Staff Spotlight – Kurtis Watson, Lecturer with EKC Training

Kurtis Watson is one of our Lecturers at EKC Training, who focuses on our ‘Get Into’ courses. These courses are designed to help adults gain the skills, confidence, and experience to get a job in the industry of their choice. 

We spoke to Kurtis in between classes at the EKC Training Folkestone Centre, to hear more about his role, what he enjoys about helping adult learners, and what his advice is to someone returning to education. 

What led you to become a Lecturer with EKC Training? 

I was in the Police about seven years ago, during which I realised it may not be the career for me. I left without a plan, but I knew I wanted to carry on making a difference. This opportunity at EKC Training came up, so I applied for it and went to an interview. It was one of the most magical moments of my life, and I knew it was the right role for me.  

As I started out as a teacher, because I had minimal teaching experience, the Group gave me the opportunity to study for a teaching qualification whilst I was working. I’ve now been here for five years, during which I’ve met a wide variety of learners, in addition to really knowledgeable professionals who have given me support and guidance throughout the year. Thanks to them, I’ve had the confidence to really try and make a difference to adult life.  

I now cover Canterbury, Dover and Folkestone, as part of my department’s area. In my role, I work with the local Job Centres to communicate about what potential learners will want to come and study.  

What’s a ‘Get Into’ course? 

It’s a course based around a sector. If you wanted to get into Business Administration, it’s called ‘Get Into Business Administration’, if you want to get into Health and Social Care, it’s called ‘Get Into Health and Social Care’. 

It’s a Level 1 Certificate based around that subject area, during which we also focus on providing practical workshops. We don’t just give you the qualification, we give you the how and the the theory knowledge, from applying for a job, to the right CV formatting, how to write a cover letter, communication skills and interview techniques. 

We add a lot of additional information on these courses so people can walk away with a qualification and that they now know how to use it to get a job.  

What’s your advice for someone starting a ‘Get Into’ course?  

My advice would be to step out of your comfort zone. On the first day of a course, we see a lot of nerves, which is completely normal, but nothing magical happens within your comfort zone.  

I want our learners to come in with an open mind. Once you’ve stepped outside the house and stepped into a classroom, that’s the hard bit. It could be what you’re looking for. 

What me and my colleagues pride ourselves with is that we’re different in how we train adult learners. We see you as individuals with needs and not numbers on a spreadsheet.  

If you want to have an opportunity to study anything, or to explore what doors may have been closed before, we can try to keep those doors them ajar or kick them down. 

What’s your favourite part of teaching? 

Seeing the students who have been with me since the first day of the course, tell me about a successful interview or that they’ve got an interview, and overall seeing their transformation.  

Sometimes this could be four weeks, or it could be four months, because we continue to work with them and offer support after the course.  

That moment of them saying ‘I’ve got a job’ where they’re so happy about it is great. I’ve been in a similar position myself, so that’s what gives me the passion to encourage the learners. That’s my favourite bit. 

What do you think makes the offering unique compared to other training providers? 

If there’s one thing that is constant in our feedback, it’s that we show empathy, sympathy and care towards each learner and their needs.  

It’s not school, it’s an adult environment which is different, and we want them to enjoy it and have fun. None of us are perfect and we’re very honest by sharing our own stories so the learners can see we’ve lived and travelled the journey that they’re on today. This helps bring a level of trust. 

Have you had any standout students?  

Me and my colleague, Tim, have worked with hundreds of students from all age groups. My proudest moment I’d say was where we worked with a man who was homeless, and within four weeks, he got a big job which was a big achievement. 

We’ve put people into the Group as we also spot talent. We also get some learners into university as we’ve start them off in their educational journey with a course, and then afterwards they progress onto a College course and further on. We still get emails now from students thanking us. 

What’s the best part about working for EKC Training? 

I’d say the freedom and communication. The way that the team is, is that we get together for regular meetings, we have open communication and work to develop resources. We also trial activities and workshops in the classroom. I’ve personally learned from the adult learners, and I’ve picked up stuff that has helped me develop in my career. 

Thank you to Kurtis for sharing his story. If you’d like to see how our ‘Get Into’ courses can help you reskill and change careers, explore them today.