Minister Gillian Keegan Officially Opens £10.3million Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre

Exeter College is delighted to have officially opened its new sector-leading Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre, a flagship building which will lead the way in helping the South West to drive growth and help to widen opportunities in the industry.

Our Institutes of Technology are the pinnacle of technical education, helping to develop the highly-skilled talent pipeline employers will need for the future.
Minister Keegan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills

The new Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College will focus on providing employer-led education opportunities in the digital sector, including courses around data analytics, cyber security, software development, Esports and providing training for Apple’s app development.

The Digital and Data Centre was officially opened on Thursday 8 July by Minister Keegan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills. She said:

“It was an honour to open the South West Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College. Our Institutes of Technology are the pinnacle of technical education, helping to develop the highly-skilled talent pipeline employers will need for the future.

“By bringing together Further Education colleges, universities and businesses, Institutes of Technology are unique partnerships which will help to tackle skills shortages in vital sectors, from marine engineering to software development.

“The South West Institute of Technology is also playing a vital role in our multi-billion Plan for Jobs, which is helping to level up opportunities and support people from across the region to get the skills they need to progress into exciting careers as we recover from the pandemic.”

Minister Keegan enjoyed a tour of the new Digital and Data Centre

Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are a key component of the government’s plans to reform technical education, putting both employer and student needs at the heart of the system. They will provide employers with a skilled workforce and students with a clear route to technical employment.

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

“Exeter College is delighted that our Digital and Data Centre is now open, which forms part of the South West Institute of Technology. This is a vital development for our city and region, it is critical that we equip our students and apprentices with the skills of the future, that are in such demand from employers.

The South West Institute of Technology (SWIoT) is an innovative collaboration between colleges, universities and employers, with each educational partner aiming to meet the specific skills need of their locality.

“The Exeter College part focuses on digital skills and alongside the University of Exeter, the college hopes to work in collaboration, to ensure that businesses in and around Exeter can find the talented individuals they need, so that their business can flourish and bounce back from the pandemic.

This is a vital development for our city and region, it is critical that we equip our students and apprentices with the skills of the future, that are in such demand from employers.
John Laramy CBE, Exeter College’s Principal and Chief Executive

“I would like to thank the Met Office and Oxygen House, as our two anchor employers, without their passion and support this new building would not exist. I would also like to thank the wider collaboration for all pulling together in partnership to form the SWIoT.”

Minister Keegan officially opens the new Institute of Technology building at Exeter College.

The SWIoT draws on expertise from a group of ‘anchor employers’ who will lead its strategic direction and ensure focus on the latest industry skills – they include Oxygen House and the Met Office in Exeter. Met Office Chief Executive Penny Endersby said:

“We’re thrilled to see the new Digital and Data Centre open at Exeter College and provide the region’s learners with more specialist facilities to help people into careers in digital and analytics.

“By being one of the employers working with the South West Institute of Technology, we’ve been able to help ensure that students can learn the skills they need to effectively move into industry and gain careers in hugely exciting areas.

“Digital and data skills are crucial for the workforce of tomorrow and we can’t wait to see the benefits this ambitious collaboration between education and employers will bring, not just to the southwest, but to the country as a whole.”

As part of the official opening, VIP guests and students were invited to have their portrait drawn by robot artists by a company called Kaleider - ‘A Portrait without Borders’. Guests at the event were able to watch the robot artists drawing their portraits – exemplifying a unique use of modern technology. 

“Digital and data skills are crucial for the workforce of tomorrow and we can’t wait to see the benefits this ambitious collaboration between education and employers will bring.”
Penny Endersby, Met Office Chief Executive

Minister Keegan spoke to students from a variety of courses on her tour of the
Digital and Data Centre.

Students also put together an Apple Mac Museum in the new building’s collaboration room, demonstrating all the developments of Apple products throughout for visitors to enjoy.

Matthew Valence, Exeter College Apprentice in Software Development said: “The computers in the new Digital and Data Centre are very impressive and fast. In this new building thousands of students will be taught in state-of-the-art facilities and it’s really amazing. The course I’m studying now will stand me in good stead to one day work for a big tech company like Google or Apple.”

Fellow student, Joshua Harvey, who will be progressing onto HNC Computing in September added: “I love the design of this new building, it’s modern, well thought out and has amazing technology. The tutors are fantastic and we have a really great team.”

Read more about Institutes of Technology.

