Shipra Arora is our Lecturer for the HNC in Construction Management.
This is a University-level course, enabling those in the Construction industry to benefit from enhanced training and employment prospects in relevant fields.
She brings a wealth of experience to the College, and we spoke to her in between lessons to learn more about the course, her role, and what she loves about teaching.

Tell us about your career:
I am a registered Chartered Architect and I have been in the industry for over 20 years.
At first, I was working in London, before I then moved to Ashford, which is where I’ve had my practice, ‘ArorasPractice’ located for 12 years now.
I received my professional architectural registration with ARB and RIBA after studying an MSc in Professional Practice from the University of Westminster and an MSc in Conservation of Historic Buildings from the University of Bath.
I also teach T Level Engineering at EKC Ashford College.
What can I learn on this course?
On the HNC in Construction Management, you can learn construction techniques, construction technology and more about the construction environment in-depth.
We also have a big focus on the legal and health and safety side of things, including the laws and regulations that are out there. We also look into BIM (Building Information Modelling) and then we have CAD (Computer Aided Design) software for learning how to draw plans.
The course has been structured so that in the last six months there will be a final project around design. These means that for the rest of their studies, the students will take part in units and projects that will end up feeding into their final project.
How does this course work alongside a career in Construction?
All the students on the course are getting support from their employers to develop, and to come into College in-person to learn more. All of them spend four days working and one day here at College.
With this, there is a big element of collaboration. I am able to look at projects that they have worked on in their fields, and use them in my assignments. This means that their knowledge is embedded much better with real experiences.
What are the benefits of studying a University-level course at College?
Although this course is not being delivered at a University, the level of assessment is similar, with Harvard referencing, presentations and essays being a big focus.
Being a smaller class means that we can have detailed group presentations, and that the students can speak to more people in the industry with guest speakers during the two years. It is a good mix of learning that they receive.
Working so closely together in this environment helps them also understand what they already know. They all have a lot of experience, and when they are talking to each other about projects, assignments and challenges, they understand just how their learning has already been put into practice.
What support do you give during the course?
I always make sure that lessons are as easy to access as possible. I deliver the lessons via PowerPoint and on Teams. If anyone wants to catch up, every lesson is already there, and every unit.
We have dedicated time during the lessons for me to provide support, and if they have any questions, I am here for that. I can also draw on my own experiences to help them.
What could someone go onto after this course?
There are many different routes for progression after the course. Most learners will be working towards a higher-level role in their current workplace, thanks to the knowledge they’re gaining.
Others on similar courses will go and look into further study such as a HND qualification, or a BSc in Quantity Surveying, because they are able to take the credits off to University.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
I just absolutely love the students. They bring a whole lot of experience, and they are very passionate about their learning.
Where they have already been in the construction industry, and they know where their knowledge may be currently limited, they are eager to learn and take feedback.
Class discussions become really good dialogue as we share experiences from our careers and engage heavily in the topics.