Work-based learners of all ages were honoured for their determination and ambition at Exeter College's annual Skills Awards this week that heard that whilst commerce and industry is constantly changing the need for highly motivated and trained staff continues to be central to business success.

Around 80 guests, including the award winners, their family, friends, College skills officers, the winners' employers, as well as a number of leading figures from the Devon business community celebrated 16 awards ranging from Apprentice in Driving Goods Vehicle to Apprentice Professional Cookery. The Awards ceremony also recognised the crucial role of the employers in supporting the apprentices as they hone their skills within the workplace – putting the theoretical and practical skills from their College training into real practice.

Particular honours went to Apprentice Employer of the Year – Exeter based CP Conversions. The company, established in 2002, specialises in home and loft conversions but has expertise in all areas of building and construction and only employ highly-skilled builders and engineers. Chris Potter and his wife Sue founded the business which is also accredited by the Guild of Master Craftsman and they have trained three apprentice carpenters over the past five years, two of these now completing their level 3 advanced qualifications. Not only was CP Conversions named as Apprentice Employer of the Year but two of their successful apprentices have been recipients of previous Apprentice of the Year awards over the last couple of years. With the business going from strength to strength, Chris Potter is also a local and national hero having helped the BBC's DIY SOS team help a family to get the skilled craftsman they needed to solve their fairly dire DIY situation – and all free of charge.

Paul Champion, head of business solutions, said “Each year, Exeter College hosts the Skills Awards to celebrate the success of our apprentice and work-based learners. All of these students have gone that extra mile in working towards their qualifications, and this event recognises and rewards them for all their hard work. The support these learners receive from their employers is crucial and we are proud that such a wide range of businesses continue to see the benefits of training their workforce – despite the effects of the difficult economic climate.”

Of the 15 other award winners honoured during the awards night many were able to take pride in having to completed the testing apprenticeship training ahead of schedule. Adele Stevens, 22, now working as a an administrator at a local school was praised for the high standard of her level 3 Business Administration qualification and the extra time she spent in lectures supporting another student to get through her Technical Certificate – evidence of the team work that is often cited by employers as an essential quality in the workplace.

Ed Quick, 21 was praised for sheer determination in getting his Driving Goods Vehicle license despite a knee injury which inevitably had an effect on his practical driving skills. Completing his qualifications also ahead of schedule Ed is now able to transport livestock for the family farm in Lapford.

Described by his Skills Officer as having “a natural ability to communicate with service users right from the start” the Health and Social Care Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Sam Pritchard, 21, who stood out from other candidates in his interview at Aroha House – a small home for adults with learning difficulties. Now progressing to the Advanced Apprenticeship he was described as a popular staff team member at Aroha House and most importantly with the adults he supports.

The college is continuing to develop new apprenticeship training to answer the demands from the local and regional industry and this year for the first time the awards event celebrated the Technical Theatre Apprentice of the Year – Dominic Purchase, 23, who works at Exmouth Pavilions and attends the College once a week. Described as shy but motivated Dominic has quickly learned the skills involved to become an excellent technician and has grown in confidence. The Pavilions' Theatre manager has no qualms about allowing Dom to head the technical side of shows when Dom's line manager is away and external production companies have not only been keen to subcontract Dom but they have taken his work as an excellent example of the benefits of a Technical Theatre Apprentice and have decided to hire and train with the College their own trainee.

Derek Phillips, Vice President of the Exeter Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Guest of Honour at the event concluded “We are very fortunate that Exeter has such a positive future with the exciting developments at Cranbrook and the Science Park which are real signs of investment in the area. Exeter is growing and continues to attract new businesses that will benefit everyone and apprenticeship training is an excellent way to ensure we continue to have the skilled workforce businesses need to succeed in a competitive market.”

Exeter College Rugby 1st xv have progressed through to the semi finals of the British Colleges Elite Rugby Cup having beaten Worthing College in an entertaining game at Cullompton Rugby Club on Wednesday.

Having been 17-0 down after the first 20 minutes following a poor start, the College side showed their spirit and strength to score with two minutes of time remaining to win 26-25. Man of the match with a hat trick of tries was on form number 8 Will Hodgetts, who also impressed many with his huge performance against Ivybridge the previous week. Other scores came from impressive second row Trae Gosling from a catch and drive try and 3 conversions came from the ever reliable boot of England Colleges fly half George Meadows.

