Exeter College has been named national STEM FE College of the Year and has received a prestigious award celebrating excellence in teaching in STEM.
Leading the way- nationally, in the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics Exeter College, has received the Further Education College of the Year ENTHUSE Celebration Award from STEM Learning.
Held at The Royal Society in London, we were joined by dignitaries at the highly prestigious awards dinner to share our stories about the impact we are making on young people and adult’s STEM education.
Winners were announced in seven categories at the now long-standing event.
John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “As a college we have invested heavily in STEM over the last few years, by opening a dedicated £9m Centre for Maths & Science. We also have a new £3m extension to our Technology Centre, partly funded by from the Heart of the South West LEP’s Growth Deal funding, so that we can deliver programmes in advanced robotics, rapid prototyping and virtual welding.
“Our investments, have, when combined with great teachers, excellent students and outstanding employers resulted in Award Winning STEM provision. I am therefore delighted that, following regional recognition, we have now been recognised as the top college in our Country for STEM.
“I would like to thank our staff, students, employers and partners for their passion, commitment and ambition that enabled us to win this national award.”
Supported by ENTHUSE – a partnership of Government, learned bodies, charitable trusts and employers – STEM Learning invests in teachers to encourage more people into science, technology, engineering and mathematics related careers. It is part of its vision to achieve a world-leading STEM education for all young people across the UK
STEM Learning’s Chief Executive Yvonne Baker, said: “Many congratulations from everyone at STEM Learning for winning this award. By committing to teachers continuing professional development, schools are providing the best STEM education in the UK – passing on their enthusiasm and expertise to encourage young people to develop specialisms in these vitally important subjects.”
All those nominated had made it through the regional heats, explaining in their applications earlier this year, how they had used their professional training, resources and engagement with the wider related business and research community through STEM Learning to inspire their students.
The national awards were held on Tuesday 26 June at The Royal Society in London.
Exeter College, rated Grade 1 Ofsted Outstanding, is an award-winning leader in the provision of STEM subjects. Learners are able to take advantage of excellent facilities and expert teaching.
Are you a school leaver in September 2018? Exeter College has a wide range of STEM subjects and programmes that you could study. Apply today to secure your place.
The formal opening of a state-of-the art £3 million ‘Advanced Engineering Centre’ – at Exeter College – a UK leading centre of excellence for robotics and virtual welding – has taken place.
The next generation of leaders in engineering are being inspired at the centre, a 780 square metre extension to the Exeter College Technology Centre on the edge of Exeter.
The centre is meeting the growing demand locally, regionally and nationally for teaching in engineering, robotics, automated manufacturing and rapid prototyping. The college is offering a range of programmes covering these subjects starting this September 2018 for school leavers.
The state-of-the-art ‘Advanced Engineering Centre’ is partly funded from the Heart of the South West LEP’s Growth Deal funding.
The facility features the largest virtual welding training facility in Europe, with virtual and conventional welding equipment. The centre features eight new, manufacturing-quality robots. There are also five 3D printers that enable rapid prototyping and manufacturing.
Exeter College has worked very closely with industry partners Kuka, Axminster Tools and Arconic to equip the centre with the very latest technology – demonstrating the college’s strong links and collaboration with industrial partners.
The extension is supporting the college’s broad range of programmes in Engineering, Aerospace and Automotive; providing industry-led teaching spaces, workshops and laboratories for both practical and academic learning.
The centre was officially opened on Thursday, July 5th, 2018 by CEO of Flybe, Christine Ourmières-Widener. More than 80 guests attended the event, which featured the unveiling of a plaque celebrating the opening of the new building.
John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said:
“We are delighted to welcome our employer and South West partners to our new centre. The centre continues the college’s investment in the city and offers a delivery base to serve the wider South West region. We believe that this centre is currently the most advanced robotics facility within any FE College in Europe and with the support of the LEP, employers and our great staff we hope to make a tangible impact on productivity in the Greater Exeter Area.”
