A recent survey has found that 98% of businesses have reported a positive experience with their Exeter College apprentices, with 95% believing their involvement with apprentices has positively impacted their business.

The College’s good news, coupled with statistics that place the city of Exeter ahead for apprenticeship starts nationally (Centre for Cities Report 2019), highlights the success of work-based training in the region. Feedback from the business community suggests that the record number of apprentices entering the local workforce are proving their worth and forging a positive reputation for the initiative.

Exeter College’s Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, Mike Blakely, said, “I was blown away by the fantastic feedback. This reinforces how apprenticeships are providing a great benefit for both individuals and businesses.”

“We place great importance on working in partnership with companies in order to deliver the very best outcomes – together shaping courses that nurture the skills needed to benefit their business.”

In addition, employers surveyed acknowledged that the initiative has enabled them to fill skills gaps in their business and utilise training for new and existing members of staff in a cost-effective way.

Mike added, “Small to medium businesses, which form the backbone of the local economy, find that the support in recruitment, training and administration we are able to provide relieves the burden on their in-house functions and makes the apprenticeship route a feasible and sustainable approach to growth.”

With full funding provided by the government for 16-18 year olds and a slash in small employer contributions towards course fees for those aged 19+ (halved from 10% to 5% in April), businesses across the region can take advantage of apprenticeship training at little or no cost to themselves, providing their workforce with fresh ideas and creativity.

Interested in studying an Apprenticeship with Exeter College? Find out more here.