Leading health technology provider, Everon Group, has partnered with East Kent College to offer students a comprehensive opportunity for hands-on experience, testing technology that will be used to improve and save the lives of vulnerable people.
Richard Hosier, Group Product Owner at Everon Group, is currently based 3-4 days a week at East Kent College, which comprises six campuses, to oversee the establishment of simulated care home environments. These setups will allow students to test Everon products across a virtual 10 room care home, ensuring thorough examinations in order to locate any potential faults and performance issues. The testing sessions began in January and will continue as Everon’s product vision progresses.
Approximately 150-200 students from diverse course groups, including health and social care, electrical and engineering, are utilising the simulation equipment as part of their curriculum. This varied mix of perspectives is crucial for a well-rounded assessment of the product’s functionality and user experience, as well as offering critical hands-on experience for students across course disciplines to enhance career progression.
The collaboration stems from a longstanding relationship between both Everon and East Kent College, both of whom recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement reinforces both businesses' shared commitment to delivering high-quality training, learning and employment opportunities for students across Kent.
Commenting on the partnership, Richard said: "We are excited to partner with East Kent College to enhance students' understanding of the crucial importance of thorough product testing.
“In the health technology sector, it is vital to recognise the potential risks of deploying a product directly to customers without thorough testing. This initiative is essential to ensure the quality and reliability that underpin all of our products, while also preparing the next generation of workers. These individuals will bring unique, alternative insights, benefiting from their varied academic backgrounds and their digital-native perspectives."
Jamie Weir, Chief Communications Officer at EKC Group, said: “At EKC Group, we’re so excited to be working with Everon UK. This partnership is a great example of how further education and industry can work together and create some really meaningful opportunities and experiences for the next generation.
"Our learners gain valuable skills in data, reporting, and problem‑solving, while the insights they produce help Everon UK continue refining their product. With technology transforming Health and Social Care, this project also supports our wider assistive tech ambitions and inspires learners about the opportunities in this growing sector.
"At EKC Group, we’re committed to helping local employers innovate, whether through collaborations like this, access to our facilities, or support for SMEs adopting new technologies."
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