Steve Hindley, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP said: “This new centre is part one of six new training facilities that are partly funded by the LEP’s Growth Deal as part of the Hinkley Point Training Package (HPTA).
“HPTA is an innovative approach to providing high-level skills required by the construction of Hinkley Point C and other businesses being affected by the draw of Hinkley. I am very pleased to see this project come to fruition, and look forward to seeing new students taking up rewarding careers.”
A qualified aircraft engineer herself, Christine Ourmières-Widener, CEO of Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline added:
“Flybe is proud of the long-standing partnership we have with Exeter College through our successful training and apprenticeship programmes. This magnificent state-of-the-art advanced engineering training centre is an inspiration to anyone who has ambitions to pursue a career in engineering. To have it right here on our doorstep is an added bonus. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
The Heart of the South West LEP’s total Growth Deal is worth £598m; including £239m from Government and £351m match funding. Over the lifetime of the Growth Deal: 2015 – 2021; HotSW LEP estimates the investment will create up to 26,300 new jobs and 16,400 new homes. This centre aims to provide the training and upskilling requirements for the South West, where large infrastructure projects such as Hinkley Point C are providing significant opportunities for both the current and future south west employment base.
Within the new centre, there is a range of specialist equipment, including a suite of five 3D printers, supplied by Axminister Tools. As part of the centre, there is also a ground breaking project funded by international company Arconic, with a state-of-the-art milling machine paired with an industrial robot cell, enabling students to replicate production line development and trial efficiencies for new rapid manufacturing.
Andy McAdam, Divisional Director for Midas Construction for Somerset; Devon and Cornwall, said: “As a regionally-based business with our roots in Exeter, it is a source of great pride for Midas to have been chosen as the project contractor and to have successfully delivered this prestigious scheme.
“The essence of our vision at Midas is to be leaders in customer service and performance – and through that to develop long-term relationships with customers and communities in the areas we operate. We were pleased to be able to work with the college and the architects Stride Treglown to create such a fantastic new facility and in doing so to be able to maximise the use of local labour and suppliers.”
Learners at Exeter College are able to take advantage of excellent facilities and expert teaching. As well as the new centre, specialist facilities include the college’s state of the art Maths and Science Centre, which provides inspirational and inspiring academic science labs and classroom spaces.
Are you a school leaver in September 2018? Be inspired at Exeter College’s new Centre for Advanced Engineering. Visit our course search page to browse the range of programmes available, and to apply.
Exeter College, working in partnership with Devon County Council, has been awarded £60,000 by train operator Great Western Railway (GWR) to create a much improved pedestrian gateway to Exeter from St Davids station.
Under the plans, the route along St Clements Lane, one of the most high profile pedestrian entranceways into the city for rail users, will be greatly enhanced with improved signage, better surfacing and lighting.
Train operator GWR has announced that the bid for funding from its Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF), designed to help boost local communities, has been successful.
Steve Campion, Exeter College Vice-Principal, said: “Exeter College is really excited to be leading this project, on such an important gateway between the station and the city centre.
“Working with Devon County Council and the local community, the capital funding will allow us to improve surfacing, lighting signage on the St Clements Lane pedestrian route.
“This will provide significant benefits to residents, students who use the rail network, and the many visitors to Exeter who travel via St Davids Station.
“The project award fits nicely alongside the current Exeter College property masterplan, with the intention of investing £70m in our city centre facilities over the next 20 years. We are grateful to GWR and Devon County Council in their support for the project.”
GWR Regional Development Manager for the West, Matt Barnes, said: “GWR is delighted to provide our Customer & Communities Improvement Fund to help enhance the St Clements Lane walking route between Exeter St Davids station and the city centre.
“Making it easier to get to and from the station is a vital part of the overall journey. We’re keen to support this valuable project to improve access for our customers, and create a great impression for visitors to Exeter.”