Exeter College Esports team wins first place at national competition

Exeter College’s Esports team won a spectacular victory in the British Esports Championships 2020-21 LAN finals this weekend. The finals, organised by the British Esports Association (BEA), took place at the Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies’ Metronome venue in Nottingham on Saturday 3 July 2021.

The Championship was made up of three games and six cups, two for each game (Division 1 and 2). The games were Rocket League, League of Legends and Overwatch. 189 teams from secondary schools and colleges across the country have been battling it out over the past three terms in order to secure their place in the final.

“The match kept you on the edge of your seat the entire time.”
Ethan Rapson, Esport National Diploma student and spectator

Each final match was made up of two opposing teams, with Exeter College making it to the final of League of Legends and Rocket League. Exeter College has six Esport teams. Mag.eXe, the second Exeter College team for League of Legends, won a spectacular victory at the last moment.

After a best of three, Mag.eXe beat Bridgwater and Taunton College in a nail-biting finale despite their key player flying back to Thailand two weeks earlier, equivalent to the England team losing their best striker right before a major match.

Mark L’Estrange, Exeter College Esports Program Manager, said: “The team showed amazing resilience because, when all looked lost in the final game, they did not give up and pulled it back from the brink where nobody, including the commentators, though it was possible. That made for an exciting final.”

Jess Ray and Ethan Rapson, who both have Esport National Diplomas from Exeter College, were spectating the event.

Jess said: “We annihilated Bridgwater and Taunton College in the first game, they beat us in the second and in the third game it looked like all was lost, but by some miracle all the stars aligned and we won.”

Ethan said: “Even though Mag.eXe were battling in a single match for over half an hour, they still pulled ahead. The match kept you on the edge of your seat the entire time.”

Exeter College’s Rocket League team also came runner up in the Rocket League Division 2 LAN finals, winning a certificate to go with Mag.eXe’s certificate and trophy.

It has been an exceptional year for Exeter College Esports as this is their second trophy in five months, with another win at the British Esports Showdown in March.

You can find out more about Esports with Exeter College here.

Exeter College’s Pre-Apprenticeship scheme lands four participants further roles with HepcoMotion

Four young people’s early careers have been given a head start by HepcoMotion, a world-leading manufacturer of linear motion systems and automation components based in Tiverton.

In an innovative programme, designed in partnership with Exeter College, participants engaged in a 10-week Pre-Apprenticeship scheme, gaining work experience at HepcoMotion and spending two days per week at Exeter College’s Engineering Technology Centre.

One candidate said, “Working at HepcoMotion has made me more competent and confident when putting my practical skills into use. It has helped me work well with other age groups too – something I have not done much of before…I can apply the skills I learnt and knowledge I gained to almost any job I may find myself in in the future.”

Maurice Porter, Head of Learning Development and Apprenticeships at HepcoMotion, said, “We are committed to providing opportunities for young people and for our local community. This programme gave these four young people the chance to experience working in a busy engineering environment.

“We are delighted to offer all four a role with us as a result – two will go on to become apprentices and two are moving into full time positions with the company. It has been a real win-win situation.”

“I can apply the skills I learnt and knowledge I gained to almost any job I may find myself in in the future.”

Pre-Apprenticeships (also know as Traineeships) were given a boost as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs in 2020. Employers offering work experience to a young person aged 19-24 years are supported by Exeter College and also qualify for a government grant of £1,000.

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Future Skills at Exeter College, said, “As Maurice and the team at HepcoMotion have proved, taking on Pre-Apprentices can pay dividends. The employer gets to know each candidate prior to employing them and importantly, the young person is given invaluable experience in the workplace.

“Our track record at the College is exceptional with regard to Pre-Apprenticeships, over 90% move on to a positive outcome. This is down to the dedication of our teaching team and the enthusiasm and commitment of our valued employer partners.’

You can find out more about Exeter College’s Pre-Apprenticeship schemes here.

Exeter College Apprenticeships Shortlisted for Two National Awards

Exeter College is proud to be shortlisted as Apprenticeship Provider of the Year AND the Education & Childcare Apprenticeship Provider of the Year in the prestigious AAC Apprenticeship Awards 2021.

These awards are a celebration of excellence in apprenticeship delivery in the UK. Being shortlisted goes a long way in highlighting the outstanding work that happens in our Apprenticeship team, both with employers and apprentices.

This announcement comes during an exceptional time for the college’s Apprenticeship team. With success rates consistently ahead of national average and nationally acclaimed for its partnership strategy, customer service, teaching excellence and growth, the College’s Apprenticeship provision clearly exemplifies the true meaning of being an outstanding provider.