Exeter have been drawn away to SEEVIC, the winners of the South East and London Division. The match will take place at Southend Rugby Club on Wednesday 21st March (3.30pm Kick Off).

It has been another fantastic week for Exeter College Rugby with the news that Winger Linford Brock has been called up into the England Under 18's squad. Brock, who has been training with Plymouth Albion recently, as well as representing Barnstaple 1st xv, has caught the eye of a number of academy managers this season in the AASE League and he goes straight into England's squad for this Sunday's game against the Northampton Saints Academy at Surrey Sports Park (12.30pm Kick Off).

Exeter College Prop Will Norton, Back Row Ben King and Fly Half George Meadows are all due to play for England Colleges this Sunday against Irish Exiles in Cheltenham, which means four players from the 1st xv squad will wear England Jersey's this weekend.

This coming Wednesday (14th March) Exeter travel to play the Sale Sharks apprentices at Myerscough College in the AASE Bowl Semi Fina (3.15pm Kick Off).

Staff and students at the city's college are celebrating getting the official recognition that they are outstanding from Ofsted this week. Exeter College is the first college in the country to have been tested in a ‘no-notice' inspection being piloted by the Government's inspectorate to ensure, as Ofsted's chief, Sir Michael Wilshaw, said that the process is “credible and rigorous”.

The inspection, lasting a full week, has graded the college outstanding overall, with the three key themes; Student Outcomes, Teaching and Learning and Leadership and Management also gaining an outstanding grade – the highest accolade possible and the best inspection profile of any college in an Ofsted inspection so far this academic year. The Inspectors graded teaching and learning as outstanding for the first time in a further education college in the last two years. They noted that teachers set high expectations, employ innovative teaching strategies and deliver lessons with energy and pace, giving students confidence in their own ability. They also praised the college's Learner Voice panel, ensuring student views are listened to and acted upon, and highlighted the personal development and employability skills that students gain whilst at college.

Richard Atkins, Principal of the college since 2002 said “This is an important national accolade for the staff and students of Exeter and the Heart of Devon and we are very proud that the college has been tested under such stringent conditions as the first no-notice inspection in the country. Our students' results at all levels are well above the national average, placing us in the top 5% of all colleges in England, and feedback from our parents and students of all ages tells us that they feel they have outstanding support to help them succeed. Whether students are excelling in exams, in their vocational assignments, in musical or sports performances or in their community projects we are delighted that their achievements and the work of the staff has now received this national government recognition.”

Colleges and schools ordinarily have three weeks warning but the senior managers at the college got the call just 45 minutes before the team of Ofsted inspectors arrived. The new Ofsted Inspection framework aims to conduct no-notice inspections in order to give a real reflection of the teaching and learning taking place.

Richard Atkins added, “We were determined that the inspectors were able to experience the high standard of teaching and learning that goes on across the college and see the skills and talents of our staff and students. This new style of inspection meant a more meaningful test since they truly saw the college during a working week and spoke to many students while they were here, to check out their experiences of the college. Particularly important to us is that students not only achieve but feel supported as they prepare for the world of work or further studies. We were keen to show the inspectors that we focus our tutorial and pastoral work on issues that are important to the students with for example financial awareness this week but it's also about ensuring students are happy and making friends.”

College staff and students are gearing up for a very musical March with the launch of the Exeter College Music Academy Festival 2012 including events in partnership with the City's Vibraphonic Festival.

The Festival is a celebration of the performance and composition work of music students at Exeter College. The programme covers many genres of music – ranging from Classical, Jazz, Big Band, Gospel, current pop and original songwriting.

“We are excited to be able to showcase the work of our students through this Festival”, said Laura Wright – Music Section Leader. “Using a wide range of venues across the city as well as providing ticketed and free events, gives the opportunity for everyone to share in our Festival celebration. There will be something for all musical tastes from solo recitals of classical music through to lively and original gig sessions involving students from all of our music courses”.