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “This is a great opportunity to be able to improve an important pedestrian route to and from Exeter’s mainline station.
“The project will create an enhanced gateway to the city, improving accessibility and encouraging students and commuters to use the rail network, while also helping visitors to explore the city centre on foot.”
Supported by the Department for Transport, the Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF) was established to recognise and back projects identified by the communities where GWR operates, with projects requiring local authority match funding.
George Howell, founder of local company Ideal First Car, has won a prestigious new innovation award. The Prince's Trust and Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, recently announced the winners of its inaugural Ideas Mean Business Awards – the culmination of a campaign designed to engage young people from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to take their business ideas to the next level.
George completed his studies at Exeter College last year and went on to grow his company, Ideal First Car. It was founded as part of his studies and aims to help young drivers access better quality cars and cheaper insurance. Last autumn, George went on to apply to the Prince’s Trust online E-Mentorship programme which led him to apply for the Ideas Mean Business Award.
The Award is a fantastic achievement for the former student, which recognises his achievement developing his business and will help ensure it continues to go from strength to strength. Open to 18-30 year olds from a wide range of backgrounds, thousands of young people across the UK responded to the campaign and 24 winners were crowned, giving them access to a bespoke programme of advice, guidance, mentorship and up to £5,000 financial support.
George says:
I feel honoured to be selected for the Award. This is something I’m really excited about and I hope to use it as a platform to prove to the nation that you don't need to be in London to run an innovative business. To me, the award is recognition for the years of work I have put into this brand; and with the support of Innovate UK (and the Prince's Trust) we can now work on taking the company to the next level!”
Speaking of his time at college, George credits his studies and tutors at college as playing a large part in the initial growth and development of his skills and drive to develop his own company. He says:
At college I was able to meet local business leaders, such as Richard Carpenter of Enterprise Assist and Adam Stone from Rokk Media, who spurred me on to take the risk and go for it. My course gave me a good understanding and starting point for what would eventually become Ideal First Car. Giving me the right tools so I could take them forward into the real world. At the end of the day, nothing can fully prepare you for what’s going to happen in the business world; but my studies (especially my tutor, Sonja Longmore) gave me a good starting point.”
George was also selected to appear in a short film created by SBTV, the ground-breaking youth organisation. The films challenge long-held cultural assumptions about young people, using footage that captures the raw untold ambition, passion and invention behind Britain’s innovative future. Click here to view the film and find out more about George’s achievement and for more information about Innovate UK and the #IdeasMeanBusiness campaign click here.
Please contact us to find out more about Business courses available to 16-18 year olds at Exeter College or click here for further information.
Award winning plumbing teaching at Exeter College has been recognised with a national excellence prize.
The Worshipful Company of Plumbers – one of the most ancient of the Livery Companies of the City of London – has awarded the college the sought-after Award for Excellence in Copper Pipework Teaching.
With a history dating back more than 650 years, The Worshipful Company of Plumbers supports the promotion of excellence in the teaching and learning of plumbing nationwide and internationally.
The prestigious award recognises exceptional teaching in plumbing, and comes after Exeter College plumbing Apprentice Jordan Picot won the national SkillsPlumb Competition in October 2017.
Rob Woodger, Head of the Faculty of Construction and the Built Environment, accepted the prize on behalf of the college at a special prize giving ceremony in London.
Speaking about the award, John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “This is great news for all those involved at plumbing at the college, it is also excellent news for the wider Faculty of Construction and the Built Environment.
“Construction skills are critical to the future growth of the greater Exeter area, so with the continued support of our employers, I hope that as a college we can play a part in the continued growth and success of the construction industry in this area.”
Exeter College’s purpose-built Devon and Exeter Construction Centre is based on the Sowton Industrial Estate, close to the East Devon Growth Point.
The wide range of construction programmes on offer at Exeter College provide an excellent starting point for a career in the UK's booming construction industry where there is a national and local shortage of skilled professionals.
