskin Theatre website www.miskintheatre.co.uk
Tonbridge
When you join Music Tonbridge, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to perform live at a range of venues and events including our fully equipped theatre and external venues for example The Forum in Tunbridge Wells. Our courses are available at level 2 and level 3 qualifications, and offer instrumental support for vocals, guitar, bass, keys and drums with instrumental sessions and workshops run by our specialised music lecturers.
You will explore the wide range of career opportunities in music through weekly business lectures and occasional guest talks delivered by industry professionals. Through history lectures you will gain an understanding of the cultural, societal and historical backgrounds of genres and musical movements. You will also develop skills and gain experience in music production, composition and recording while using our specialist Mac suite and live recording room.
Find out more by following us on Instagram or Facebook @miskinmusictonbridge
Our Plumbing provision uses excellent industry standard workshops to provide you with an education of the trade that will be close to how you would work in the industry itself.
We have built strong business connections with local employers and have established an excellent record for getting our students on to Apprenticeships with these reputable organisations.
Our staff are all industry standard qualified so are able to use their experience to give you the best support and start to your future career in Plumbing.
Our full-time provision comprises of Awards, Certificates and Diplomas from Level 1 to Level 2. The qualifications are offered through City and Guilds, which link directly to an NVQ and Apprenticeship framework once a student gains employment within the industry.
Want to work in the highly visual world of Photography? Love looking at life through the lens? Then these are the courses for you.
You will benefit from using state-of-the-art equipment including the latest DSLR cameras, film cameras and lenses. You will have access to professional standard digital imaging and editing software, including Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Bridge and Light-Room. You will learn to scan, print and edit digital images using professional software.
We have two well-equipped photographic studios where you will benefit from excellent technical support from our Photography team. You will also have access to our four Mac computer suites, plus you will gain experience in using the dark room to develop your hand-printing skills. You will also get the opportunity to work with 35mm, medium format systems and black and white film developing.
This course will enhance your photographic skills. You could progress to higher education or pursue a career in photography, photo journalism, fashion photography and more.
Discover more about our Photography courses in the video below.
Interested in Fashion? This course has it all to prepare you for employment in many areas of fashion such as designer, design assistant, stylist, fashion illustrator, fashion buyer, costume designer or fashion print designer, or continue your studies in higher education.
The course consists of live industry-led projects, research, practical skills in sewing and print workshops, pattern cutting, surface decoration and accessories.
All projects are delivered by experienced staff with links to industry. There are visits to galleries and museums, plus collaborations with our beauty, hair, music and media departments to make the course vibrant, exciting and industry relevant. Students showcase their work at a live fashion show and end of year exhibition open to the public.
Students who have chosen to progress to university have had a 100% success rate.
Discover more about our Fashion courses in the video below and follow us on Instagram to find out more about what we get up to @nkc_creativestudios
We offer a wealth of courses to meet the needs of the ever-changing and constantly evolving beauty industry.
Whether you choose to study Spa & Beauty Therapy, Hair & Media Make-up or Theatrical Make-up, studying with us will allow you to develop your skills by gaining hands-on professional experience with real clients in our onsite commercial salons, spa & make-up studio. You are able to gain skills within beauty to include facial treatments, manicure, pedicure, waxing, eye treatment, tanning and nail art.
As you progress you will be able to develop those skills and your employability choices by studying body massage, facial and body electrical treatments and spa therapy treatments.
You will gain skills within Hair & Media Make-up to include body art design, the art of colouring hair, the art of dressing hair and the art of photographic make-up. Make-up artists are given the opportunity to work on film sets, live theatre and photographic shoots while our beauty students will work and train with industry professionals in a range of salons and spas.
Do you want to have an exciting career within the Events and Hospitality industry, and be part of one of the largest contributors to the UK economy? This sector employs a vast array of opportunities as the sector continues to develop.
The Events and Hospitality course will build the skills, confidence required to work in this sector. The industry offers a diverse and exciting work environment with many links to employers within the sector. Learners will experience working at live events, gain an insight in working the hospitality environment, which includes experience behind the scenes and front of house. So, if you are interested in working in a varied, fast paced environment, within hotels, venues, corporate and leisure events, this is the course for you.
