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Journalism Students Take Part in Live News Day with the BBC

Around 25 students immersed themselves in a Live News Day at Exeter College this week. Year 1 and 2 Journalism Diploma students and students from the Digital Media Academy took on newsroom roles to find and cover stories for a college audience.

As part of Exeter College’s collaboration with the BBC, students were supported to create a live news radio show and publish online articles where issues around equality, climate, refugees and the escalating price of a student meal deal made it into their running orders. They originated the stories, researched and gathered material and interviewed, presented and reported.

Whether it was in senior decision making roles or production and presentation, they played out the jobs as if they were in a real-life newsroom. They made their deadline despite breaking news, guests falling down, technical problems and a healthy dose of nerves – all the things you would find in a media workplace!

Summer, Year 1 Diploma Student, Journalism and Social Media said:

“It was an amazing experience and I feel fortunate to have done it. The BBC was supportive when I had to talk on the radio, and it helped me overcome the nerves. The skills I learnt yesterday will help with my time in college and in the real world. I’m excited to apply all I have learnt to my course. Overall, a really great day!”

Josh, Year 1 Diploma Student, Journalism and Social Media said:

“I found the Live News Day with the BBC thoroughly enjoyable! Presenting the live show was an absolute privilege. All of the college team worked extremely well together and it was so nice to see all of us engaged with the work. More days like this!”

Katie Wild, Head of Faculty for Media and Performing Arts, Exeter College said:

“Having this direct line of sight into industry is so insightful for our students. Today’s News Day gave them the challenge of putting the skills they’re learning into practice with realistic deadlines and pressures.

“We’re really proud of the effort and energy they put in and the creativity they showed on the day.”

Janet Kipling, Social Media Producer, BBC Radio Devon said:

“It was about team work, understanding a work environment and deadlines; pushing themselves out of their comfort zones as well as really working to their strengths. And getting that fun and buzz from it all, which is why we all do it! I really felt they embraced all of that wholeheartedly and it was a joy to be around.”

James Watts, Executive Producer, BBC Radio Devon said:

“It’s exciting to see future journalists taking on a challenge like this and being a part of their development. Witnessing a group of students change in just eight hours into a functioning production team was really special. They drove the change and the shape of the output. They supported, pushed and took direction from each other to meet the deadline.”

Find out more about our Journalism and Media courses at our next Open Event.

Deaf student secures place at chef’s prestigious academy

Deaf Academy student Oscar Mott is one step closer to achieving his dream job as a chef, thanks to securing a place at the prestigious Michael Caines Academy.

Oscar, 18, is the first deaf student to gain a place at the Michael Caines Academy, which is part of Exeter College. Achieving a place is a highly competitive process with just 16 student places on offer. It is regularly oversubscribed with around 50 student applications every year.

To celebrate Oscar’s achievement, the Deaf Academy invited Michael to visit its Exmouth campus and meet Oscar and fellow students.

Mark Stocks, deputy principal, said the Deaf Academy was very proud of Oscar. He said: “Since joining the Deaf Academy, Oscar has thrived and it has been wonderful to see him find a love of cooking, initially in his food tech classes at the Deaf Academy, and now through achieving his place at the Michael Caines Academy.

“We support our young people to grow and develop and to understand that their deafness is not a barrier to achieving their dreams and Oscar is wonderful and inspiring example of this. We’re looking forward to seeing what he goes on to achieve”

Mark Stocks – Deputy Principal of the Deaf Academy
Oscar Mott and Michael Caines

The Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. It has a focus on fine dining and its aim is for the learners to work in the highest quality establishments in the south west. 

Michael Caines said staff were impressed with Oscar’s enthusiasm, as well as his cooking skills.

He added: “The process is incredibly competitive with normally 40-50 students applying and only 16 being successful. The selection is a two-day process, the first of which measures the knowledge and skills of the student, which is then followed by a formal interview on the second day. This gives the applicants an opportunity to put across their passion for the industry and show off portfolios of work.”

