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Advice and Guidance

Making decisions about your future can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone.

At EKC Sheppey College, our Careers and Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) team provide free, impartial and confidential support to help you explore your options and make choices that are right for you.

Meet your Careers Officer

Ben Lassnig

Our Careers and Progression Officer, Ben Lassnig, is located in the Student Zone, on the Ground Floor.

He can talk to you about your next steps including course options and career exploration. He can also support you with university applications and give general advice regarding finding employment.

EKC students can book a one-to-one appointment with Ben, or alternatively, you can also receive advice by sending a Teams message or email.

Kickstart Your Career: Top Tips from Our Industry Experts

7 July 2025
We caught up with Industry Liaison Officers, Donna Swarbrick and Paul Ross, who share some of their top tips for your next work opportunity.

Gatsby Benchmarks

We follow the Gatsby Benchmarks for good Career Guidance, which aligns with our Compass Evaluation goals.

A stable careers programme
Learning from career and labour market information
Addressing the needs of each pupil
Linking curriculum learning to careers
Encounters with employers and employees
Experiences of workplaces
Encounters with further and higher education
Personal guidance

Freshers Fair

Starting College is a big step, and a Freshers’ Fair is a great way to settle in. It takes place at the start of term every September and introduces you to everything College has to offer, helping you feel more confident in your new environment.

You’ll find stalls from clubs, student groups and support services, giving you the chance to explore activities, meet new people and sign up to things that interest you. It’s the perfect way to make friends, discover opportunities and get your College experience off to a great start.

Careers Fair

A Careers Fair is a great opportunity to explore what your future could look like after College. It brings together universities, employers and training providers all in one place, giving you the chance to discover different career paths, ask questions and find out what steps you need to take next.

You’ll find stands from a wide range of industries, along with talks, advice and people who can help you understand your options; whether that’s an apprenticeship, university, or entering the workplace. It’s also a great chance to get inspiration, build confidence and start planning your next steps beyond College.

Contact us

To find out more about what support services we offer, you can contact us via:

Email: sheppey@eastkent.ac.uk

Telephone: 01795 581581

Students in College can access our support services by speaking to Ben or the wider support team in College.

We’re part of six community-based colleges

Our mission is to empower our communities to develop their economic and social prosperity in a rapidly changing world.