Medway Adult Education has been rated as good by Ofsted – with their apprenticeship programme rated outstanding.
Medway Adult Education has provided adult and community learning courses and qualifications in Medway for more than 20 years. There are a wide range of courses on offer, including English, maths, digital skills and career specific qualifications, which can help residents retrain, upskill and access employment opportunities.
Courses are run in venues across Medway, including in community centres, church halls, online and in Medway Adult Education’s two main hubs in Rochester and Gillingham.
During its visit in June, Ofsted recognised that learners gain valuable, new skills rapidly as a result of their training and that their confidence and resilience develops and grows significantly.
Medway Adult Education’s highly qualified team also offers support for apprentices to help them get their career off the ground. In their report, Ofsted rated apprenticeships Outstanding.
Ofsted recognised that the apprenticeship programme very accurately meets employer’s needs and provides excellent opportunities for residents to start and develop their careers.
Becoming an apprentice gives people the opportunity to combine practical training in a job with nationally recognised qualifications. Paige Maryott, 21, started a business administration apprenticeship in 2021 and has been developing her career working with children and young people.
Putting new skills to use
She said: “I chose to do an apprenticeship as I felt this would be the best option for me as I’m a Kinaesthetic learner (learn by doing). This apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to put any skills I have learnt into practice in real situations, whereas if I had gone into a classroom setting to gain my qualification it would have been harder to practice those skills.”
Medway Adult Education also goes beyond vocational courses and supports the council’s work to tackle social isolation, as well as supporting the wellbeing of residents.
There are a range of creative courses on offer for residents which provide them with opportunities to meet like-minded people whilst learning a new skill including photography, pottery and even stained-glass work.
For those who want to improve their mental wellbeing – take a look at one of the many yoga, meditation and mindfulness or Tai Chi classes on offer.
Something for everyone
Cllr Tracy Coombs, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education, said: “I am delighted that our own adult learning programme has been praised by Ofsted. Our specialist tutors do amazing work supporting thousands of learners to achieve their goals, gain confidence, have fun and meet new people while learning new skills.
“Whether you are looking to return to work, learn new skills to change your career or simply want to do something fun our centres offer a wide range of courses to suit all abilities and I would encourage residents to find out more. Our friendly team are always happy to help find a course that will suit your individual needs and interests.”
Earlier this year, a new Learning Skills and Employment Hub opened at Britton Farm in Gillingham. The hub boasts a new IT suite with state-of-the-art equipment and a training kitchen which hosts cookery courses for families, including cooking on a budget.