If you are a school leaver thinking about a career in plumbing or another profession in the construction industry, there is still time to apply to start your training and career at Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College starting in September 2018.
A multimillion pound bid to revolutionise digital technology education across the South West has reached the final phase of competition.
The Department for Education (DfE) is awarding £170 million to establish a network of Institutes of Technology across the country. They will offer top-quality training and apprenticeships in higher-level technical skills.
They will aim to bridge skills gaps in the economy by providing the knowledge and training that employers need. It would deliver a range of higher level courses across the digital, engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Of 35 original applications, the South West Institute of Technology (SWIoT) bid, led by the University of Exeter, is one of 16 to progress to the final stage of the competitive process.
The Institute, which could launch in 2021 if funding is granted, is expected to cost £25 million. Of that, £15 million would be provided by the Government, with the remaining £10 million made up by the partnership behind the bid.
The proposal draws on expertise from 12 partner organisations. Alongside the University of Exeter, the Institute would draw on expertise from the University of Plymouth, Bridgwater & Taunton College, City College Plymouth, Exeter College, Petroc, and Truro & Penwith College.
They are joined by digital experts from Oxygen House and the Met Office, both based in Exeter, and engineering and manufacturing experts from Babcock in Plymouth, TDK Lambda in Ilfracombe and Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group. This bid is also supported by both Heart of the South West and the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).
Catering for up to 1,549 students, ranging from post A-level to degree apprenticeship level, the Institute would help put the region at the forefront of digital technology learning across the UK.
Professor Janice Kay, Provost of the University of Exeter said: “We’re really excited to have moved to the final phase of this exciting competitive process. The South West Institute of Technology would play a pivotal role in inspiring people from across the region to be at the forefront of digital technology learning.
“We’re working with an outstanding set of partners. The Institute would draw upon expertise from world-leading academics and major employers across the three sectors of digital, technology and manufacturing. It will be a real boost for the South West and an exceptional opportunity to provide a new pathway for those with a flair and talent in digital technology to shine.”
John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “Exeter College is delighted that our collaborative IoT has been selected to progress to the next stage. Advanced skills are critical to the economy of the greater Exeter area and we hope that with partners we can, through the IoT, help to improve productivity and provide new and existing employers with the skills they need. “
Professor Simon Payne, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Planning) at the University of Plymouth, said: “The University of Plymouth is delighted to see this bid proceeding to the final stage. If it is successful, the new Institute of Technology will focus on providing higher level technical education that has been both designed and delivered with employers, and further strengthen the ties between them and the University. This will be especially important for the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector in Plymouth, with the city having the greatest proportion of manufacturing and engineering jobs (in total over 12,000) of any large city in southern England.”
Charles Ewen, Director of Technology at the Met Office, said: “The Met Office is delighted to be involved in this initiative that will help to develop critical skills for the region.”
Chair of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Steve Hindley, said: “The LEP welcomes the news that we are a step closer to creating an Institute of Technology in the Heart of the South West, which will provide higher level technical education and training to address the skills gap, meet employer needs and drive productivity. Creating better collaboration between education establishments and business is a key principal of the LEP’s strategies, particularly when it comes to developing skills in STEM subjects and helping local people pursue higher value careers.
“HotSW and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly LEP have been supporting the partnership led by Exeter University on this robust bid; so to be selected as one of the 16 areas to go through to the next stage illustrates the Government’s confidence in our partnership to deliver results. I look forward to continuing to work with our partners from the universities, colleges and business community to help further the progress of this important project.”
Will Erith, Babcock Programme Performance Director, said: “Babcock is delighted to hear that the SWIOT has got through to Stage two of the selection process. As one of the largest Engineering employers in the region, it is essential that we have access to a healthy pipeline of talent qualified in STEM based subjects. We wish SWIOT all the best as it progresses through the competition.”