Retrofit Expert Joins Exeter College

Exeter College is delighted to announce the signing of Paul Brown as the College’s lead lecturer in Retrofit and Green Skills. Paul is delivering vital training to upskill the local workforce through the College’s Green Construction Skills Bootcamps. The 12 week bootcamps offer hands-on training for domestic retrofit, providing a strong understanding of the retrofit agenda and a Level 2 Award in Domestic Retrofit. As suggested by local businesses, the bootcamps offer added value modules through the National Energy Action (NEA) charity to support upskilling in fuel poverty, energy efficiency, decarbonisation and more.

Paul started as an Apprentice plasterer restoring ornamental plasterwork and installing external wall insulation. He then moved into management and through further education and career development, obtained senior directorship roles across companies in the housing, commercial, retail, and renewable sectors.

In 2016, Paul designed and developed an innovative new product for the insulation sector and took it to market, launching SWIFIX. Following this, Paul took a role in the social housing sector, leading large teams across the South West as regional Head of Operations.

In the last 15 years, Paul has been involved in renewables and insulation works and recently became a retrofit coordinator. As a member of the training committee within the Insulated and Cladding Association (INCA),  Paul is at the forefront of change in the sector, developing the skills needed for the retrofit requirements.

Paul Brown

Paul also plays an active role in the Green Construction Advisory Panel (GCAP), collaborating with businesses across the South West, encouraging the development of industry specific qualifications and skills. Paul told us;

“The development of Green Skills through short qualifications, upskilling and Apprenticeships is key to ensuring the future growth of the sector. Establishing a curriculum that is adaptable, flexible, and responsive to the needs of businesses is critical to meet net zero targets. Through GCAP, we are not only upskilling the current workforce but also educating the next and future generations of the construction industry.”

We welcome Paul to Exeter College and thank him for the outstanding contribution he has made to the College in the brief time he has spent here.

Learn more about GCAP and the people responsible for creating change across the region:

To find out more information about the Green Skills Bootcamps, please contact Laura Hutton on 01392 400800 or email laurahutton@exe-coll.ac.uk.

Green Construction Advisory Panel recognised in the Exeter Sustainability Awards

The Green Construction Advisory Panel (GCAP) has been awarded the ‘School/ Educational Organisation’ winner in the Exeter Sustainability Awards 2022.

GCAP is a member-led committee of over thirty local building service, housing, and construction businesses, supported by local authorities, charities and training providers across the South West. The group exists to improve and develop sustainable training and education opportunities for the housing and construction industry.

Exeter City council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and committed to making Exeter a carbon-neutral city by 2030, twenty years earlier than the government’s national commitment of 2050.

The construction sector is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases in the city of Exeter. To ensure Exeter reaches the target of carbon neutral by 2030, homes across the city need to be made more energy efficient. As part of this, the council’s retrofit programme will see whole houses refurbished with heat pumps, wall and roof insulation, and solar panel photovoltaic roof panels to deliver the highest energy standards.

Whist demand for retrofit is high across Exeter and the wider Devon region, there is a shortage of skilled labour to deliver the programme.

Supported by local funding streams, including the Social Development Fund (SDF) and in collaboration with Heart of the South West LEP, GCAP has been formed to help develop and create training programmes and qualifications to train the future workforce in green construction skills such as retrofit.

These qualifications will be available to those already working in the construction sector wishing to upskill and will also be introduced in schools and colleges across Devon to educate students about new and emerging sustainable technologies and their environmental impact.

WATCH: Green Construction Advisory Panel

GCAP’s collaborative approach in bringing together leaders from the construction sector with local authorities, schools and training providers is creating a clear pipeline for those undergoing green construction training to progress into prime jobs and careers.

GCAP has been recognised in the Exeter Sustainability Awards for already having made significant impact. As a result of the group’s activities, green construction is now on the curriculum in all Exeter schools and Exeter College has launched England’s first Green Construction Bootcamp. This short course gives learners hands-on training on domestic retrofit, with a fabric first curriculum covering practical training on external wall insulation, heat pumps and loft insulation, as well as upskilling on low carbon technologies such as PV’s, solar hot water heating, battery storage and more. 

