During National Apprenticeship Week 2022 (7^th – 13^th February), the Exeter College Apprenticeship Expo returned for its seventh year with a brand-new format.

Traditionally taking place in the Exeter College Sports Hall, the Expo showcases the brilliant Apprenticeship opportunities on offer across Devon.

This year, Exeter College launched a new format, taking the Expo “on tour” by visiting schools throughout the Exeter area.

The Exeter College Apprenticeship Team were joined by 15 employers representing a variety of sectors including GWR, HepcoMotion, Haines Watts, Centrax, IT Champion and Sitel. Members of the South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network also joined the tour, giving students the opportunity to speak to current Apprentices first-hand.

“It was so refreshing to share my passion for Apprenticeships in person once again. I enjoyed answering the many questions asked by the learners. It was also really nice to hear our HepcoMotion Apprentices describing their Apprenticeship journey with passion and excitement.”

 – Maurice Porter, Head of Learning Development & Apprenticeships, HepcoMotion

With nine sector advice zones on offer showcasing industries such as Data & Science, Accountancy and Engineering, the Expo not only highlighted the vast variety of Apprenticeships available across the South West, but also provided students with crucial career guidance including how to write a strong CV, covering letter and prepare for an interview.

In its first week, the ‘Expo: On Tour’ visited six schools, engaging with 1000+ students from Year 9 through to Year 12. This new format has successfully increased the Expo’s accessibility and engagement rates by enabling students from multiple year groups to meet with employers.

“Over the years, the Apprenticeship Expo has matched hundreds of Apprentices with employers. The Expo on Tour has been no different. Following last week’s events, numerous students are now placed with our employer partners for work experience and future Apprenticeship opportunities, including one young plumber that landed the job of his dreams.”

• Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Future Skills, Exeter College

Following a very popular first week, Exeter College hopes to expand the ‘Expo: On Tour’ to schools in the Greater Exeter Area. With a network of 950+ employer partners and strong relationships with the South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, the college is confident in its ability to deliver exciting and informative Expo sessions across the region.

Schools and employers that are interested in participating in the ‘Apprenticeship Expo: On Tour’ are invited to contact the Apprenticeship Team on 01392 400 800 or at apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk.