Coffee and cards at Oakley College

Greg visited Oakley college today to celebrate the recent tie-up between Tesco and the college, which provides further education for 18 to 25 year olds with learning difficulties. 

The new shop is manned by the students themselves and stocked by Tesco in a first-of-its-kind partnership that helps the students learn life skills and gain valuable on the job experience. Not only do the students benefit, but Greg was able to buy some greeting cards from the shop which were designed by the students themselves. 

Oakley College - which is linked to Oakley School in Tunbridge Wells - has also opened the student-run Spills the Beans Café, serving delicious coffee and cakes and serves as another route for on the job training. 

Speaking to the BBC during his visit, Greg urged local employers to reach out to establishments like Oakley College. He said: "I think especially after Covid as we are opening back up, just to think about taking on someone for work experience, just for a week or two. Try it. There is not much downside and you will find there is a real chance of making a big difference to a lot of young people." 

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