A state-of-the-art Retrofit Skills Centre has also been commissioned to train and upskill construction workers in retrofit.

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeship and Future Skills at Exeter College explains;

“The College has ambitious plans to develop the first Retrofit Skills Centre in Devon, working in collaboration with Taylor Lewis and APG architecture. The centre will be an essential addition to the existing Construction Centre. This will provide opportunities to upskill the current workforce and encourage green careers, where individuals are educated about new and emerging technologies and techniques, reducing the impact on the environment.“

Adam, Director of APG Architecture mentions;

“80% of the homes we will be living in by 2050 are already built. There are over 40,000 homes in Exeter that need Retrofitting! There is a skills shortage that needs to be rapidly addressed to ensure that the skilled labour is available to deliver the sustainable change that the built environment so desperately needs. The Retrofit Skills Centre is an extension to Exeter College on Falcon Road. Building upon Exeter College’s successful construction training programme’s this purpose-built training facility will provide education for both apprentices and professionals alike. The architecture provides an elegant and low carbon shell to enclose the ‘site inspired’ teaching spaces within (whilst also generating energy and harvesting rainwater for use within the building). Collaborating with the GCAP members we are ensuring that the teaching environment provides all of the necessary assets for the retrofit programme to provide the much-needed skills that are currently so short in the construction industry, enabling decarbonisation targets to be achieved through retrofit. We are expecting the Retrofit Skills Centre being operational at the start of term in September 2023.“

GCAP group photo
GCAP Group Photo

GCAP’s activities are not just having a positive impact across the South West, but also on a national scale by demonstrating how to deliver net zero in construction. It is for this ambitious and forward-thinking activity that the group has been celebrated in the Exeter Sustainability Awards.

The Exeter Sustainability Award scheme launched in 2022 to champion the organisations and community groups that are going the extra mile to help make Exeter carbon neutral by 2030.

If you would like to learn more about the Green Construction Advisory Panel, you can view the strategy here, and contact lukemoss@exe-coll.ac.uk.

CITB and Exeter College launch a new guide to help construction businesses access grants and funding

CITB have partnered with Exeter College to launch the ‘CITB Apprenticeship Grants Guide’, a new resource to highlight the financial support packages available to businesses that employ Apprentices in the construction sector.

CITB, the construction industry training board for England, Scotland and Wales, offers several grants and training funds for businesses who employ apprentices. These include an attendance grant of up to £2500 a year for those that employ a Level 2 or higher apprentice in an eligible Apprenticeship standard, an achievement grant of up to £3500 that can be claimed when an apprentice achieves their End Point Assessment, a Skills and Training fund and a travel fund.

Despite this, uptake of grants has not kept pace with growing apprentice numbers. Due to time constraints, many employers struggle to understand the benefits and support available to them if they take on an apprentice.

To tackle this, CITB and Exeter College have joined forces to create a one-stop shop funding guide. The ‘CITB Apprenticeship Grants Guide’ is a simple and easy-to-read resource which signposts employers directly to grant claim pages, reducing time spent away from the day job.

CITB Customer Engagement Advisor, Darren Murrish said;  

“Apprenticeships are the bedrock of the construction industry. Apprenticeships are preparing the next generation of construction workers and represent an exciting option for both apprentice and employer. This is why CITB offers grants to CITB registered businesses who take on apprentices”.

“CITB is really pleased to be working with Exeter College to make sure construction employers get the help they need with recruiting and keeping apprentices in construction”.

Darren Murrish
Darren Murrish – CITB Customer Engagement Advisor

Not only will this new resource help businesses with apprentices access financial support, it will also highlight a major benefit of taking on an apprentice and encourage more employers across the South West to invest in young and emerging talent.    

 Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Future Skills at Exeter College said;  

‘We are the forefront of Apprenticeships in the South West and have seen record growth in the sector in the last 12 months. The key to high quality Apprenticeships is support from our outstanding employers and those that invest in young people, creating a win-win situation for their business and their young person in terms of skills acquisition and value. This unique partnership brings together Exeter College and CITB to further enhance our customer support and unlock significant funding that will inevitably benefit both employers and apprentices.’   