Festival venues are: The Mill on the Exe, the Exeter Phoenix, the Mint Methodist Church (Fore St), United Reformed Church (Heavitree), the Barnfield Theatre and the college's own Centre for Music and Performance (26 Queen St.).

Ticketed events start with the Exeter College Inspirational Choir at the Exeter Phoenix on Tuesday 13th March (£6.50, £5 – tickets available from Exeter Phoenix box office) presenting an evening of Gospel and Soul to lift the spirits and rejuvenate the soul! This group of young performers combine close part choral harmony with spectacular soloists and a band that can raise the roof of any venue. From traditional gospel roots through to soul and contemporary repertoire, the performance is designed to be enjoyed and to leave you smiling. The inspirational choir will be supported that night by the Exeter College Jambassadors. The interesting line up of horn section, piano lead rhythm section plus acoustic guitar and cello creates an exciting jazz chamber group. The Jambassadors will be performing folk, punk, swing, funk, Cuban & cool jazz infused music.

This is followed by an evening of solo recitals, Toot Sweet flute ensemble plus Guitar Ensemble concert at the United Reformed Church Heavitree on the 23rd March (£3.50, £2 – tickets on the door), an Orchestra, Victoria Singers and small ensembles concert at the Mint Methodist Church Wednesday 28th March (£4.50, £3 – tickets on the door) and closing the Festival are the Exeter College Big Band and Jazz project at the Barnfield Theatre on Sunday 1st April (£6, £5 – tickets available from the Barnfield Theratre box office).

Internationally renowned bassist TM Stevens (a “luminous figure with his ferocious yet melodic style of bass as unique as his larger than life personna” ) is delivering a bass master class followed by public gig as part of the Vibraphonic festival (tickets available from the Exeter Phoenix Box Office). With the support of Oyster House Media Productions, Exeter College bassists have been given the opportunity to attend this masterclass and afternoon gig from TM Stevens and his band. Opportunities like this are priceless and hugely valued by our music students.

Free events kick off at The Mill On the Exe on 5th March (for four nights 5th- 8th) with an eclectic mix of live lounge and original material generated by Level 3 music students. The Centre for Music and Performance free lunchtime gigs start on 21st March 12:30 – 1:15pm with the girls choir Victoria Singers. Then the 22nd March: Toot-Sweet flute ensemble, 27th March: Jazz Project and 30th March: solo performances from 2nd year students. Free evening concerts begin on 21st March with a Ska and Reggae night then the 26nd and 29th March 2nd year solo performances – all 7pm start.

“This is yet another way we are showcasing the musical excellence of the Music Academy at the college,” said Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College. “Our annual Carol Festival at the Cathedral always draws hundreds of people who enjoy such a fantastic and inspiring programme. This is the first time our music students and staff have put on such an impressive Spring Festival and we're looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our musical students throughout the month. I encourage everyone to look at the programme of events and take part in this celebration of music.”

The full festival programme can be seen here

For further information please contact Laura Wright or Roz Harding on 01392 205250 rozharding@exe-coll.ac.uk

Construction students got the chance to check the progress of their own college's £8.3million build project this week as the new Technology Centre, being built by Mansell, enters its last 6 months build phase.

And who better to explain the exciting development than one of Mansell's own trainee quantity surveyors, Mellissa Sparkes, who also happens to be studying an HNC course part time at the college.

Nick Thom, Construction lecturer who organised the visit, said “It's an essential part of the full time students' extended diploma construction course that they are able to relate the workshop skills and technical theory to real life project so we have been using the Technology Centre as a particular focus since it obviously has a special relevance to us.”

“Mellissa is also an inspiration to the students. She started her interest in construction on our 14-16 programme whilst still at school in Isca in Exeter and then excelled in the National Diploma two years later finishing as one of our highest ever placed learners and being awarded the Construction Student of the Year last year. She is an excellent role model that helps us challenge and inspire students so meeting her today helps to show the group the high standards and commitment they can achieve.”

Meeting the first year students for the first time Mellissa said, “It's really interesting talking to students who were in my position a few years ago. I want to encourage them to be passionate about the construction industry, girls as well as boys, and get them to do whatever they need to so that they succeed.”

