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Careers and Progression

Not sure what comes next after College?

You’re in the right place. Whether you’re thinking about further studies or university, an apprenticeship, or starting your career, we’re here to help you explore your options and take your next step with confidence.

Two students sitting on the steps outside college smiling holding up their qualification papers.

What could your next steps look like?

Your journey doesn’t stop when your course ends, it’s just the beginning.

From continuing your studies and progressing to university, to securing an apprenticeship, starting your career or becoming self-employed, there are many exciting directions you can take.

If you’re a prospective student, parent, guardian or carer, explore the options below to find out more about where a College course can lead.

Izzy's Success with Caretech Placement

Gaining real experience can open doors to your future career. Izzy Tucker, a Health and Social Care student, began her work placement at Churchill House with CareTech and impressed the team so much she was offered a paid role before completing her placement.

Hear from Izzy and the CareTech team about her journey and how valuable experiences at college can shape your next steps.

student smiling sitting down, they have long brown hair and wearing a light purple jumper and glasses.

Exploring careers in Health and Social Care

Where could your future take you?

Discover the different health and social care settings you could work in after studying with us, from care homes to day centres and supported living.

Engineering student filing a part.

Apprenticeship FAQs

Wondering where to start with apprenticeships?

We have put together some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help.

Student stood in a library holding a book titled 'The Little Book of Queer Icons'

Meet our alumna Chandrika

Alumna, Chandrika, started College as a shy 16-year-old and is now a confident young woman thriving at university.

Business student working in a café

Is a career in Digital Marketing right for you?

Wondering if digital marketing could be for you?

Take our quick quiz to find out! You may just discover a course that will turn an interest into a profession.

adult student with head scarf looking at the camera, sitting down holding a dictionary

Nelofar’s English language journey

Nelofar started her educational journey without any confidence speaking English, she is now studying GCSE English.

Learn more about her journey at EKC Ashford College.

two students looking and smiling and engineering equipment

10 Engineering careers to investigate after College

Studying Engineering at EKC Ashford College opens a world of exciting career possibilities, with opportunities in a wide range of industries.

Dedicated Careers and Progression staff

Our Careers Officer, Thomas, is located on the second floor in the E-Hub, and is available to talk to you about your future career, further study or any progression questions you may have.

You can also book a 1-1 appointment with him in College if you are a current student. To get in touch: thomas.white@ekcgroup.ac.uk

three students sitting together at computers. Closest student is looking at the screen, they are wearing glasses and a dark blue shirt

Workshops and interactive sessions

Our team of Learning and Skills Coaches are on hand to provide students with additional support, to ensure they put their best foot forward.

Students can take part in sessions covering a range of topics such as study and revision tips, and how to start thinking about their next steps.

Our Experiences of Access to Higher Education at EKC Ashford College

23 October 2025
We caught up with some of our Access to HE learners this term to see what their first impressions were and why you should study with us.

Gatsby Benchmarks

We follow the Gatsby Benchmarks for good Career Guidance, which aligns with our Compass Evaluation goals.

A stable careers programme
Learning from career and labour market information
Addressing the needs of each pupil
Linking curriculum learning to careers
Encounters with employers and employees
Experiences of workplaces
Encounters with further and higher education
Personal guidance

Supporting your next steps

Our Careers and Progression Service provides a confidential, impartial, and accessible experience tailored to your needs. Delivered by professionally qualified staff, we support learners of all ages with expert guidance to help you achieve your goals during and after College life.

If you’re looking for more support or help, please check out our advice and guidance page.

Contact us

If you would like the help of our Student Services team, you can contact us via phone or email, at:

01233 743100

ashford@ekcgroup.ac.uk

We’re part of six community-based colleges

Our mission is to play a leading role for East Kent in developing the economic and social prosperity of the diverse communities we serve.