Staff Spotlight – Matthew, Programme Director for Business and Innovation

We spoke to Matthew Brooke, Programme Director for Business and Innovation at EKC Ashford College, about his role and our business pathway.

Can you tell us about your teaching experience?

I have been teaching for about 20 years. I have worked in a variety of different teaching establishments from grammar schools all the way through to working with disengaged young people in the apprenticeship sector. I have also worked in the Further Education sector, so I have experience of a variety of different education settings.

What is your background in business?

I originally trained as a geography teacher, but I did business as an option when I was at university. I have also done worked in the sector for various different businesses. I worked in IT at Saga and I have also worked in hospitality, so I have got a broad understanding of what it is like to work in a variety of different businesses and be in the working environment.  

What do you enjoy most about your job role?

I enjoy working with young people and giving them the opportunity to develop their skills. I find it really rewarding watching them grow and working with them to help them progress onto another course and develop their academic ability such as their writing, literacy and digital skills. I enjoy helping students to improve a whole set of skills that can hopefully lead them onto better employment prospects and the chance to develop their careers once they leave the College environment.

What are your plans for Business at EKC Ashford College?

We are looking to build upon our links with local businesses to give our students further opportunities to gain experience of the world of work.

Why should someone study Business at EKC Ashford College?

Business at Ashford follows a Gateway curriculum for Level 2 and a City and Guilds T level programme for Level 3. These courses provide a background and a skillset for learners to move on into the world of work and develop their skills in areas such as digital, marketing and project management. The courses are designed to follow a problem and answer solution type of model so students do a lot of project work and learn how to develop a responsive set of ideas.

Learn more about our Business courses.