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships at Exeter College, said: “Being shortlisted for two awards not only recognises the College but the outstanding commitment of our local employers and the efforts of all our apprentices.

“We care about the Apprenticeship journey. It is one jointly travelled by employer, apprentice and the College. Transparency of individual progress, a solutions-focused mindset and employer engagement form the heart of our offering and it is fantastic to see everyone’s hard work recognised in this way.

“Without the support and dedication of all involved we couldn’t achieve what’s already been recognised by being shortlisted.”

All entries will now go to a judging panel, an impressive list of people from the sector and industry, including Rt Hon Anne Milton and winners will be announced on 8 July 2021.

The Apprenticeship provision at Exeter College was also recently shortlisted in the Education category for the Exeter Living Awards with winners being announced in September. In addition to this the team have been shortlisted in the Rate My Apprenticeship Awards 2021 in the category ‘Best Training Provider and Employer Partnership’ due to their work with Great Western Railway.

Finally, Rebekah Charles, a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprentice at Millwater School has been shortlisted for the BAME Apprentice Network for the Health, Medical & Social Care Award.

Exeter College currently has more than 100 opportunities for young people interested in an Apprenticeship. For more information, please get in touch with the team.

Exeter Students win top prizes in international essay competition

Congratulations to ten Exeter College students who have taken part in an essay competition run by Exeter’s twin city Yaroslavl.

Exeter was twinned with Yaroslavl in 1989. The link between the two cities is managed by two organisations, Exeter-Yaroslavl Twinning Association in Exeter and the Exeter-Yaroslavl Friendship Association in Russia.

“We are really delighted with the level of response from Exeter College”
Peter Barker, Chairperson of the Exeter-Yaroslavl Twinning Association

The association in Russia has run an English language essay contest for the past 24 years. Historically, the competition was only open to pupils from schools and colleges of the Yaroslavl Region. This year, however, students from Exeter and Devon were invited to participate for the first time.

Ten Exeter College students entered and their essays were judged by a panel of teachers in Yaroslavl. The subject of the essay was ‘The most interesting Russian book or poem I have ever read.’

The Lord Mayor presented the certificates

The students chose topics ranging from poetry by Alexander Pushkin to the prose of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

A representative for the Russian panel said, “The students’ work is really serious, full of deep analysis and profound understanding of the influence of the past on the life of the modern society.”

In a ceremony held at Exeter’s Historic Guildhall, the Lord Mayor presented certificates to the winners. Three students from Exeter College won first, second and third place.

“The students’ work is really serious, full of deep analysis and profound understanding”
Exeter-Yaroslavl Friendship Association

Sophie Brace, a first year student, won first place for her essay on ‘A Day in the life of Ivan Denisovich’.

She said, “I have always been interested in history so a chance to write an essay about a work from a different culture was really exciting. I feel like I’ve learnt more about how to perceive books from other cultures.”

Sophie and Holly with their certificates

Congratulations to Holly Errington and Felicity Charles for winning second and third place, as well as to Daisy Martin, Isabelle Newbery, Bethany Green, Rebekah McMillan, Lucy Roberts, Florence Griffiths and Madison Alford-Carnell who all received certificates for their entries.

Peter Barker, Chairperson of the Exeter-Yaroslavl Twinning Association, gave a speech at the event.

He said, “We are really delighted with the level of response from Exeter College. We’ve had the feedback from Yaroslavl that everyone, not only the winners, did really well. Overall we would like to congratulate everyone and thank the college for their support.”

You can find more information about the essay competition on the Exeter-Yaroslavl Twinning Association’s website.

Access to Higher Education Students gain places at prestigious universities

Exeter College students have sent their lives in a new direction after completing their Access to Higher Education courses and gaining places at some of the best universities in the country.

Despite a difficult year, a class of students have successfully been awarded places at the University of Bristol, King’s College London, University of Exeter and UWE.

Access courses allow students to continue their further education without traditional qualifications and help those who have been out of education for some time.

Will Ekins had been out of education for 10 years before he started Exeter College’s Access to Science (Physics and Maths) course.

Even during the pandemic, Will described the workload as manageable and said contact was kept up between teachers and students. He said, “The teaching was really personal; it was easy to talk to our teachers.”

“I would recommend Exeter College. It has been brilliant.”
Daniel Smith, Access to Science (Physics and Maths) student

Will is now going on to study Astrophysics at Foundation Level at Bristol before undertaking a full degree.

