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Luke’s Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Journey

Luke, a recent graduate of A Levels in Psychology, Law, and English Language, found himself at a crossroads. Unsure about his next step, particularly regarding university education without a clear career plan, Luke sought guidance from his father, who worked in the construction industry. Steering away from traditional site-based roles, Luke explored various professions within the sector and stumbled upon Civil
Engineering.

Motivated by the diverse career paths within Civil Engineering, Luke reached out to Awcock Ward Partnership (AWP), a renowned firm known for its support of apprenticeships in Exeter, through his father’s connection. A meeting with AWP’s Apprenticeship Manager, Dan Hart, shed light on the opportunities available within the firm and the broader industry.

Following his A Level exams, Luke wasted no time and embarked on a week-long work experience stint at AWP, immersing himself in different teams to grasp the scope of services and projects. Impressed by his dedication, AWP offered Luke an apprenticeship opportunity. Despite living in Dorchester, Luke opted to relocate to Exeter at just 18 years old! Starting his apprenticeship shortly after the move, Luke initially grappled with nerves, navigating his first full-time job and the nuances of Civil Engineering. However, AWP’s supportive induction process and gradual training, along with ample shadowing opportunities, eased his transition. Now six months in, Luke confidently tackles projects backed by the
guidance of senior colleagues.

My lecturers are flexible and supportive, and my Skills Officer supports me in the workplace. Doing an apprenticeship means getting paid, gaining experience, and building a career.

Luke, Civil Engineering Apprentice

Simultaneously, Luke commenced his Level 3 Civil Engineering college course, albeit with a minor hiccup on the first day due to a transportation mishap — an experience he advises others to avoid with a trial run of the commute. Nevertheless, Luke found his college lecturers accommodating, and he found that his Skills Officer provided invaluable assistance throughout his apprenticeship journey.

Enthusiastic about his future in Civil Engineering, Luke plans to pursue a Level 4 apprenticeship upon completing his current programme, continuing to enjoy the perks of earning while learning and gaining practical experience.

With boundless opportunities in the Civil Engineering realm, Luke’s apprenticeship marks just the beginning of what promises to be a fulfilling career.

If you’re thinking of an Apprenticeship or you’re a business considering an Apprentice, our team can support you with the next steps. You can contact the Apprenticeship Team by calling 01392 400800 or by emailing apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk

You can find out more about AWP Apprenticeships here.

Four tips on bonding with your International Student

Families that take on an international students can sometimes feel worried about how to create a rapport with their new housemate. Here are our top tips on helping the student, and yourself, settle in quickly.

Dust off the board games

Having fun is the easiest way for a family to bond with the international students they are hosting. Some card games are international and need no language. Charades requires no set up and can be hilarious. While a boardgame isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, even a game of Scrabble can get everyone talking and break the ice. We always recommend having plenty of family nights, with a wide selection of games or activities that help the bonding process while being fun for the whole family.

Share hobbies and interests

When hosting foreign students, it is important to find out what their hobbies are and encourage them to continue them while in the UK. At the same time, you can introduce them to your own interests and past times. Try and show students what Exeter has to offer with trips out and about to local hot spots. Also encourage them to try something they might not have before, whether that’s a trip to Exeter City FC, Exeter Chiefs of the RAM Museum. Even if those activities aren’t their cup of tea, they’ll experience what life is like in Exeter and it will certainly give you plenty to talk about.

Get together in the kitchen

Cooking is a brilliant way to bond when hosting international students. All cultures love food and sharing dishes will be a great experience for both the student and the host. Take your student shopping with you and ask them to help you cook some of their national dishes. Cooking together helps homesickness, teaches you a new dish and brings the family together around the dinner table.

Explore Exeter’s culture

Is your student into music? We would highly recommend a trip to the Phoenix in Exeter to see a live band. You would be surprised how internationally known UK music is, and experiencing that first hand could be a fantastic memory. In addition, big trips and excursions to some of the UK’s other great cities are not only fantastic for bonding, but they create lasting memories for your student which they can take back home and tell their family and friends about.

Aviation Minister Liz Sugg today visited Flybe’s Exeter HQ which, as part of her fact-finding tour of the South West, served to highlight the importance of aviation and connectivity for the South West’s regional economy and the role Flybe plays in the national transport infrastructure.

During her visit the Minister met Exeter College engineering students and apprentices at the Flybe Training Academy and spoke to some of the home-grown engineers that had recently graduated and who are working with Flybe. She also saw first-hand the intensive ground and simulator training that its new pilots undergo at the Training Academy.

Liz Sugg - Visits Flybe
Baroness Liz Sugg, Aviation Minister with Flybe Students

Aviation Minister Liz Sugg, said: “It has been fantastic meeting some of the talented apprenticeship engineers today at Flybe’s Training Academy in Exeter.

“The UK aviation sector faces a number of challenges to ensure it has the skills it needs so I am delighted to see the investment Flybe is making to help young people in the South West to pursue these roles.

“And we want to encourage even more young people to start a rewarding and creative career in science, technology, engineering and maths through our Year of Engineering Programme.”

Flybe’s well established and globally recognised Training Academy has a key role in training the pilots and engineers of the future, a key role needed to address the skills’ shortage that is evident within the ever-growing global aviation sector.

Ms Ourmières-Widener added: “We are honoured to have had the opportunity to show the Aviation Minister what Flybe is all about and to showcase the excellent local partnership we have established with Exeter College. Flybe’s economic impact cannot be underestimated both in terms of job creation, skills’ training and providing business and leisure travellers the opportunity to connect seamlessly with all parts of the UK, and internationally via Manchester and Heathrow hubs to destinations worldwide.

“There is no doubt that, through the training we offer especially for those with aspirations to become aviation engineers and in attracting new pilots into the workforce, Flybe has a key role in supporting the future growth of the UK commercial aviation industry from right here in the South West.”

Flybe’s long-standing pioneering partnership with its local education partner, Exeter College, delivers a unique Engineering Diploma which, when launched in 2007, was the country’s only four-year programme in Aerospace Engineering with EASA Part 147 Approval, combining the necessary academic qualifications alongside practical hands-on experience.

This jointly run Diploma programme has gone from strength to strength and, to date, some 176 students have graduated all going on to immediate fulltime employment throughout the aerospace industry, including with Flybe itself in Exeter. To date this includes 12 female engineers, and this representation is expected to increase with the airline’s positive steps to address gender imbalance in the aviation industry evident through its recently announced FlyShe programme.

Exeter College Principal, John Laramy, said: “Our long-standing partnership with Flybe is not only award winning, it’s growing and most importantly it has a positive impact on both young people and productivity in the region. Each year around 30 highly qualified Aeronautical Engineers emerge from the programme. They are work-ready and employable – evidenced by a 100% employment rate for the last three years.

“The growth is further evidenced by the addition of a specialised course that gives young people in Devon access to training as a member of cabin crew, by using industry standard equipment in the setting of a real airport.

“We believe our successful partnership with Flybe is an exemplar of a college and industry working together to make a difference.”

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