It’s six months since North Kent College officially launched its state-of-the-art assistive living learning suites, unveiling cutting edge facilities that are shaping the next generation of health care professionals and putting down a marker for the rest of the UK to follow.
To mark the milestone, senior leaders from across education, health and social care, as well as local NHS Trusts, visited the college to see for themselves the impact this investment is already making, both for students and for partnerships with the community and employers.
Stacie Collings, Assistant Principal, North Kent College, said: "It was fantastic to see such strong collaboration across education, health, and social care. The event really highlighted how technology and partnership working are transforming the learner experience and preparing our students for the realities of modern care.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team for creating such an inspiring and inclusive environment, one that not only supports our learners but also strengthens our connections with employers, local authorities, and care providers across the region."
Jonathan Shaw, Strategic Director, Kent Further Education (KFE), said: We want students to be match fit when ready to leave College. We are responding to the sector requirements. We are a national case study and seek to improve opportunities and careers and address big challenges and skills shortages."
Diane Morton, Kent County Council (KCC) Cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Health, and a Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN), said: "North Kent College's impressive facilities are setting the standard for training the next generation of health care professionals. With an ageing population and more people living with dementia and the difficulties that brings, digital assistance technology will increasingly become critical to improving home care - helping residents live better and more independent lives, supporting and reassuring carers and families 24/7, and reducing pressures on 999 services. It was a very inspiring visit."
Beverley Fordham, Cabinet member for Education and Skills, Kent County Council, said: "Current innovations and developments within this sector are creating diverse career opportunities. By integrating these new technologies into care-related courses, the provision becomes not only forward-thinking but also more engaging for young people.
"I am very impressed with the hard work at North Kent College in making this happen and will hopefully help towards widening participation by local care and social care employers."
The showcase event, held on Wednesday 15th October at North Kent College, brought together representatives from the local authority, health and social care providers, plus education partners to celebrate innovation in care training and technology. Guests were given a guided tour of the College’s new Assistive Living Suites, officially launched in April. These are equipped with the latest smart technology designed to help people live more independently. This technology supports a wide range of individuals, including those living in supported housing or with dementia, physical disabilities, or learning difficulties, by enhancing daily living and improving overall wellbeing.
These state-of-the-art facilities now play a central role within the College’s Health and Social Care curriculum, giving learners practical experience with the digital tools shaping the future of the sector. This hands-on approach reflects the College’s commitment to developing strong social care pathways that prepare students for meaningful and rewarding careers in care and health.
During the event, students shared personal reflections on their placement experiences and the skills they have gained while working with a variety of care providers. They spoke about how their placements have strengthened their understanding of person-centred care, communication, and professional practice in real settings.
North Kent College continues to strengthen its partnerships with social care providers and NHS organisations, working closely with an extensive network of care homes and community facilities. Through these collaborations, students benefit from a wide range of high-quality placement opportunities, gaining invaluable experience that equips them to meet the region’s growing demand for skilled, compassionate, and confident care professionals.
The event highlighted the College’s ongoing commitment to innovation, community collaboration, and the preparation of future health and social care professionals who are ready to make a positive and lasting difference in people’s lives.