Daniel Smith chose the Access to Science (Physics and Maths) course at Exeter College as a preferred option to A Levels. Working on a portfolio over the course of a year appealed to him more than end of year exams. He is now going on to study Radiography at UWE which is something he has always wanted to do.

Daniel said, “I would recommend Exeter College. It has been brilliant. The teaching has been excellent with loads of support.”

Hayden Fey also studied the Maths and Physics Access course. Achieving B, B, C in his A Levels meant he did not get into his first university choice, so having the extra Access qualification allowed him to get into the University of Bristol without re-doing his A Levels.

As the Access course is based on coursework, Hayden saw it as a more progressive way of getting into university. Instead of doing two years of A Levels and his results resting on one exam at the end, he could complete the Access course in a single year.

Hayden is predicted to get a Distinction and is hoping to go to the University of Bristol to study Aerospace Engineering.

He said, “Exeter College helped me organise an Advanced Learner Loan to help me pay for the costs of my Access course up front and if I progress onto university that loan gets paid off – so I wouldn’t need to pay a penny!”

If a student progresses to higher education or university following their Access course, this can mean that they do not have to pay back their loan. Advanced Learner Loans are for people aged 19+ and do not depend on income.

You can find more information about financial support at Exeter College here.

Congratulations also to Hayden Scott for securing his place to study Physics at King’s College London, Tiernan Pammenter for Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol and Tyler Sluman for Engineering at the University of Exeter.

If you are interested in progressing your education or changing careers, an Access to Higher Education course at Exeter College could be for you.

Future skills at heart of new partnership between Exeter College and Exeter Chamber of Commerce

The city’s leading business organisation, Exeter Chamber, has teamed with award-winning, Ofsted Outstanding rated Exeter College in a two-year growth partnership deal. The two organisations will work together to enhance the connection between business and education in the city.

The partnership deal will focus on providing a gateway for businesses into the college, offering Chamber members enhanced access to the College’s world-leading facilities, and a route for businesses to find the next generation of talent. Exeter Chamber members will have access to discounts and services at Exeter College including venue hire, training provision, special events and discounts at the College’s restaurant and dining experience @thirty-four.

John Laramy, principal of Exeter College said: “With our new Digital and Data Centre, which is part of the South West Institute of Technology, nearing completion, this is the perfect time to partner with Exeter Chamber. We are excited to work with the Chamber more closely and look forward to welcoming the business community to the College at future events. Our two organisations have our eyes on the future, working together to ensure that the city emerges from the pandemic as strongly as possible, so that we can offer a bright future for young people, adults and businesses. We hope to play our part to ensure Exeter remains an attractive and prosperous centre for business and enterprise.”

Our two organisations have our eyes on the future, working together to ensure that the city emerges from the pandemic as strongly as possible, so that we can offer a bright future for young people, adults and businesses.
John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive, Exeter College

Helen Scholes, Chamber board director, said: “We’re so pleased to join together with Exeter College in this partnership. It means we’ll be able to bring new opportunities to our members; whether that’s with access to the new Digital and Data Centre, or the newly launched Future Skills Academy or by identifying future skills required for business growth and resilience. This is a great opportunity which we hope will benefit the city, the business community and the future workforce.”

Exeter College joins Stagecoach, Reach PLC, Wollens, swcomms, Alder and Alder and Radio Exe as Exeter Chamber Growth Partners.

The South West’s next generation of performing arts professionals are showcasing their acting talents online, thanks to an innovative collaboration between Exeter College, Exeter Northcott Theatre and Luke Jeffery of film and theatre company Wandering Tiger.

Exeter College’s Performing Arts Academy, which comprises of a collection of the College’s talented students who are studying related courses, has long worked in association with the Northcott Theatre, who provide learners with stretching workshops and guest speakers to help enrich students’ experience and give them a real insight into the industry. Now, however, things are stepping up a notch as the collaboration adapts to the new digital world brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic.

From joining the Academy I have gained invaluable skills that will further my career and goals in the future.
Lara Fullalove – Performing Arts Academy student

Students had been hard at work preparing a series of productions for the Northcott’s stage but, due to restrictions, had to adapt their performances for the digital spotlight with support from Luke Jeffery of Wandering Tiger, an award-winning theatre and film making company. Luke provided intensive masterclasses to students, showing them how best to film and create impactful short-form video performances. These performances were then weaved together to create a film – Behind the Curtain – which is now available to view on Exeter Northcott’s website.

