Staff Spotlight: Scott Clements – Recruitment Officer 

Scott is a Recruitment Officer working for the adult education provision at EKC Training. With a background in retail and a personal journey involving retraining, Scott brings first hand understanding of career change and adult learning.  

His passion lies in connecting learners with new opportunities and supporting them as they take their next steps. 

We caught up with Scott at our EKC Training Swale Centre, based in Sittingbourne, to learn more about his role, how he helps engage the community, and what makes EKC Training such a valuable resource for adult learners. 

How did you start working for EKC Training? 

“My background is that I initially worked within retail for 20 years. In that pathway I progressed, but then I was made redundant.  

“I’d always had an interest in teaching and helping people develop new skills, so I actually started with EKC Training as a Job Broker. In that role I helped people find jobs and careers that were right for them with their skill sets.   

“Over time, this led into my current role as a Recruitment Officer, where I help people find the adult courses that will help them get to where they want to be.” 

What do you think is the best part about EKC Training? 

“For me, it’s giving people an opportunity to better their lives. I feel like what we try to do is actually help people with their development and to help people achieve what they’ve not been able to do when they were younger. A lot of this is also around confidence building. 

“The provision here is getting students in who, for example, may not be necessarily engaged in society or feeling good about education beforehand, and allow them to express themselves. We also help them find ways of reaching the goals which they’ve not been able to do previously.” 

What’s your favourite part about your role? 

“I’d say my favourite part of my role is being able to support the journey of students.  

“I meet students at the very beginning stages, before they’re enrolled on a course with us, and then I’m able to see their growth and development while they’re in training with us, from specific ‘Get Into’ courses to English and Maths qualifications.   

“I also see them at the end of their course and it’s great to see so many at the point where they feel they can go into employment or they can pursue further education options such as apprenticeships. 

 “Seeing that growth in people makes it all worth it.” 

What does a Recruitment Officer do? 

“So, my role involves engaging with the community and telling them about what the courses are and what they can offer.  

“I also engage with local charities and the Job Centre as well, explaining to them and talking about what we have to offer. 

“I also then arrange for people who are interested in the courses to come into their local Training Centre to meet the tutors and explain how the courses can help them.” 

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting one of our courses? 

“I know from personal experience going back into education after such a long period of time can be a very daunting task, but I think don’t be scared, and see what that change could do for you. 

“Look at what the positives could be and the outcomes before taking that chance and going back into education.” 

Sum up the benefits of studying at the EKC Training Swale Centre: 

“I feel like the Swale Centre is a hub for adult education and development for the local area. 

“I can see it as an area which can grow and it’s great to think we could reach more people and be able to help people fulfil their potential. 

“I also think when I look at the team who are involved here, and the dedication they have to help students achieve more, I think studying here is a fantastic opportunity for people to grow and spread their wings a bit.” 

If you want to explore what’s on offer at the Swale Centre or across East Kent, take a look at our adult education programmes and discover how EKC Training can support your next step.