The world class Technology Centre, due to open in September to students, will house the expanding Engineering, Automotive and Aerospace faculty, currently housed in workshops and lecture bases in different sites across the city. The construction faculty hasn't been forgotten with all the building work however, having celebrated only last year the opening of a £1million refurbishment of their industry standard facilities at Sowton with new bricklaying workshops, lecture rooms and student space.

Dan Wreford, 16 originally from Chulmleigh School and Jonathan Goldsworthy, 17 from Uffculme said of the visit “It's given us an insight into the real construction industry. We found out about techniques, health and safety, site procedures and how a build like this is organised. It also showed us the different career paths and that yes that if we do well we could get a job.”

Welcoming the construction students to the extensive build project Steve McShane from Mansell said “I was delighted to be able to show the next generation of potential construction experts around the Technology Centre build, helping the students to understand about modern building techniques, including health and safety procedures. Mansell is very keen to work with the college on these types of visits to showcase this exciting project.”

Fairtrade tea smoked duck, pea soup and chocolate sauce were among the treats on offer at Exeter's Fairtrade Fortnight launch held at Exeter College's fine dining restaurant, @34, this week.

The event, held to officially mark the start of the city's Fairtrade events, showcased the culinary and hospitality talents of the Michael Caines Academy students – the region's next generation chefs and restaurateurs – who were among the dedicated team who prepared and served the 5 course Fairtrade dinner to over 40 guests from across Devon.

Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College said, “We're very proud of our Michael Caines Academy students who, in their first year at the College are already showing us they aspire to follow in the footsteps of their Michelin starred role model – a former student of ours. Working with our level 3 students in the kitchen, this event is one of many when they are tested to provide excellence in hospitality. We were delighted to be asked to host the Fairtrade launch for the city of Exeter, welcoming such important guests to our restaurant. We are working hard to gain Fairtrade status for the College and understand the importance of the Fairtrade Fortnight in raising awareness locally and across the region of Fairtrade and ethically sourced products.”

The event was attended by guests including city and county councillors and Fairtrade champions. Cllr Ian Martin, Exeter City lead Councillor for Business Transformation and Human Resources and member of the Exeter Fairtrade Steering Committee, said “I'm delighted that Fairtrade Exeter 2012 is being launched at Exeter College. The college is our latest partner in reinforcing our City's commitment to the Fairtrade movement as a growing international city.”

Cllr Saxon Spence, Devon County Councillor for Pinhoe and Mincinglake and chair of the Exeter Branch of the Co-operative Party promoting Fairtrade, said “We are absolutely delighted that Exeter College is hosting this wonderful dinner and we’re particularly pleased that Michael Caines is here as guest speaker. It gets Fairtrade Fortnight off to a flying start and hopefully everyone in the city will enjoy a range of events and have the opportunity to meet with our Fairtrade visitors.”

Michael Caines, guest speakers at the event said, “I am delighted that the MC Academy students had such a high profile at this important event. The training programme has been designed to include experiences and events like this that hone their high quality skills, raising the standards of hospitality even further. Fairtrade is a very important issue here in Devon and I am delighted to support this issue.”

Work is beginning on a world class, £5.6 million outdoor education and training centre in Exeter.

The centre, at Haven Banks on the canal basin, will be built and paid for by Devon County Council. And, in a pioneering partnership, it will be run with Exeter College on a day-to-day basis. Work begins on the centre later this month. It is due to be completed in April 2013.

A special ground-breaking ceremony will be held at the site at 10.30am on Monday 20 February. Devon County Council chairman Jeremy Yabsley will perform the ceremony. He will be joined by council leader John Hart, deputy leader John Clatworthy, Cabinet member for schools and learning, Christine Channon, and Cabinet member for Exeter, Andrew Leadbetter.

Exeter College deputy principal Rebecca King and assistant principal Rob Bosworth will also be present with the chairman of Exeter Canal and Quay Trust, Alan Williamson, and Exeter City Council leader Pete Edwards. The new development will replace the outdated existing activity centre on the Quay, that currently provides outdoor education courses for more than 25,000 young people a year. They include courses for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, climbing, caving, orienteering, archery, raft building, team building and first aid at Haven Banks and locations around Devon.