Exeter College’s Head of Faculty, Katie Wild, said: “I’m thrilled we’ve been able to continue our long-standing work with Exeter Northcott Theatre by stepping in to the digital performance world with our students. Working with the Northcott Theatre is an incredibly worthwhile relationship for our students, and this Showcase is just another way of showing how, by working together, creative people can adapt to the current restrictions. I’m looking forwarding to seeing what the students produce!”

The project focused on the theme of indoor and outdoor spaces, a somewhat poignant theme considering how many have had to adapt their lives over the last 10 months.

Exeter Northcott Theatre Children and Young People’s Producer, Lisa Hudson, said: “It has been hugely exciting to deliver the Academy provision for Exeter College this year. We’ve had to adapt and develop our teaching and learning in line with the changing restrictions, but throughout it all the Academy students have been resilient and, above all, passionate about learning more about becoming tomorrow’s theatre makers.”

Working with the Northcott Theatre is an incredibly worthwhile relationship for our students, and this Showcase is just another way of showing how, by working together, creative people can adapt to the current restrictions.
Katie Wild – Head of Faculty for Media and Performing Arts at Exeter College

Since the start of the current academic year, the Northcott Theatre has continued to provide relevant industry-led training and development opportunities for learners, including devising scripts, developing ideas and acting for different formats. In previous years, this collaboration has also seen Performing Arts students work with major artists like Nick Moran (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) and even Sir Ian McKellen.

Performing Arts Academy student Oliver Copper said: “The Performance Academy sessions have been really enlightening on how theatre is created, both practically and creatively. Talking to people in the business gives a dynamic perspective on theatre that you don’t usually get from normal lessons.”

Fellow student Lara Fullalove said: “From joining the Academy I have gained invaluable skills that will further my career and goals in the future. From being able to collaborate with likeminded people, I have understood the need for communication and feedback when working on a joint piece of theatre. Moreover, from listening and working with professionals in the industry, I have begun to understand the skills needed to be successful in this line of work.”

The production can now be viewed online.

You can find out more online about the Exeter College Performing Arts Academy.

From High Flying Cabin Crew to Talented Care Worker

Exeter College prides itself on teaching students’ valuable transferable skills, equipping them with the knowledge needed to succeed in the world of work. Ceren Duman is a prime example of this. When Travel and Tourism was hit hard by the pandemic, she picked herself up and decided that she could help people in a different way and went into Health and Social Care. It wasn’t long before she got noticed and Proud to Care Devon picked her for their current recruitment campaign.

While at Exeter College Ceren studied Level 2 Travel and Tourism and took a Diploma in Airline Cabin Crew. “Cabin Crew was my dream job. It was amazing going out to the Flybe Training Academy, then lockdown came, and it all changed. I would 100% do the course again if I could, I loved it. College was just amazing.”

Ceren has now been working in domiciliary care for Proud to Care Devon, looking after people in their homes, for about two months and says the more she does it, the more confident she’s getting. “I was quite frightened at first. As Cabin Crew you see your customer maybe once in your lifetime, but with caring you see them every day. It was daunting at first but the customer service skills I learnt on my course at college taught me how to deal with different people in different situations, so I work well under pressure.”

“I would 100% do the course again if I could, I loved it. College was just amazing.”
Ceren Duman, former Exeter College student

Proud to Care Devon is the single brand for health and care throughout Devon, managed by Devon County Council. Kelly Heale is a Recruitment Officer and Proud to Care Ambassador. Speaking about Ceren, she said: “Ceren was just a yes straight away. She had that experience of looking after others within her own family. I know from my own experience the training that Cabin Crew go through. Looking after people at 20,000 feet isn’t easy, I knew she could apply those transferable skills.”

Now Ceren has been chosen to support Proud to Care Devon in recruiting for a vital sector and it’s easy to understand why. “She’s just a great role model for people in her age group and for our sector. I hope that students will be able to identify with her and consider applying their skills to our sector. She has taken to the role so naturally, I’m not going to let her go, she’s grounded forever!”

One of Ceren’s tutors at college, Kelly Dighton isn’t surprised by Cerens success. “Ceren always loved to help people which is why she wanted to be cabin crew – when I heard she had applied for a role in the care sector, I was delighted for her as the role would allow her to use her skills and show others her kind and compassionate nature.”

“She’s just a great role model for people in her age group and for our sector.”
Kelly Heale – Proud to Care Devon

The skills learnt on the Travel and Tourism courses at Exeter College are invaluable and transferable. Kelly goes on to explain: “All students leave us having gained practical work experience and preparation for the world of work. They cover units in customer service and elements of business which link well with jobs in retail and hospitality as well as tourism, leisure, and the care sector. Our cabin crew students cover first aid, dealing with emergencies, and working with diverse customers from differing backgrounds.”

