West Kent College

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Higher, Further and Adult Education

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  1. Tutor takes control of her life

    I am currently a serving prisoner at HMP East Sutton Park. I have finally reached the resettlement part of my sentence. In the nicest possible way the last 3 years have not been easy.



    read more >>>: Tutor takes control of her life

  2. Tank Project Helps Offenders Gain Skills

    The Rugmer Project involves offenders sentenced to Community Payback restoring a collection of war machines to top condition in exchange for basic skills qualifications.



    read more >>>: Tank Project Helps Offenders Gain Skills
  3. New Skills, New Lives Secure LSC Funding

    On the 6th July '09, New Skills, New Lives were delighted to learn that their proposal to provide provision of supportive services for offenders in the community in Kent and Medway until September 2010 was accepted from the LSC (Learning and Skills Council).



    read more >>>: New Skills, New Lives Secure LSC Funding
  4. New Skills, New Lives successfully engages student

    Initially Tom was not very keen to work with the New Skills, New Lives project, but when he was introduced to the tutors he was very interested in being involved.



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  5. A little patience goes a long way

    Matt young offenderI first met Matt on my first day of tutoring at Fleming House and what struck me was his distinct lack of confidence in his own abilities.



    read more >>>: A little patience goes a long way
  6. New Skills, New Lives Shortlisted for Justice Award
    New Skills, New Lives recently had confirmation that they have been successful in reaching the final ten nominees for the 'partnership of the year' award.

    read more >>>: New Skills, New Lives Shortlisted for Justice Award
  7. Another String to his Bow

    Mike a PlumberMike is a fully qualified plumber and gas engineer, however he lost his job due to his conviction.  

    read more >>>: Another String to his Bow

  8. Snowballing to Success.

    Steve reformed offenderWhen Steven was first referred over to myself I got the impression that he didn't particularly want to be here nor was he very interested in completing the course and the exams.



    read more >>>: Snowballing to Success.
  9. Ashford B2B Exhibition Winner

    Congratulations to Jean Newell form Principal who was the winner of the New Skills, New Lives Ashford Business to Business Exhibition prize.



    read more >>>: Ashford B2B Exhibition Winner
  10. A Ticket to Ride

    Adam a builderAdam is currently unemployed and claiming incapacity benefit due to his badly damaged back and broken leg. He has worked in the construction industry for around 20 years.



    read more >>>: A Ticket to Ride
  11. Success in literacy

    Melanie Offender LearningMelanie was a lone parent who has been struggling to overcome the tragic and sudden loss of her younger brother. She had been struggling to overcome the grief for years and recover from the impact of losing him.



    read more >>>: Success in literacy
  12. West Kent College awarded approval to open centre at Rochester Prison

    West Kent College, in connection with Justonestep, has recently been awarded centre approval to run a multi-skills craft course, working with young offenders at HMP Rochester.



    read more >>>: West Kent College awarded approval to open centre at Rochester Prison

New Skills New Lives

New Skills, New Lives is the product of a progressive partnership between West Kent College, criminal justice agencies, training providers and employers across Kent and Medway. The programme has been specifically developed to improve the skills and employment prospects of offenders though a comprehensive package of education, training and support.

Education

Skills for Life literacy and numeracy are provided across Kent and Medway by a dedicated team of ex-offenders. Each learner is encouraged and supported to progress and increase their employment options.

Training

NSNL aims to increase access to mainstream education and funding for Offenders in the community by ensuring that the College's range of funded training courses, whether at the college or in the workplace, is made available to all who meet the eligibility criteria. Those in employment or a voluntary placement can benefit from a Train to Gain funded NVQ, while other options such as our extensive range of Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs) are in place for those who are not yet employed.

Support for Employers

Participating employers receive ongoing guidance and support during work placements.

Support for Offenders

Where appropriate offenders will receive mentoring and support from St Giles Trust, a charity with a proven track record in providing peer mentoring for offenders in community settings.

You can contact a member of the New Skills, New Lives team on: 01732 3740454 or email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it