Mike added,   

‘It was brilliant to break new ground with CITB and we look forward to working with them in new and exciting projects.’  

Click here to download the ‘CITB Apprenticeship Grants Guide’

With the construction industry booming and sustainable modern methods of construction paving the way to meet net zero targets, there has never been a better time for businesses to invest in Apprenticeships. Exeter College’s expert Apprenticeship team can guide businesses through the recruitment process and connect them with a talent pool of aspiring apprentices. To learn more about Exeter College Apprenticeships and access support, email apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk.  

HepcoMotion Apprentice Raises Awareness of Disabilities and Apprenticeships

First year manufacturing Apprentice Sky-Elouise Hopkins is keen to raise awareness of having a disability and being an apprentice.

Sky-Elouise has Congenital Nystagmus, a disability that causes uncontrollable movements of the eyes, which can make everyday tasks quite difficult. However, Sky-Elouise has not let this stop her, and after completing a National Foundation Diploma in Engineering at Exeter College in 2021, Sky-Elouise decided to pursue a career in Engineering through an apprenticeship with linear motion expert HepcoMotion and Exeter College.

“When I first applied for HepcoMotion I was apprehensive of how my disability would affect me and whether I would be given the same opportunities as others. However, sat here six months later, I can positively say that my disability does not hold me back, and that is thanks to companies like HepcoMotion”.

Sky-Elouise Hopkins

Sky Elouise explains: “After the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered my career plans due to future uncertainties, I decided I wanted to jumpstart my career with an apprenticeship. When the opportunity came to apply for HepcoMotion’s apprenticeship scheme, I knew I had to.”

Sky-Elouise was particularly drawn to HepcoMotion as it has an award-winning apprenticeship programme where many former apprentices have progressed into full-time roles within the company.

Having started her apprenticeship in September 2021, Sky-Elouise decided early on that she wanted to raise awareness of being an apprentice with a disability in the hope that it will inspire others to overcome their fears and pursue their careers. Nystagmus Awareness Day, which takes place annually on 20th June, provides the perfect opportunity.

“Nystagmus is a condition that few people know about, but one that has a huge effect on thousands of people. For me personally it has a significant impact on my confidence, and I often struggle to interact with people because of the way my Nystagmus makes me look. My Nystagmus also affects my co-ordination and balance so I can often find some simple things, like sports, quite difficult” says Sky-Elouise.

Although she faces everyday challenges, Sky-Elouise continues to push the boundaries of her disability and be resilient in order to be able to do things. This is highlighted through her choices of hobbies: taekwondo and cycling. Indeed, Sky- Elouise has already been graded for her first coloured belt in taekwondo and has set many goals in order to progress within these areas, such as charity mountain bike rides and competing in more competitions.

Sky-Elouise highlights that employers have a crucial role in breaking down the barriers for apprentices with disabilities: “When I first applied for HepcoMotion I was apprehensive of how my disability would affect me and whether I would be given the same opportunities as others. However, sat here six months later, I can positively say that my disability does not hold me back, and that is thanks to companies like HepcoMotion. Any challenges I have had, such as finding suitable safety glasses, or doing a specifically challenging task, they have supported me every step of the way to find a resolution and get me through it.”

Training providers also play an important part in supporting apprentices. Exeter College has a dedicated apprenticeship learning support team with experience in supporting learners with a wide variety of needs, with or without a specific diagnosis. Apprentices with Exeter College can access 1 to 1 or group support for any non-practical parts of their apprenticeship, whether that be completing assignments, making the most of in-class learning, or Functional Skills maths or English. The college also offers training to apprentices to make the best use of available learning technologies, including dictate and immersive readers.

Sky-Elouise shared, “Exeter College has supported me whilst I am training by adjusting my apprenticeship pathway around my strengths, to a technical support position. This new pathway works very well with my current placement within the Research and Development department at HepcoMotion. I have been aiming for this placement since I first started at HepcoMotion, and daily I am progressing my knowledge and skills of SolidWorks, through modelling and animation.”