Being that hospitality and events are closely linked with travel and tourism, we develop learners knowledge of international hospitality through residential trips and localised trips to embed hospitality event awareness, in addition to introducing you to a variety of businesses that support this exciting and dynamic sector.
These courses are for people over the age of 19 who are interested in taking on an undergraduate degree programme, who do not already have the required qualifications.
The Access to Nursing and Healthcare Professions course is a one-year course for students over 19 without the standard qualifications to enter higher education. The course comprises of Level 3 units (A level equivalent) in Health Studies, Psychology and Biology. Students without GCSE Maths and/or English language at C or above may be able study GCSE Maths and GCSE English language while studying the Access course at no additional cost (only avaliable at our Dartford campus). As many degree courses related to nursing require relevant work experience, students are encouraged to undertake paid or voluntary work experience in a care setting while studying the Access course.
Apply now for a September start and you could be starting a university course next year!
Please note:
Advanced Learner Loans can be applied for ALL our Access courses
You will gain an Access Diploma to Higher Education. You may also be given the opportunity to study GCSE Maths and GCSE English. For explanations of our qualifications, please see our Qualifications Explained page.
Higher Education, either at NKC or a university.
NKC offers a range of undergraduate courses, so an Access course could be the perfect platform to prepare you for our Higher Education programmes.
Government funding for Access to Higher Education courses is available for students aged 19-23 as of 31 August who have not already achieved a full level 3 qualification*. If this applies to you, you will not have any course tuition or registration fees to pay.
If you're aged 19-23 and already have a full level 3 qualification*, or if you are aged 24 or over, you will have to pay tuition and registration costs as follows:
Access to Nursing and Healthcare – Tuition fee £3,300 and Registration fee £185
You can however apply for an Advanced Learner Loan (similar to a Higher Education Loan) which will cover your tuition fees (but not the registration fee which you will be required to pay at enrolment.) As an added incentive, if you progress straight onto university with no break from your Access course, your loan will be written off.
Students who take out an Advanced Learner Loan and who are undertaking the access course, with a household income of below £21,000 may also apply to the college for a bursary award which may cover the registration fee, the cost of books, a contribution to travel expenses (if the student lives more than 2 miles from college) and may also cover childcare (for one child only). Students below the age of 20 (as of 31 August) can apply to the Governments Care to Learn scheme for funding for childcare.
*A full Level 3 qualification is equivalent to:
There are no formal entry requirements, but you will need to attend an interview. Applicants are assessed in English and maths before the interview.
Click here to view Access to Higher Education courses or call 01322 629400.
Our Refrigeration & Air Conditioning courses are delivered in excellent workshop environments allowing you to experience your chosen trade as you would in industry.
Courses are taught by staff who are all industry qualified and will use their experience to give you the best support and start to your future.
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning courses are delivered at our Gravesend Campus, this is where we offer a range of full-cost courses, including F-Gas training. Over the years we have developed strong business links with local employers and a great record for getting our students on to Apprenticeships with reputable companies.
Our Apprenticeship framework comprises a City and Guilds Diploma at Level 2. The qualification offered is for students working within the industry. Our aim is to give you the skills and experience you need to carry out your role within the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning industry.
Our Graphic Design courses take you through the various areas of design within your first year, looking at Adobe software training, advertising, branding, digital illustration, graphic design fundamentals, magazine design and layout, typographic design, material handling and technical skill-building and much more.
After successfully achieving in your first year, the second year hones your skills whilst also looking into the historical background of Graphic Design. Within both years you’ll learn how to promote yourself as a designer, understand how the creative industries work and apply for your next steps. You’ll be introduced to projects like layout design, illustration, packaging, websites, apps and you have more freedom to tailor the course to your needs. At the end of the second year you’re required to showcase your work in a professional exhibition, attracting potential employers.
Throughout both years live briefs are run to give you the experience of working with clients and get you ready for the world of work. If you’re creative and enjoy working in industry standard studios with a healthy mixture of digital and hand rendered skills, this is the course for you.