The new centre will provide a contemporary hub for outdoor adventure activities for young people and adults from Exeter and Devon and across the region.
Devon County Council leader John Hart said: “This is another major investment in Exeter by Devon County Council which will only serve to boost the economy of the city. It is the biggest single sum ever to be allocated from the proceeds of the sale of Exeter Airport. The new centre will provide 21st century facilities for a wide range of activities for both young people and adults in the growing sector of adventure pursuits. It is a major boost for Exeter and I am delighted that we have been able to enter into a long-term partnership with Exeter College to run the whole operation.”

Exeter College Principal, Richard Atkins, said: “Exeter College is delighted to be working as a strategic partner with Devon County Council as they begin the build project to establish a world-class outdoor education and training centre for the people of Devon. This initiative will make a major contribution to the continued development and regeneration of the Exeter Canal Basin and will ensure that the area becomes a thriving hub for outdoor adventurous activities. This new centre will enable us to offer an innovative approach to education and training, with provision that will encompass the individual needs of a wide range of students, including those who are currently disengaged from education through to professionals undertaking training and development in leadership and management. It will build on the continued success of the Sport, Leisure, Tourism and Public Services programmes at the College and this will be an outstanding learning environment benefiting a wide range of learners from across Devon in this exciting and growing sector.”

Centre manager Ben Hedden said: “We are delighted construction of the new centre has begun. The long awaited new facility will provide Exeter and the wider community with recreational and educational facilities which will be second to none. This will allow us to further engage young people and adults of every ability in the positive, adventurous activities we already provide. Although our present facilities have served us well for over 25 years, the new centre will offer state-of-the-art facilities which will complement and extend the professional courses and activities we already offer.”

Alan Williamson, chairman of Exeter Canal and Quay Trust, said: “We fully support this exciting proposal. It will be a significant factor in helping to continue the regeneration of the area.”

Local county councillor Vanessa Newcombe said: “I am so excited that work is beginning at last on this amazing project, for which I obtained the original £2.75million from the Invest in Devon fund some years ago. It will provide facilities unmatched in the South West and be accessible to all.”

The centre has been designed by NPS and is being built by Midas. Mike O'Neill, Executive Director of Midas Construction in Devon and Cornwall said: “As a local business, we are delighted to be part of this wonderful project which will prove a huge asset to the local community and to young people in particular. It will do much to enhance Exeter's Quayside for many years to come while securing local employment during the construction phase.”

The unique partnership between the city's college and Flybe, Europe's largest regional airline won national recognition for the development of practical teaching and learning in a ceremony held in London attended by the Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning.

Managers, student and staff representatives from Exeter College and Flybe joined colleges from across the country as the college was presented with the prestigious Association of Colleges Beacon Award for its challenging and stretching Flybe Engineering Diploma that delivers technical training in aerospace engineering.

Richard Atkins, Principal said, “We're very proud of this award since it evidences our strong partnership with Flybe and our commitment to ensure the college's courses meet the needs of our students and also the ever changing demands of industry. The four year industry based course develops underpinning knowledge and practical skills within a framework of vocational qualifications, a professional certificate and a Foundation Degree.”

Joining the team in London was Francesca Scriven, one of the first Flybe Aerospace Engineering 'graduates' due to finish her four year programme next year. She has already amassed an impressive set of qualifications as part of the course being one of only 8% of students nationally who successfully passed the industry's EASA exams at the first attempt.

Francesca, who travelled to London for the event said “I feel very privileged to be here as one of the Flybe students. It's an amazing job for life and it's great that the College and Flybe have won this accolade.”

Max Wright, Flybe's Director of Training said as he was presented the Award from the Minister of State “ This Beacon award is excellent proof of how industry and local colleges of further education can work together to optimise opportunities and secure investment in our young men and women. Flybe is proud to partner Exeter College with this prestigious programme and thrilled to receive this national tribute”.

Every year the AoC Beacon Awards provide national recognition for excellence and innovation within the Further Education sector. Chair of the AoC Beacon Awards, Dame Patricia Morgan Webb, said: These awards serve to highlight and celebrate the achievements of colleges and the impact they have on students, their families and the wider college community.”

