Exeter College has been shortlisted for the prestigious Times Educational Supplement Further Education Awards 2016.

The judging panel selected the college to go forward as one of the top providers of Apprenticeships in the country. The awards celebrate those organisations who have had an outstanding influence on post-16 education.

The nomination comes during an exceptional time for the college’s Apprenticeship team. The college’s Apprenticeship programme has gone from strength to strength in recent years and last year saw significant increases in terms of both new apprentices, success rates, and our first World Skills and VQ Leaner of the Year award.

Richard Atkins CBE, Principal of Exeter College, said: “I am so pleased that Exeter College has been shortlisted for this prestigious TES Award, which comes during another very successful year for the College, our Apprentices and the employer network of over 850 businesses that we work with. Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly important progression route for young people, and are very important for our business community and the local economy.

We are delighted that Exeter College plays such a key role in this element of education in the city and across the South West. Last year’s performance was exceptional, it saw us take on over 700 Apprentices, which was our highest intake to date.”

“Our success rates were amongst the best in the country; to achieve 17% above the national average is exceptional.”

The nomination comes off the back of being named the 2015 Apprenticeships 4 England Gold award winner and national recognition by OFSTED. The award recognised Exeter College as the top college in the country last year for its support, delivery and engagement of Apprentices and Employers. OFSTED selected Exeter as the only college in the country to feature in its short films highlighting the quality and commitment to its employers.

Josh Ellis, Exeter College Apprentice and World Skills UK Gold Medal Winner and VQ learner of the year, said: “Exeter College have great staff who offer lots of support and encouragement throughout my course. I’ve received a lot of support from the college, especially my skills officers who I have great communication with.

They come to see me regularly on site and check that I am doing the correct work. I received many hours of extra support and training from my lecturers whilst training for my World Skills competitions, which inevitably contributed to my success.”

Mike Blakeley, Head of Business Solutions and Enterprise, who manages the Apprenticeship provision at the college, said: “An award of this nature not only recognises the college but the outstanding commitment of our local employers and the efforts of all our Apprentices.

“Without the support and dedication of all involved we couldn’t achieve what’s already been recognised. This is the first time an Apprenticeship category has been included and shows the growing status of Apprenticeships for young people and employers alike.”

James Cross, Managing Partner at Kitsons Solicitors said: “Exeter College have a strong, high quality Apprenticeship programme. Their flexible approach has huge benefits for the business community in the region. Exeter College exemplifies all that we need in a partner to ensure the success of our young people into their lifelong careers. We are delighted that their efforts have been rewarded by this shortlisted nomination.”

TES FE editor Stephen Exley said: “The sheer range of entries for the 2016 TES FE Awards is a real showcase for the phenomenal work and groundbreaking initiatives that are going on within training providers and colleges throughout the UK.”

Exeter College currently has more than 75 opportunities for young people to link up with their programme and would welcome those interested to get in touch.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Friday 22 April at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.