Jim Dickson, the Labour MP for Dartford, visited North Kent College’s Dartford campus to see first-hand how the College is equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce.
The visit included a tour of the College’s new high-tech Assisted Living Technology Suite, a showcase of creative work from Graphic Design students, and a performance by Performing Arts learners at the Miskin Theatre.
The visit began with the tour of the College’s brand-new Assisted Living Technology Suite, a high-tech learning space designed to prepare Health & Social Care students, and NHS staff, for the evolving demands of the care sector.
The facilities, which were officially opened last month, features state-of-the-art smart technology used to support people with conditions such as dementia, and represents a major investment in digital skills training for the local healthcare workforce.
Mr Dickson heard how the technology will allow carers and family members to monitor their loved ones more closely, supporting individuals towards greater independence and enabling them to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
Mr Dickson was then shown around the College’s creative facilities, meeting two Graphic Design students to view their work, discuss their experiences on the course and their next steps upon leaving the college.
The visit concluded with a visit to the College’s highly acclaimed Miskin Theatre for a medley of performances showcasing the passion, talent and professionalism of the College’s drama students.
Jim Dickson, MP for Dartford, said: “It was great to see a College working hard to provide young people with the skills they need to create a future that’s right for them. I enjoyed meeting so many talented students and hearing about their creative approaches to both art and science.
“North Kent College is also working hard to train a new generation of skilled professionals for the care sector and it was really interesting to see the work they’re doing on assisted living. I’m looking forward to seeing what their students do next, and I hope to visit the College again soon!”
North Kent College is set across four campuses at Dartford, Gravesend, Hadlow and Tonbridge. Students benefit from a range of state-of-the-art facilities including the highly acclaimed Miskin Theatre, the National Maritime Training Centre and The Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence @ Hadlow College - the UK’s first centre of excellence in greenhouse growing.
Many facilities across North Kent College’s campuses are open to the public and include a theatre, professional standard restaurants, hair salons and spa and beauty facilities.
The College was rated as ‘Good’, with an assessment of ‘Outstanding’ in Behaviours and Attitudes, at its most recent Ofsted grading in 2024.