EKC Training apprentices celebrate at Kent and Medway Apprentice Graduation 2025

Apprentices from EKC Training have celebrated their achievements in style, at this year’s Kent and Medway Apprentice Graduation Ceremony, held at Rochester Cathedral.  

This event marks the successful completion of their Apprenticeships across a range of subjects, and brings each apprentice together with their families, employer and training providers to reward their dedication to their development. 

Apprenticeships continue to play a vital role in addressing skills gaps and supporting business growth across the region. For employers, they provide a cost-effective way to develop loyal, skilled staff — with government funding available to cover training costs, and exemptions such as no National Insurance contributions for younger apprentices. 

Today was a joyous day for Will, a Programme Director of Plumbing at EKC Dover College, as he graduated with a Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship. Will, was a Plumber for 25 years and then decided to get into teaching. 

Speaking about his biggest achievements, Will said: “I’m here at 45 years old, outside the Cathedral, feeling over the moon that I’ve done something progressively brilliant with my life.  I’ve had experience in Plumbing for 25 years but I wanted a change, with the skills I had so I want to teach.” 

Will added: “To all the kids living in a difficult situation, that have had a really hard time growing up. Wondering if it’s all worth it – it is.” 

Another successful graduate was Samantha, who completed her Level 3 Gas Engineering Operative with Swale Heating and Alpha. 

Samantha shared what she loved about Apprenticeships and why she chose to do Gas Engineering, saying: “I got an Animal Management degree, but both my parents were engineers, and it wasn’t as hands-on as I thought it would be. I really do enjoy fixing things so I decided to do Gas Engineering. For me, it’s like a puzzle, every time I go to a job I have to work out what’s wrong and I get to fix it for them.” 

Next, she wants to get qualified in F-Gas, which is used in renewable energy heat pumps. 

Kerrylee was another apprentice celebrating their achievements today. She completed her Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship working with Aylesham Primary School.  

For them, the best part of becoming an Apprentice was for her family, saying: “The achievement in itself, as a mum and having my two boys here to help me today, I’m proving to my children that even at a later age, you can achieve.”  

Kerrylee added: “I’ve always put a lot of pressure on myself to excel straight away. I realised that you can’t run before you can walk, so I started taking small steps to reach the bigger goal at the end.” 

Munashe who completed the Level 3 Business Administration with a distinction, has been working at Credit Limits International during his qualification. Speaking about the ceremony, his achievements and overall experience, he said:  

“It’s a really nice ceremony and a unique experience to be a part of, wearing the gowns, taking memorable photos and having a day out with the family. 

“I didn’t think I would be able to step into the [work] environment, I wasn’t sure how I’d manage because it was my first office role. Doing the apprenticeship allowed me to learn in the work environment whilst also having the support from the College and Sarah, my Apprenticeship Trainer. It was a good experience for me and changed me as a person for the better. 

“My manager kept motivating me and making sure I was pushing myself to the best of my abilities. Not just in the apprenticeship, but in the company I’m working for. I’ve got great people around me trying to push me to do more courses to benefit me in the future.” 

Munashe’s next steps are to do a Level 4 in Business, as well as other courses that have been highlighted to him by his employer. 

This year marks the seventh annual Kent and Medway Apprentice Graduation Ceremony, an event designed to highlight the importance of Apprenticeships in developing skilled professionals across the region.   

As a key sponsor of the event and one of the largest Apprenticeship providers in the county, EKC Training continues to play a key role in supporting both Apprentices and employers.  

Rhona Williams, Principal of EKC Training, said:  

“I am incredibly proud of our apprentices, whose hard work and dedication have been recognised at the Kent and Medway Apprenticeship Graduation event. Their achievements reflect not only their own commitment, but also the outstanding support provided by EKC Group and the vital role apprenticeships play in transforming lives and businesses across the region.  

“I encourage all employers to continue investing in apprenticeship programmes—by doing so, you are helping to shape a skilled, motivated workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Let’s keep creating these opportunities together and championing the future of our community.” 

With financial support, no National Insurance for younger apprentices, and full or part-funding for training costs, there’s never been a better time for businesses to get involved. 

Be part of next year’s celebration. Discover your Apprenticeship opportunity now.