Glenn Woodcock, Director of Oxygen House in Exeter, said: Oxygen House is a firm supporter of innovation in education in the greater Exeter region. Winning an Institute of Technology BID would enable young people in the area to gain new skills that will help them to shape a better future.”
The SWIoT would establish a range of new buildings and facilities across the region. It would have centres located across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, with state-of-the-art facilities proposed for Exeter, Truro, Plymouth, Barnstaple and the Bridgwater area.
These include new buildings to teach a range of digital subjects in Exeter, a new facility including an electronic laboratory in Truro for engineering and digital teaching, and a number of both new builds and refurbished existing facilities in Barnstaple, Plymouth and the Bridgwater area.
In a separate announcement alongside these latest proposals, the Government also confirmed that three of the SWIoT partners have been selected for a pilot programme to teach the new ‘T’ Level qualification.
Bridgwater & Taunton College, Exeter College, and Truro & Penwith College are among 52 colleges nationwide chosen to provide the range of technical courses, equivalent to A Levels, from September 2020.
Announcing the new T Levels, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “T Levels provide a high-quality, technical alternative to A Levels ensuring thousands of people across the country have the skills we need to compete globally – a vital part of our modern industrial strategy.”
The full list of the 16 bids invited to move to the final stage of the process is available on the DfE website
We are delighted to announce that 20 year old, Sophie West from Tiverton, has been awarded a D&Ad Pencil for her ‘Creative Crisis’ board game design, sponsored by Hasbro.
Sophie has just finished the FdA in Graphic Communications with us and will shortly be starting her 3rd top-up year at the University of Plymouth to achieve the full BA Hons Degree in Graphic Design with Typography.
D&Ad Pencils are said to be the most prestigious award a designer could achieve. To put things into perspective, it is the equivalent of winning an Oscar, or a Gold Medal, and this accolade will undoubtedly give Sophie a meteoric career boost.
Lecturer, Nigel Lowe said:
This is a real first for Exeter College and Exeter School of Art and worthy of huge celebration. Sheer hard work, determination and creativity have really paid off for Sophie and we are delighted for her. She will soon be invited to attend the D&Ad New Blood Awards ceremony in London to collect her life-changing prize.”
Sophie decided to enter the awards after being given a brief at college. She says:
They released a you tube video about why you should enter, and they said that even by entering your work gets seen by big shots. I wanted to create something that was for like-minded people in the creative industries and just something funny, so nothing to take too seriously. I find myself having many creative crises so why not make a game about it?”
Sophie will now attend an awards ceremony in London, if she can get over the shock of winning. “I'm not going to believe it I don't think until the ceremony.”
Huge congratulations to Sophie, we look forward to seeing more from her in the future.
If you are interested in studying Graphic Communications with us then read more about the course here or pop along to our Open Event on 19th June to find out more.
Former Secretary of State for Education the Rt Hon Justine Greening MP recently visited Exeter College on the first leg of her national social mobility tour.
The summer-long tour of schools, colleges and businesses across the UK will champion social mobility and uncover some of the barriers.
Exeter College, which has been rated Outstanding, is committed to supporting people from all backgrounds in reaching their full potential. The college has a diverse intake of students, many of whom come from rural areas, which poses a different set of social mobility challenges.
The national tour is part of the Social Mobility Pledge, which was launched in March by the Justine Greening MP.
It encourages companies to work with local schools and colleges, offer apprenticeships and adopt open recruitment polices such as name-blind or contextual recruitment.
It aims to ensure employees are able to progress in their careers based on talent and potential, not their upbringing, accent or personal connections with bosses.
Justine Greening MP visited Exeter College on Friday, June 1 to see at close hand its commitment to supporting social mobility and how it works with local businesses.
She said: “The Social Mobility Pledge is about local companies unlocking opportunities including work experience for Exeter’s young people. They can tap into more local talent at the same time as having a huge impact on local communities.