We wish Ceren every success in her current career and hope she gets to fly again soon!

Travel and Tourism at Exeter College

Our travel and tourism courses offer amazing opportunities for students with a passion for travel and tourism but also those who enjoy working with people. They provide a solid foundation in numerous transferable skills including customer service, business basics, geography, employment, transport, and types of tourism which students can use locally, nationally, and globally. Alongside this, our specialist options include cabin crew courses, resort representative and event planning modules. They provide a springboard for higher education as well as a route into the travel and tourism industry and other similar sectors.

Find out more

You can find out more about all the courses on offer at Exeter College by contacting our College Advice Team.

Ready to apply?

Applications are now open. They are easy to do and can be done online.

Exeter College and University of Exeter partner on a new validated Degree Apprenticeship in Data Science

From September 2021, apprentices studying the Level 6 Data Scientist Degree Apprenticeship at Exeter College will be able to gain a University of Exeter undergraduate degree in Data Science.

The course will cover subjects such as statistics, databases, Big Data, data visualisation and machine learning. It has been developed by listening to the needs of employers in the region, and creating a progression route for learners, in areas where skills are in high demand across many sectors in the South West. This includes health, marketing, tourism and manufacturing.

Apprentices currently studying Exeter College’s Level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship will be able to progress onto this new Level 6 course, along with new apprentices. All learners will then have the chance to move onto the University of Exeter’s Level 7 Research Science / MSc Data Science (Professional) degree. This allows a clear progression pathway from Level 4 to Levels 6 and 7.

Janice Kay, Provost of the University of Exeter said: “Supporting the city’s ambitions to develop the skills and capabilities of individuals to work with, analyse and interpret data and make Exeter a world-leading analytics city is a critical part of the University of Exeter’s own ambitions and our collaboration with the South West Institute of Technology.

“The educational journey is best viewed as a pathway from school through to Further Education and University, and this is what our partnership with Exeter College lays the foundations for.

“Growing numbers of learners on apprenticeships and creating opportunities to work with businesses regionally in the South West and nationally provides a sustainable and cost-effective way for employers to develop and retain a talented workforce. We warmly welcome any approach from local and regional businesses to support their skills and workforce needs.”

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College said: “This new programme clearly allows those with the ambition to progress seamlessly from level 4 to a level 7 qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills throughout. This pathway would have been unachievable anywhere until a few years ago and I’m delighted, like with so many initiatives linked to apprenticeships, the city of Exeter and its partnerships are leading the way for businesses and employees alike.

“The Government recognises apprenticeships as one of the cornerstones of our economic recovery from the pandemic. Over the last three years Exeter College has grown its offer in this important sector from half a dozen students to an offer that is now national and works with employers such as EDF and South West Ambulance Service. This cross city link will support our employers to meet their aims of becoming leading exponents in the use of data”.

The collaboration between the University of Exeter and the Exeter College has come about through the South West Institute of Technology (SWIoT) partnership, which has provided a forum to examine progression pathways and create new opportunities for curriculum development.

SWIoT is a Government-funded initiative, set up to provide learners with access to the latest industry skills and technical knowledge, through a series of new state-of-the-art facilities being built across the region. This will enable the South West to be one of the world’s leading regions for digital, engineering and manufacturing technologies. SWIoT is part of a national network of Institute of Technologies.

Steve Mariadas, Chief Executive of SWIoT, said: “As a leading region in the UK for data science, the launch of our Data Science Degree Apprenticeship marks a significant milestone in our ambition to offer skills in data to everyone at any level. The collaboration between Exeter College, the University of Exeter and dozens of regional employers is a fantastic example of how our regional partnerships can deliver the technical skills we need in the South West. It’s an achievement that will undoubtedly be used as an example across the country.”

Apprenticeships offer businesses a solution to address a need for more expertise or knowledge, and enable employees to upskill in areas with a skills shortage. The apprenticeship provides the knowledge and insight, which is then directly and immediately transferable into the work place.

If you would like to find out more about what Data can do for your business and how an apprenticeship works, SWIoT is holding an online event with experts, business leaders and current apprentices. You can sign up to this online.

The below infographics, produced from research by the SWIoT, show the range of benefits working with data can bring to a business and the skills and knowledge employers think are useful for working with data: