Twenty-five Exeter College students returned to the UK on Sunday 3^rd July after spending 14 days experiencing university life in the USA and participating in core learning activities linked to aviation.

Exeter College is delighted to have secured government funding to be able to offer students studying the National Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering the chance to learn at a world-leading university in Florida.

The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a specialised Aeronautical University based in Florida with several campuses across the globe. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degree programmes in arts, sciences, aviation, business, and engineering.

Ron Garriga, Office of Business Development and Professional Education at Embry Riddle said: “Spending time with the Exeter College students over the past two weeks has been such a pleasure. They are engaging, eager to learn, and extremely kind and respectful. These aviation enthusiasts will be a viable asset to their communities in the workforce of aerospace and aviation”.

Students got to experience campus life and attend workshops from world-class aviation teachers, global leaders in their profession, and learn specific skills and knowledge in drone technology, alternative fuels and future flight technologies.

The experience will improve their employability and career prospects, having developed their skill set in an aeronautical industry placement.

Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College, Mike Blakeley said:

“Exeter College strives to give our students the best opportunities to learn and thrive on their chosen course. Our link with Embry Riddle is a fantastic example of exceptional learning without boundaries. Those who participated have learnt from the world’s best aviation university and will apply those skills as they progress into industry from our Future Skills Centre at Exeter Airport”.

He added; “At a time when new entrants to the aviation industry haven’t been more in need it’s vital Exeter College plays it’s part in providing the next generation of engineers. This wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration and support of Embry-Riddle and the Turing Scheme. We are looking forward to a return visit to the USA next year and watch the partnership flourish even further for the benefits of our students.”

This trip has been made possible by The Turing Scheme. The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s scheme to provide funding for international opportunities in education and training across the world. It supports UK teaching and training organisations to offer their learners life-changing experiences to study or work abroad.

Programme Manager for Aerospace, Jeff Watson, said: “The visit superseded all our expectations and has been a fantastic experience. We have never seen our students so engaged and attentive and every department we visited have been wonderful hosts. The students have really gained a huge amount both personally and professionally from our visit and the Embry-Riddle team have gone out of their way to make us feel welcome and safe.”

Programme Lead, Dave Tredgett had this to say: “This visit has been amazing for the students, they have really embraced this experience and have been great ambassadors for Exeter college. The Embry-Riddle staff have been outstanding and their ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude to anything we asked is to be commended.”

Student, Benjamin Wood said: “I had an amazing time and enjoyed everything about it. I really enjoyed being able to represent the College and get the experience needed for the industry, it was the opportunity of a lifetime!”

Find out more about this course and other Engineering courses at the next Exeter College Open Event.