To view examples of our work visit www.nkc-design.com or head over to our Instagram page @nkc_design
Interested in set construction and design? Passionate about creating effects on stage? Or are you interested in lighting, sound and costume? Do you want to crew large scale productions and find out what it takes to bring a production to life?
Interested in set construction and design? Passionate about creating effects on stage? Or are you interested in lighting, sound and costume? Do you want to crew large scale productions and find out what it takes to bring a production to life?
If you answered yes, then we are passionate about training you. At The Miskin Theatre we aim to build confident, driven and creative theatre technicians who have a passion for the arts.
Our industry professional theatres and workshops provide the perfect environment to train in your chosen specialism. Our team of professionals will offer you a training which is unrivalled in the country.
Through working as part of a technical crew on a diverse range of productions you will learn skills such as prop design and making, costume construction, set design and building, lighting design for concerts and shows and leading a crew as a stage manager. At the Miskin theatre you will be provided with the very best learning experience possible where we recognise your creativity and your ambitions to prepare you for the next step in your training.
Find out more about our courses by visiting our Miskin Theatre website www.miskintheatre.co.uk
Our Higher Education programmes are delivered in partnership with world-class Universities, with many of our students pursuing careers within their specialism or progressing onto postgraduate study with prestigious providers.
We also pride ourselves in being a friendly, inclusive University community.
Recently confirmed as offering a high quality student academic experience by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Our Colleges are the perfect local centre to study for your degree.
If you live in Kent or South East London, we're really easy to reach via car or public transport, meaning that you can save money on university accommodation costs and travel. Plus, you'll have more time work and study as well as maintain your current personal lifestyle.
Having the required entry grades is beneficial, especially for those who have just finished college or sixth-form. However, your application is encouraged if you are a mature student (aged 21 and over), without the required entry grades, but with relevant industry experience.
We have a dedicated Higher Education study area at our Dartford Campus for our Access and Higher Education students. The Higher Education study area is a great place to study and meet other students on different undergraduate programmes.
Our students appreciate the level of support that is available to them from their lecturers and all staff on campus. We’re smaller than most universities, which means better support for you.
We have teamed up with Arriva buses, to offer you 10% off your travel to the campuses. Plus, if you live in the London boroughs, you can get up to 30% off your travel with a Student Oyster Card and Dartford Station is now in the Oyster Card area in zone 8.
If you drive, we have loads of free parking. If you don’t, we have a FREE Shuttle Bus, which regularly runs from Dartford Station to our Dartford campus.
North Kent College does not operate halls of residence; however, the surrounding area offers a number of accommodation options to suit the needs of our students.
If you have any further questions, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact our Higher Education Information Officer on 01322 629580.
The National Maritime Training Centre located at North Kent College’s Gravesend campus is a leading provider of maritime education and practical training, providing up to date equipment and expert training using dedicated specialist classrooms, a Fire Training Ground and Thameside Jetty.
The National Maritime Training Centre located at North Kent College’s Gravesend campus is a leading provider of maritime education and practical training, providing up to date equipment and expert training using dedicated specialist classrooms, a Fire Training Ground and Thameside Jetty.
Located at North Kent College’s Gravesend campus, it provides flexible training opportunities for individuals and companies in the Maritime industry. If you have a particular requirement, talk to us and we will do our best to help.
Maritime short courses (between 1 day and 1 week in duration) are offered. A full range of MCA-Approved STCW courses are provided, including Sea Survival, Safety Boat Handling, First Aid, Firefighting and Personal Safety. Our basic STCW Combination Safety course now includes Proficiency in Security Awareness.
Other courses available on demand include Bridge Team Management, First Aid, Health and Safety, Marine Engineering, Seamanship, and Small Craft Safety and Navigation. Courses for the professional yacht industry are also available.
Professional development Diplomas in a range of areas from Marine Surveying, to Ship Agency are available through distance learning.
Apprenticeship training MSQ Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies Boat Master Licence (BML) and MSQ Level 2 Diploma or Certificate in Maritime Studies are also available as block release, combined with distance learning. These apprenticeship training programmes are offered to new and existing staff of all ages and large employers can use their Levy to pay for this training.#
Our Occupational Health and Safety Courses are available for all those who need basic health and safety awareness training or are managers or part of a management team, supervisors or safety representatives who need a greater breadth and depth of knowledge on compliance with legal standards for health and safety in the workplace.
Our Occupational Health and Safety Courses are available for all those who need basic health and safety awareness training or are managers or part of a management team, supervisors or safety representatives who need a greater breadth and depth of knowledge on compliance with legal standards for health and safety in the workplace. If you don't consider yourself to be in any of the above categories at present, we may be able to help you with your career progression in Occupational Health and Safety. We are conveniently located for those in Kent, Essex or other parts of the Southeast of England.
Courses are led by health and safety specialist lecturer Hugh Donohoe, who is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety and course tutors are carefully selected both for their knowledge and their expertise in teaching. The College's own internal quality control procedures are applied to the courses, as well as appraisal by Ofsted, and are subject to constant review.
Due to our charitable status, we do not charge VAT. This is already a considerable saving with VAT at 20%. This provides great value to our customers.
We offer a wealth of courses to meet the needs of the ever-changing and constantly evolving beauty industry.
Whether you choose to study Beauty Therapy with Miskin Spa & Beauty or Hair & Media Make-up or Theatrical Make-up, studying with us will allow you to develop your skills by gaining hands-on professional experience with real clients in our onsite commercial salons, spa & make-up studio. You are able to gain skills within beauty to include facial treatments, manicure, pedicure, waxing, eye treatment, tanning and nail art.
As you progress you will be able to develop those skills and your employability choices by studying body massage, facial and body electrical treatments and spa therapy treatments. You will gain skills within Hair & Media Make-up to include body art design, the art of colouring hair, the art of dressing hair and the art of photographic make-up. Make-up artists are given the opportunity to work on film sets, live theatre and photographic shoots while our beauty students will work and train with industry professionals in a range of salons and spas.
Coming soon to Miskin Spa & Beauty, Level - 4 Beauty therapy Non-medical Aesthetics Practitioner and Level 4 hair, makeup, and prosthetics for performance.
Our Personal Training & Sports Science Department has exceptional facilities at the Dartford Campus, including a large multi-purpose sports hall, sports fields, a strength and conditioning room and fitness centre.
Our Sports Massage suite/clinic provides an excellent simulated work experience environment for all students involved in the Personal Training and Sports Science programmes.
Personal Training and Sport Science has seen impressive growth in the last ten years and continues to support the educational and sporting needs of students, which attracts people of all abilities from North Kent and South London.
The personal training industry continues to grow with many people employing personal trainers to help them achieve their fitness and weight goals. Learners will need to be 'people centred', dynamic and good communicators.
We have progression opportunities available on to our fitness programme.
Follow us on Instagram to find out more about what we get up to! @pt_nkc
Welcome to The Corporate Hub! The Corporate Hub encompasses our Business, Finance and Legal Admin courses, allowing you to gain the skills that are desirable in the industry.
Welcome to The Corporate Hub! The Corporate Hub encompasses our Business, Finance and Legal Admin courses, allowing you to gain the skills that are desirable in the industry.
Are you highly organised, a strong communicator, an effective problem-solver? Do you see yourself as an entrepreneur setting up your own business? You might have strong creative skills and are looking to pursue a career in marketing? Perhaps numbers are your thing and you like the idea of becoming an accountant? Maybe you have an interest in law, strong IT skills and would like to support others in a legal environment? Then why not consider joining The Corporate Hub at North Kent College. Our intent is to provide a learning environment where we can prepare you for a career in the corporate environment.
We have established links with many employers, both locally and in London, which helps our learners in gaining meaningful employment at the end of the programme(s). We have a reputation for producing learners of a high calibre. Can you meet our expectations?
Which is the most relevant course for you? Match your personal attributes and knowledge to the skills we are looking for:
Being apart of The Corporate Hub opens up a world of possibilities. Click on the links below to find out more about what some of our students are now doing.
Looking for a job or career at sea, whether close to land or further afield, you are likely to need to achieve a number of basic Maritime safety qualifications required by international conventions known as STCW and national (Flag State) laws.
