Sponsored Editorial

The best way of ensuring students thrive is treating them like adults, offering them independence and freedom while helping them identify their unique learning styles.

This is the core ethos of Dover Technical College, which has been using this method for decades to boost skills in the local area.

With a wide range of courses, each specialised towards the career path of your choice, you can focus on your own passions.

Thousands of ambitious learners have already passed through the College, with many going on to achieve great success in their chosen fields.

The College has learnt that a surefire way of inspiring this success is giving students independence and treating them like adults: students call lecturers by their first names and have a lot of autonomy over their learning within this supportive, friendly, and respectful community.

This approach certainly seems to leave its mark, as current students can attest.

Daisie Capeling, who’s studying Hairdressing Level 2, said: “It’s been great, it’s definitely so much better than school. You have a real sense of freedom but also a strong routine at the same time. Being in a routine is a really big thing for me, as it makes sure I stick to schedules and remember to do certain things so that’s been really helpful.

“Also you can go out to lunch or go into town, which is something you can’t do at school.

“It’s a great College and I’d definitely recommend it. Members of the public come here to get their hair cut, so it offers real life experience in a professional setting. The hairdressing course here is fantastic!”

Dover Technical College is also a great choice for those who’ve already experienced Further Education, or who went into Sixth Form and found it wasn’t for them.

Olivia Golder, who is currently completing her Level 3 Art and Design course, said: “I did two years of Sixth Form before finding out there was an Art and Design Course here at Dover, and I knew I had to come here.

“It’s great; the lecturers are very knowledgeable, really understanding and just generally helpful.

Plus, there’s always something to do or somewhere to go for lunch.”

“I’d say you shouldn’t miss out on the chance to study here. Our lecturers - Becky, Bradley and Rob - are flexible with lessons, so if you want to learn more about creating digital art or focus on drawing, they’ll fit that into lessons.”

On top of an increased sense of freedom, students have access to industry-standard facilities. This is perhaps demonstrated best by the Travel and Tourism department, which has part of an aeroplane cabin and a check-in system installed.

Emilie Davies, one of the Level 3 students benefiting from this unique classroom setting, said: “I’ve always wanted to do something holiday-related and when I saw the aeroplane cabin during an Open Day I was bowled over.

“It’s a nice, small community compared to bigger Colleges, and everyone’s lovely here.

“I think anyone who comes here would really enjoy it, so I’d definitely say you should apply.”

Emilie also noted how her course provides the students with other industry qualifications needed to get a job and boosting their employability by giving them the opportunity to work directly with employers and gaining industry specific qualifications. Many Travel and Tourism students have been offered jobs on the back of their work experience in this booming industry.

For those students who are not ready to study in a classroom or workshop, there is the EKC Digital Learn offer, which provides the same College experience with free and full-time online courses.

All of these benefits make Dover Technical College the perfect place to learn and thrive.

As Hairdressing student Lauren Devey says: “You get to know everyone really well – it’s like a family, a second home.”

To check out the options available at Dover Technical College, click here.