Celebrating Nystagmus Awareness Day is vital for raising awareness and ensures that adults and children with Nystagmus can access the support they need in work and education. If you would like to find out more about Nystagmus Awareness Day, visit www.nystagmusnetwork.org.

If you would like to learn more about undertaking an Apprenticeship with Exeter College or HepcoMotion, please contact apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk or applications@hepcomotion.com

Aviation Minister learns of region’s sustainable aviation ambitions

Aviation Minister Robert Courts has seen first-hand how the South West is fostering a sustainable aviation sector during a tour of Exeter College’s Future Skills Centre (FSC) and Exeter Airport.

The Minister heard how continued investment in aviation skills was increasing homegrown capability in the region and anticipating the aviation systems of the future, including the potential for all-electric aircraft as part of the Government’s Future Flight Challenge.

Aviation Minister Robert Courts said: “It is essential we continue exploring ways to maintain the UK’s competitive place in the aviation industry but we must do so sustainably.

“I’ve been deeply inspired by my visit to Exeter Airport and Exeter College’s Future Skills Centre, which are building the aviation industry of the future by investing in talent across the region – levelling up the UK and putting the South West on a path to success.”

The recent visit started with a tour of Exeter Airport, which last year hosted the first hybrid electric aircraft flight between Exeter and Newquay.

The Minister was shown the airport’s radar room and air traffic control (ATC) centre, where ATC assistants are trained in-house, before touring the terminal and hearing how the airport has been ramping up for the start of a busy summer season.

He also visited aircraft engineering company Exeter Aerospace and heard about plans to establish a strong Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship and Aircraft Traineeship programme with Exeter College, starting September 2022.

The Minister was then led on a tour of the FSC and spoke to students and lecturers on the Advanced Aircraft Engineering programme.

The Future Skills Centre, formerly the Flybe Training Academy, was recently purchased by Devon County Council. Exeter College now leases the site which has undergone big investment including the purchase of an Aircraft Training Cabin. The aim of the FSC is to provide learners of all ages with the skills and qualifications that are fit for the economy of the future.

Robert Courts and the Exeter College team with Air Cabin Crew learners
Robert Courts and the Exeter College team with Air Cabin Crew learners

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy CBE said: “It was an absolute pleasure to host the Aviation Minister, Robert Courts MP and the local Member of Parliament, Simon Jupp MP.  We were able to showcase the key role that aviation plays across the South West, with activity happening right across the region. 

“The Minister spent time with a range of our students, including Air Cabin Crew learners and Aerospace Engineers, some of which are soon to attend a funded two-week trip to the world’s largest Aviation University at Daytona Beach, Florida in June as part of the Government’s Turing Scheme. 

“The Minister saw first-hand the impact of the Future Skills Centre and the potential the Centre has to impact positively on skills across Devon and the wider region.”

Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, said: “This was a good opportunity to outline to the Minister how important aviation is to the local economy and our region’s ambitions to take a lead in the development of sustainable aviation. It was also a chance to update him on the start of the airport’s summer season and the challenges the industry still faces as we emerge from the pandemic.”

The day concluded with an interactive roundtable discussion which included the attendees as well as representatives from relevant organisations in the South West such as Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, Exeter Science Park, and the Aviation Industry Skills Board.

Aviation Minister with the Exeter College Team
Group photo outside of the Future Skills Centre

Exeter College lifts the trophy for Engagement with Employers at prestigious Beacon Awards

Exeter College has won the much-coveted City & Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers at the Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards, the most prestigious awards in further education.

The AoC Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year. This award is supported by City & Guilds and seeks to recognise examples of colleges who are responsive to the needs of employers and their region, demonstrate a whole college approach and who demonstrate systematic networking and collaboration with other organisations. 