You will be able to undertake these at the National Maritime Training Centre here at North Kent College at our Gravesend Campus – below you can see information on the First Aid and Medical Care courses we offer. If you work on land you can benefit from expert first aid training that satisfies HSE requirements for workplace first aiders.
Our superbly equipped training facility will provide you an excellent opportunity to learn the knowledge and to practise techniques that through scenario-based training will develop into skills that could save the lives of shipmates, work colleagues or your own friends and loved ones.
You will benefit from being taught by experienced expert staff members who are audited under established quality control procedures by Ofsted (UK Government) and the Maritime and Coastal Agency.
You like other mariners will require certificated training courses that are recognised internationally.
You will experience realistic practical training as well as quality delivery of the theoretical elements.
1 Day - £150.00 Per Person
4 Days - £425.00 Per Person
1 Day - £100.00 Per Person
3 Days - £275.00 Per Person
2 Days - £185.00 Per Person
1 Day - £75.00 Per Person
2 Days - £185.00 Per Person
Looking for a job or career at sea, whether close to land or further afield, you are likely to need to achieve a number of basic Maritime safety qualifications required by international conventions known as STCW and national (Flag State) laws. You will be able to undertake these at the National Maritime Training Centre here at North Kent College at our Gravesend Campus – below you can see information on the First Aid and Medical Care courses we offer. If you work on land you can benefit from expert first aid training that satisfies HSE requirements for workplace first aiders.
Our superbly equipped training facility will provide you an excellent opportunity to learn the knowledge and to practise techniques that through scenario-based training will develop into skills that could save the lives of shipmates, work colleagues or your own friends and loved ones.
You will benefit from being taught by experienced expert staff members who are audited under established quality control procedures by the Maritime and Coastal Agency and other Awarding Bodies.
You, like other mariners, will require certificated training courses that are recognised internationally.
You will experience realistic practical training as well as quality delivery of the theoretical elements.
Bespoke courses – Should you be looking for training specific to your requirements such as paediatric first aid, defibrillator training, oxygen therapy training or add-ons such as may be relevant to enclosed space rescue please contact us as we have experience of delivering bespoke first aid courses for shore based industry and the maritime industry over many years.
PLEASE NOTE : All prices listed are subject to change
Our state-of-the-art fire training facility will give you the most realistic live firefighting experience, as close to the real thing you can get without compromising safety.
Our experienced team of staff, who have all served with Fire and Rescue Services, can teach you correctly how to put out a small wastepaper fire in an office with an extinguisher, all the way up to a large-scale oil fire onboard ship with high pressure fire hoses.
Our large double deck ship simulator allows you to enter a space on fire in full firefighting gear with breathing apparatus, where you will learn how to extinguish an enclosed fire safely and rescue missing people (not real ones!)
We offer accredited courses specific to seafarers (STCW) or for anyone who is interested in joining the Fire and Rescue Service and would like a realistic understanding of what the job is really about.
We also deliver tailor made courses with real fires specific to any company requirements, ranging from Basic Fire Awareness to Fire Warden and corporate team building “Fun Days”. Our boil over demonstration is second to none!
Additionally, there is a separate Confined Space Rescue complex, where we provide training specific to any and all company requirements.
4 Days - £930.00 Per Person
2.5 Days - £660.00 Per Person
5 Days - £995.00 Per Person
0.5 Day - £175.00 Per Person
1 Day - £200.00 Per Person
1 Day - £200.00 Per Person
Are you interested in both digital and hand-rendered design methods and techniques for graphic design & illustration? This might just be the course for you. We specialise in a wide range of industry standard creative outcomes, training you to become a successful Graphic Designer and/or Illustrator.
At North Kent College we believe that finance should not be a barrier to learning. For students studying on a Further Education programme, we have a number of financial support schemes in place to support you through financial difficulties.
Student Financial Support is available for any North Kent College student to apply for. This funding is available to help eligible students with a contribution towards books, materials, kit and equipment, free college meals as well as travel to and from college.
North Kent College operates a range of Bursary schemes to assist students from low-income households with a contribution to the costs of attending college. These schemes are subject to Government funding levels, and awarded on a first come, first served basis.
