Sheppey Business students mark VE Day with Community Event

Business students at EKC Sheppey College marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day by hosting a community event.

Inviting local veterans, Age UK residents, and primary school children, it was a day of remembrance, learning, and community spirit. 

The day began with a traditional English breakfast in the College’s Refectory, where veterans and Age UK guests were served tea, toast, and a cooked breakfast. Level 2 Business students supported the event, using the opportunity to practise and develop their customer service, communication and teamwork skills. 

Speaking about the experience, Business student, Madison said: 

“We’ve taken part in a lot of customer service tasks today, which fits in well with our business modules. My favourite part of the course is definitely putting on these events, as it helps prepare us for what a future career could look like. We get to interact with people we haven’t met before and build our confidence.” 

Following breakfast, the veterans engaged with students from a range of subject areas, sharing first-hand accounts of their experiences in the armed forces. These discussions offered everyone the chance to hear history brought to life and reflect on the sacrifices made by previous generations. 

Children from Queenborough Primary School, also took part in activities including, meeting the veterans, ‘Dig for Victory’ sunflower planting, and decorating 3D-printed Spitfire models to take home. 

Level 2 Business student, Ruby, reflected on how important it was to get the community involved, saying: “We’ve done several events with Age UK before, such as tea parties, and it’s been really positive to see the impact. For today, we’ve put up decorations and set up the event to give the guests a warm welcome. 

“I’m loving today because it’s a practical experience and getting events organised is a great feeling.” 

To add extra elements of fun, the Business students used donated seeds, pots, and soil to create a small plant sale, helping them explore profit and sustainability in business, whilst tying into the ‘Dig for Victory’ activities. There was also a themed quiz for the veterans and Age UK visitors and a cake sale. 

Tania Rea, Business Lecturer, praised the students’ commitment to the event and their skills, saying: 

“This event has been fantastic because they’ve been able to practise their customer service, plan an event, and interact with the community. They didn’t just focus on breakfast which was the main part but added additional activities which is great to see.  

“For some of them, the plant sale has opened their eyes to profit and business as it was all done on a £0 budget with donated items.” 

Level 2 Business learner, Macey, said after the event: 

“I think today’s been really good and I’ve enjoyed taking part. I like taking on more active roles and setting up events is great experience. 

“If anyone’s thinking about studying Business, I’d encourage them to do it as you get so many opportunities. “ 

This VE Day event is one of several projects Business students have participated in this year. Other highlights include a Christmas-themed “Snow Event”, tea parties held in partnership with Age UK and the chance to pitch their own coffee ideas to staff across East Kent Colleges Group. Each project has been designed to grow core skills in our learners that enhance their future career prospects. 

If you’re interested in learning key career skills and making a difference, explore our Business courses.