“I applaud Exeter College for the work they are doing and I urge others to join us in making Britain a country in which a person’s background no longer unfairly dictates how far they can go in life.”
John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “It was really great to catch up with Justine Greening, Former Secretary of State for Education, to discuss social mobility in the context of the outstanding Exeter College, and the wider Devon geography.”
A number of the UK’s major employers, including John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, Vodafone, KPMG and ITV, have already signed up to the Social Mobility Pledge.
Other accredited Social Mobility Employers include BT, Adidas, True Potential, PWC, Deloitte and Severn Trent Water.
The Pledge was founded by Justine Greening MP in partnership with UK fintech entrepreneur David Harrison of the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, which takes an entrepreneurial approach to tackling low social mobility in the UK.
Ms Greening has long fought to improve social mobility in Britain and left the Government in January so she could continue her campaign.
Growing up in Rotherham, she experienced unemployment and life on benefits within her own family. Later she became the first Education Secretary to have been educated at a comprehensive school.
We are delighted to announce Ella Fielding, Level 4 Digital Marketing Apprentice from Exeter College, has been awarded the prestigious accolade of Apprentice of the Year at the Pride of Devon Awards 2018.
The Bicton College Pride of Devon Awards, presented by Radio Exe, celebrate the achievements of remarkable people, unsung heroes and hardworking individuals who make our community a better place to live.
Ella, who lives in Exeter, is the inaugural Apprenticeship Ambassador for Exeter College. The role was created for her after it was recognised that her ability to contribute to the success of Apprenticeships for employers and young people was immense.
A major part of her role is designing, planning and implementing marketing activity to raise the profile of Apprenticeships in Exeter and Devon whilst engaging with the 950+ organisations that Exeter College work with.
Mike Blakeley, Exeter College Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, and Head of Business Solutions, said: “It was our pleasure to nominate Ella for this award. Ella’s work shines out as truly inspirational and the positive impact she has created has been remarkable.
“In a short time Ella has defined the role and made it her own. So much so that people often associate the college and Apprenticeships with her more than with myself, an imbalance I cherish and now actively promote. Thank you to Bicton College and Radio Exe, without their support these awards would not be possible, our gratitude extends to PGL who sponsored this award.”
Ella was delighted to win, and said: “As an Apprentice, promoting Apprenticeships to thousands of businesses and young people for the last three years, winning ‘Apprentice of the Year’ is in itself, such a proud achievement, especially as there are so many brilliant Apprentices in Devon.
“Therefore having won not only ‘Apprentice’ but ‘Apprentice and Young Employee of the Year’ at the Pride of Devon Awards is incredible due to the countless worthy young professionals there are in Devon.”
The Pride of Devon Awards are nominated by local people and organisations, the winners are from all walks of life, of all ages, and from all over the county. Their achievements are inspiring and a lesson to us all.
All of the team at Exeter College are very proud of Ella’s achievement and know she has a very successful career ahead of her. Well done Ella.
Are you a student at the college and interested in the future of the college and representing students’ voices at the highest level?
Then why not become a STUDENT GOVERNOR!
The College Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Governors make strategic decisions affecting the College. The Board includes external Governors, Staff Governors and two Student Governor roles;
Higher Education Governor
Further Education Governor
Current Further Education Governor, Kira Lewis said: “Being a Student Governor this year has been such a rewarding experience. We have an equal say and vote on the Board, and are able to be involved in all strategic discussions which is not common in most FE Colleges, so I really value that.
“We are also given the opportunity to attend College events, development programmes, residential weekends and more, which have all allowed me to understand the role better. Ultimately, it’s great for personal development, because there’s always something to learn! All that the College does impacts on our day-to-day life – and our futures – so having a say in that is how we make sure being here is as exceptional as it can be!”
Nominations are OPEN now and the deadline is FRIDAY 8th June 3pm.