Government guidance is updated regularly and may affect eligibility for funding. Any changes to the student finance guidance will be communicated with all members of the college community at the time of any change. It is your responsibility to inform the Department for Work and Pensions of successful application and receipt of funding as this funding may affect your eligibility for some state benefits.
The College reserves the right to make changes to financial support provision in response to Government guidance and other mitigating factors.
Bursary awards are tailored to the individual student and the award allocated will depend upon your course of study, where you live and how many days you are timetabled to attend college.
North Kent College has a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults. We work within Government legislation, Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and all other relevant legislation.
David Martin (Governor for Safeguarding) and Rebecca Skinner (Head of Welfare & Safeguarding), both have senior responsibility for safeguarding, leading on a culture of safety for learners and staff across the College.
Our Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Policy is reviewed and updated annually in line with developments in legislation.
If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact reception and ask to speak to the safeguarding team 01322 629 400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
All staff have responsibility for safeguarding and follow North Kent College’s procedure to report disclosures of abuse or safeguarding concerns to the safeguarding team.
All staff complete regular online safeguarding training and receive updates to legislation and practice.
This Safeguarding Policy is the college policy approved by the Corporate Board. It includes a general policy statement and appendices related to definitions of abuse; the designated senior staff; dealing with disclosure and allegations.
The pdf Safeguarding Guidelines (99 KB) explains the definitions and gives further advice and guidance to staff.
pdf Safeguarding: Procedure Flowchart (115 KB)
It is the duty of all staff to report any concerns to a designated person. No promises should be made to maintain confidentiality, but the student should be informed of the action taken.
Once you've decided on a course that you'd like to do, please complete our online application form located on the course you are interested in. You can choose more than one course but we will always work on your primary choice first.
We do also have paper application forms which can be sent out to you or completed at our on-site events.
Browse courses by subject Browse all courses
All applications for full-time higher education courses need to be made through UCAS. You can still apply through UCAS after 31st January 2024 deadline, but any offers will be dependent on the number of spaces available.
Once you have applied you will receive an email detailing a time and date for an interview and what you will need to bring with you.
Your interview email is usually sent within approximately 2 weeks of receiving your application form.
After your interview, you will receive an email from us detailing an offer. Your offer ultimately depends on your GCSE results, which you will need to bring with you to enrolment. We offer courses that start at entry level, so if you don’t quite make the grades you expected, don’t worry, there’ll still be options for you. Or alternatively if you get better grades than expected we’ll look at all the options for you.
College can provide bursaries for low-income households. You should however, apply for financial support as early as possible, so that your application can be assessed and we can let you know the outcome before you enrol.
For more information on financial support please click here.
You will receive a letter in early August inviting you to enrol during August on your course with a specific date and time.
Please bring your GCSE results and a form of identification with you to enrolment.
An apprenticeship is a real job that gives you a learning platform to train and develop your skills, knowledge and behaviours in your chosen profession.
20% of your contracted working hours will be spent in training and development, either with us at college, or even in your workplace. The remainder of your time will be spent applying and developing your skills and knowledge deeper in your workplace.
Discover what you can study as an apprentice at North Kent College
Where can I find out about the diverse types of Apprenticeships?
The best place for further information on Apprenticeships are by talking to your local college and researching their Apprenticeship pages on the website. You can also research all apprenticeships and the required Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours within each Apprenticeship by visiting IFATE (Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education) – follow the website link below
Apprenticeships / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
How can I look for Apprenticeship vacancies?
Register for an account on the Government website Find an Apprenticeship. This will allow you to set up and register for an account, once you have set up an account, you will be able to set the filters to send you direct apprenticeship vacancies within your chosen subject areas, location and travel distance. By creating an account gives you the opportunity to receive instant alerts when a new vacancy has been uploaded and at a touch of a button directly apply for an Apprenticeship
Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Also look at your local colleges Apprenticeship Webpages as this will detail all current vacancies the college is advertising for Vacancies (northkent.ac.uk) Vacancies (hadlow.ac.uk)
Do I need to have a GCSE in English and Maths to do an Apprenticeship?
YES! English and Maths are paramount to you being able to study for an Apprenticeship. Maths and English entry levels vary depending on the type and level of Apprenticeship, for example, a Carpentry Apprenticeship requires Grade 4’s in both English and Maths.