The College and Great Western Railway (GWR) forged a relationship based on shared values and focus on their customers. The partnership between the College and Great Western Railway which originated in 2017, was ambitious from the outset. Adoption of a commercial mind set by the College and significant investment on both sides has enabled both GWR and College to support each other’s aims and ambitions. There is a shared clear long-term vision, enabling the development of a vibrant learning community of both Apprentices and College staff with a mutual passion for professional development and thirst for knowledge. Shared values of ambition, collaboration and enthusiasm have driven Apprenticeship growth in GWR. 

This Partnership has succeeded in developing exceptional Apprenticeship programmes, not only driving knowledge, skills, and behaviours, but also building confidence, Apprentice voice and giving economic opportunity to a diverse group of learners across a geographically dispersed area. 

Rob Bosworth, Jenny Vince, Mike Blakely and Lucinda Sanders with the Beacon Award

Mike Blakeley, Director of Future Skills, and Apprenticeships at Exeter College, said: 

“We celebrate the engagement and partnership of over 1050 employers here at Exeter College. They are a vibrant element of our organisation and help us shape our skills offer and support 1000’s of our students with employment and progression opportunities. The Association of Colleges Beacon Award for engagement with employers is hotly contested every year. To be shortlisted was an honour and after an arduous judging visit, we are delighted to have been recognised as the top college in the country for our endeavours.”  

He added, “The focus of our submission was our extensive partnership with GWR. It is a truly unique collaboration that supports hundreds of Apprentices across the rail network. The award recognises the outstanding work of both GWR and Exeter College staff who all work tirelessly to support our Apprentices and I want to thank them all for their outstanding contribution to our learning community and partnership.”

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy CBE, said:

“Our aim is to work with employers, not as provider, but as a true partner which makes a difference to their business.  This National Award, is the highest accolade available in the Further Education Sector, related to working with employers.   

“To have won this prestigious award for our extensive partnership with GWR is a fantastic achievement for the College, our staff, our apprentices and our wider employer partners – I would like to thank and congratulate everyone involved.”

Mark White, Chair of AoC’s Charitable Trust, said:

“The AoC Beacon Awards showcase exactly why colleges are so important to every community and why people value them. This award recognises examples of excellent practical teaching and learning. The work of the winning college shows how important colleges are in providing students with the necessary skills for the real world.” 

Exeter College Acting Students to Perform Romeo and Juliet

“Welcome to Verona…” as what once was just a tragic love story of two star crossed lovers has become a lively new take on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet by Exeter College UAL Level 3 Acting learners.

Love or Lust? Fate or Freewill? Events over a matter of days lead our star-crossed lovers to their death. As feuding families set upon destruction, two teenagers wrestle to work out who they are and where they stand in a broken society.  In an exciting re-imagined adaptation, new stories are told, and questions are asked about what being human really means. In a world where chaos runs rampant, division is rife as generation’s struggle to communicate.  Shakespeare’s original play is explored through fresh eyes asking questions about the world that we live in today.

The performance provides the culmination of the learners 2 years study on the colleges full time actor training programme. Graduating students will be progressing directly into industry, university or drama school. Learners this year have already received offers from East 15, Italia Conti, Rose Bruford, Central Film school and numerous universities.

Assistant director Isabella Cassar, who has just received an offer from Chichester University to study BA Hons Contemporary Theatre said: ‘Tackling a narrative as esteemed as ‘Romeo & Juliet’ was always going to be a challenge. Particularly, when concerning how to make this interpretation feel fresh within the context of Elizabethan society. It is a play that has been redone countless times and when originally engaging with the text – I was almost stunted to find ways to relate it. We made a breakthrough by stripping the text down to a simple question: why is this story of “two star crossed lovers” still so successful with audiences? It was through considering the relevance of the text today that led to how the company’s interpretation could follow, focusing upon the most universal theme of all – humanity. The most potent themes I have identified in the play would be that of such stark human qualities – love, death, and hatred. The play is full of juxtapositions and conflict which only makes the narrative feel more real and relatable as truly mirrors a human experience’

The students at rehearsals for the show

Lecturer and UAL Acting Programme Manager Nigel Paul said ‘It’s been fantastic to finally get back into the rehearsal room and create live theatre with a company of actors in training. Throughout they have consistently asked questions of the piece and how we make it relevant to the world that we live in today. I have been touched and inspired by their sensitive handling of issues around intimacy and gender – both of which are highly relevant topics within today’s industry. The piece has been casted gender blind which led towards finally casting 3 separate sets of Romeo and Juliet – playing 2 shows each. This has resulted in each show delivering a refreshing and crisp insight into the world that the central characters are navigating.’