What if my GCSE’s are quite low?
Your local college will assess your current grade and support you in finding the right course and at the right level that meets your needs. It maybe that you are referred to undertake a level 1 Full-Time course prior to looking for an Apprenticeship, which will also help you to build on your Maths and English.
Can I do an Apprenticeship if I have an EHCP and/or need Additional Support?
YES! Once you have been accepted, prior to starting the apprenticeship, you will undertake an assessment of needs to ensure that you are given the right support from the offset of your Apprenticeship.
Do I have to attend college during my Apprenticeship?
YES! Most Apprentices attend college 1 day a week to gain vital knowledge, skills and to start to adopt key behaviours that are required within industry practices.
Do I get paid for being an Apprentice?
YES! Your Apprenticeship is a real job, you will have a contract of employment and receive employee benefits such as paid annual Leave. pension schemes, sickness entitlements. All Apprentices must be paid through the PAYE Scheme, as an Apprentice you cannot be paid cash-in-hand and or be self-employed.
Pay for an Apprentice varies by employers, and some pay above the National Apprenticeship Minimum Wage (from April 2025 £7.55 per hour). The Government review Apprenticeship Minimum Wages Annually and any changes to the minimum rate will come into effect on the 01st of April every year. You can find out the current rates by visiting National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Do I get paid for the days I have to attend college?
YES! Your college study day forms part of your contracted working hours that have been agreed by you and your employer; All college attendance excluding “Maths and English” will form part of your off the job training requirement. Every Apprentice is entitled to a minimum of 6 hours a week study time.
I want to start an Apprenticeship in September, when should I start looking?
You will need to start exploring Apprenticeship career routes around the end of April/early May. You will need to register and setup an account on Find me an Apprenticeship, start to prepare your CV research and approach local employers directly. Explore opportunities for undertaking evaluable work experience which will give you a valuable insight into your apprenticeship route. Contact your local college ‘s Apprenticeship Department and Careers Teams for any help and support.
I am doing my A-Levels and keen to look at Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, when should I start looking?
Most Degree Apprenticeship Vacancies are released and listed from Mid-October, the application process for Degree Apprenticeship's can be very lengthy but also very rewarding, you can find the current listing of Degree apprenticeships by visiting Amazing Apprenticeships Website using the link below, The Main Listing is released every October (2025 Listing was released on 15th October 2024)
Higher and Degree Listing - Amazing Apprenticeships
I am a Parent/Guardian, should I be contacting local employers on behalf of my son/daughter?
Our advice is NO because employers prefer to hear directly from the person interested in the role. Suggest to your son/daughter to research employers and to find out more about what they want to do by exploring opportunities and career progression routes; encourage them to write to employers attaching their CV with a covering letter explaining why they are interested.
Will I be kept informed about my son/daughter’s progress whilst they are on an Apprenticeship?
YES, the training provider will keep you regularly informed regarding the progress of your son/daughter if they are aged between 16-18 years of age, if they have a EHCP plan progress will also be discussed with their care lead worker within their annual review.
If you would like any advice or further support and guidance, please contact:
Hope West – Head of Apprenticeships at North Kent College
Apprenticeship Team
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Websites
North Kent College www.northkent.ac.uk
Hadlow College www.hadlow.ac.uk
As an apprentice, you’ll usually be employed to work a minimum of 30 hours per week and be paid a wage no less than the National Minimum Apprenticeship Rate - £7.55 per hour, for the time you are in work and in off-the-job training.
You can also undertake an apprenticeship if you are a part time employee, in these circumstances we will review your parttime working hours and extend the duration of your apprenticeship to ensure you receive the required level of training needed.
The amount you are paid is based on several factors including your previous experience and current skill set. Within some job roles your wage may increase as you progress and take on more responsibility. You will also receive the same benefits as any employee, including a holiday pay
Apprenticeships are open to anyone who is 16 years old and over, has a right to work in England and is not in full time education. There is no upper age limit and available to anyone whether starting out on their career or for those who have been working for some time.