Romeo and Juliet will be the first production in Exeter College’s newly refurbished Yard Theatre. The piece also forms part of Cygnet Theatre’s Dream Festival – a celebratory city-wide arts festival to mark Cygnet’s 40th anniversary. The production runs from 11 – 14 May at 7pm with matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2pm.

All tickets are £10 and can be purchased here.

For more information contact:

Exeter College nigelpaul@exe-coll.ac.uk

Dream Festival dreamfestivalcygnet@gmail.com

Exeter College launch NHS Hidden Careers Day  

Exeter College has taken the lead in supporting the NHS in providing a future workforce. The College were delighted to host the first ‘NHS Hidden Careers Day’ on Friday 25th March 2022, organised in partnership with the NHS.  

The second in a series of ‘Hidden Career’ days to be held at Exeter College, this event was designed to support student progression into employment whilst highlighting the critical roles within the NHS that can be overlooked.  

It followed the success of ‘Rail Day’ held in November 2021 which shined a spotlight on “hidden” roles within the rail industry, organised in partnership with Great Western Railway.   

A diverse and ambitious programme of events saw guests from NHS Improvement, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Trust and the South Western Ambulance Service delivering meaningful workshops to Exeter College students about a variety of career pathways in the NHS, including Engineering, Catering & Nutrition, Therapy & Cardiac Services, IT and Business.   

Phillip Shelley, Chair of the NHS Food Review, attended the day, delivering an engaging talk to Sport & Fitness and Hospitality students on the importance of food within healthcare and the link between food and recovery.  

“Having the ability to share the opportunities and challenges of nutrition and hydration within healthcare is vital if we are to raise awareness within our regions and across the country. Strengthening our links with our young people helps to identify topics, career prospects and development within the NHS.  

Hospitals aim to be a beacon within their community, whether this is for patient care, workforce or skill enhancement – I hope that the Exeter College students identified a glimpse of passion from us today, which could draw them into a significant health service career.”  

Phillip Shelley   

Phillip Shelley and John Laramy

 In addition, Exeter College students were delighted to receive inspiring words from Great British Bake Off’s Prue Leith about the benefits of pursuing a catering career in the NHS.   

In total, over 500 students participated in the event across 4 Exeter College locations. Sessions not only identified routes into the NHS and showcased the training and progression opportunities available, but also gave students the opportunity to speak directly to NHS professionals.   

This event is a strong example of how Exeter College strives to deliver excellent career guidance through regular engagement with employers. The combined partnership between Exeter College and local NHS Trusts has seen exceptional success, with over 400 Apprentices enrolled and 98% of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Trust learners undertaking the CMI Team Lead Apprenticeship achieving a distinction. This partnership has enabled people across the South West to enter the sector, develop in their current role and progress onto meaningful careers within Health.  

 “Employer partnerships are incredibly important to the College and the NHS is not only a great partner, but a key part of the Exeter eco-system, which touches all of our lives in some way.  This event has been a real success with students leaving better equipped and  more informed about their next steps and the variety of  careers, opportunities and choices within the NHS. This is just the start of what we hope will be a regular event.  

I would like to thank all of the NHS staff involved for giving up their valuable time to educate and inspire those who could become the next generation of NHS professionals”  

John Laramy  

SWAST, RDUH & NHS Improvement Guests

After the success of this event, the Exeter College ‘Hidden Careers’ series is set to continue, with a local authority careers day next on the agenda.   If you would like to find out more about careers in the NHS or ‘Hidden Careers’ events, please email apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk. 

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