Apprenticeships can now support your learning ambitions to the highest level however It is important to know that Apprenticeship levels are based on the job role and duties and responsibilities that sit within the Job Role (even though you may have higher-level qualifications and or other subjects you could still undertake an apprenticeship at a lower level).
Apprenticeship levels are set and equivalent to:
English and Maths are a fundamental part to successfully achieve your Apprenticeship, they are essential to support your longer-term career prospects and progression. As an apprentice you will be required to achieve a Maths and English qualification (if you don’t already have one) as part of your apprenticeship. Each apprenticeship program we offer has specific Levels of Maths and English that are required on entry to starting your apprenticeship.
Once your apprenticeship’s practical training period is completed, you will be entered through the Apprenticeship Gateway. Once you have been accepted and approved through the Gateway, The End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) will appoint an independent assessor, who will undertake a series of competency tests on you, this could include, an exam, a practical observation of skills learnt, professional discussion, Review of your portfolio of evidence and or project
The End Point Assessment is your opportunity to demonstrate that you are genuinely competent in your occupation by allowing you to showcase what you have learnt throughout your apprenticeship. Each apprenticeship programme has a slightly different assessment approach however what they all have in common is that they’ll assess the knowledge, skills and behaviours you have developed during your apprenticeship
Contact our helpful and friendly Apprenticeship Team for any Advice and Guidance:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The National Maritime Training Centre located at North Kent College’s Gravesend campus is a leading provider of maritime education and practical training, providing up to date equipment and expert training using dedicated specialist classrooms, a Fire Training Ground and Thameside Jetty.
Located at North Kent College’s Gravesend campus, it provides flexible training opportunities for individuals and companies in the Maritime industry. If you have a particular requirement, talk to us and we will do our best to help.
Maritime short courses (between 1 day and 1 week in duration) are offered. A full range of MCA-Approved STCW courses are provided, including Sea Survival, Safety Boat Handling, First Aid, Firefighting and Personal Safety. Our basic STCW Combination Safety course now includes Proficiency in Security Awareness.
Other courses available on demand include Bridge Team Management, First Aid, Health and Safety, Marine Engineering, Seamanship, and Small Craft Safety and Navigation. Courses for the professional yacht industry are also available.
Professional development Diplomas in a range of areas from Marine Surveying, to Ship Agency are available through distance learning.
Apprenticeship training MSQ Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies Boat Master Licence (BML) and MSQ Level 2 Diploma or Certificate in Maritime Studies are also available as block release, combined with distance learning. These apprenticeship training programmes are offered to new and existing staff of all ages and large employers can use their Levy to pay for this training.
Our Higher Education programmes are delivered in partnership with universities, many of our students pursuing careers within their specialism or progressing onto postgraduate study with prestigious providers. We also pride ourselves in being a friendly, inclusive University community.
Recently confirmed as offering a high quality student academic experience by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Our Colleges are the perfect local centre to study for your degree.
If you live in Kent or South East London, we're really easy to reach via car or public transport, meaning that you can save money on university accommodation costs and travel. Plus, you'll have more time work and study as well as maintain your current personal lifestyle.
Our undergraduate programmes start from just £5,950 and we offer you the same standard of education at a substantially lower cost than university!
Having the required entry grades is beneficial, especially for those who have just finished college or sixth-form. However, your application is encouraged if you are a mature student (aged 21 and over), without the required entry grades, but with relevant industry experience.
We have a dedicated Higher Education study area at our Dartford Campus for our Access and Higher Education students. The Higher Education study area is a great place to study and meet other students on different undergraduate programmes.
Our students appreciate the level of support that is available to them from their lecturers and all staff on campus. We’re smaller than most universities, which means better support for you.
We have teamed up with Arriva buses, to offer you 10% off your travel to the campuses. Plus, if you live in the London boroughs, you can get up to 30% off your travel with a Student Oyster Card and Dartford Station is now in the Oyster Card area in zone 8.
If you drive, we have loads of free parking. If you don’t, we have a FREE Shuttle Bus, which regularly runs from Dartford Station to our Dartford campus.
North Kent College does not operate halls of residence; however, the surrounding area offers a number of accommodation options to suit the needs of our students.
If you have any further questions, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact our Higher Education Information Officer on 01322 629580.