Jan Hodges, CEO of Edge and sponsor of the Award said “The Exeter College initiative provides a highly regarded pathway into employment in the aerospace engineering sector. I congratulate them on their award and hope they continue to lead the way for other colleges across the UK.”

Exeter College Back Rower Alex Priest has been called into the England Colleges Under 19's squad for this weekend's tour to Portugal. Priest is having a fantastic season for Exeter College in the AASE and British Colleges Elite League and has also represented Barnstaple 1st xv this season. The 18 year old open side joins College second/back row Ben King, Fly Half George Meadows and Prop Will Norton in the England Colleges Squad, which is a remarkable achievement for the college. The International programme includes games against Portugal under 18's this weekend, as well as games against the Welsh and Irish Colleges in March and April.

Financial support has generously been provided by Exeter College, who offer bursaries to anyone who represents National squads, by Exmouth Rugby Club, for whom Ben King, Will Norton and George Meadows play for in National Three, as well as a number of local businesses. Thorn Business Park, A&J Carpenters, Thorn Coach Works, Thirsty Work Water Coolers and Ivor Doble all offered financial support to the boys in support of their tour costs.

Exeter College have been drawn at home against Worthing College in the Elite League play off's, following their successful South West and Wales campaign. The date is yet to be confirmed, although March 7th has been pencilled in.

Over 70 pupils from schools across Devon not only got the chance to meet the region's two Michelin starred chef and his Academy students, but also were treated to a formal fine dining experience Exeter College's @34 restaurant, tasting top class delicacies such as pea and ham panna cotta and truffle pomme puree- certainly not your ordinary school dinner.

The pupils from QECC in Crediton, West Exe, Uffculme and Dawlish schools were treated to a gourmet four-course lunch to sample the standard of cuisine and style of dining that is at the centre of the new Michael Caines Academy and meet some of the Academy's first students, in its first year at Exeter College.

“We are very proud that our ex-student and now famous chef launched the Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College less than a year ago and that our first group of trainees are able to demonstrate to others their passion for the industryv, said Rob Bosworth Assistant Principal, “The Academy aims to nurture the region's future generation of talented restaurateurs, chefs, restaurant managers, waiters and front of house staff. The problem we sometimes have is that some 14-16 year olds have never experienced excellence in hospitality and therefore they cannot aspire to perform at that level. This event was to enable a wide range of students across Devon to experience the standard being produced by the new students and helping them to understand what excellence in hospitality looks, feels and tastes like.”

“We work in partnership with many schools across Devon on our 14 – 16 programmes in a wide range of subject areas which aim to help pupils gain vocational qualifications as a first step to careers. We're not always able to provide such unique experiences as working with an international star but we were delighted that Michael was able to meet these pupils and inspire them to not only consider the hospitality and catering industry as a first choice career but to challenge them to have the highest possible expectations.”

Current Michael Caines Academy students, who were selected for the Academy after a challenging interview and selection process, were able to talk to the school pupils about the range of visits, experiences and demonstrations that make up Academy programme and showed the would-be chefs the range of skills they now have.

After speaking to many of the school pupils, Michael said “I'm always pleased to get the opportunity to talk to younger students, particularly those who are already expressing an interest in Hospitality and Catering, since I know how important it is to be inspired and encouraged. I've had my challenges but I am passionate about my work and this event was a great way to show students from across the region the quality of the cuisine and service the Academy students are producing and the industry now demands. I'm really keen on ‘home-grown' whether that's the food products we use or the talent that we nurture! The pupils were quite shy to start with but as soon as the food was served it was great to see how surprised they were with the different flavours.”

Meeting Michael Caines for the first time, Elliott Hope from QECC, 15, said “This has been fun and exciting meeting people from other schools I didn't know – the food was exquisite.”

Commenting on the menu that included confit of duck terrine Mick Matthews from Dawlish said “The food wasn't what I expected, I thought we were going to get normal food so this was good – a surprise”.

Katie Stairs from Uffculme who's thinking of being one of Michael Caines Academy elite in the future said “It was a really good event with delicious food. It was also a great way to meet new friends. I'm interested in catering and though it sounds like hard work I'm confident that I could cope with the pressure.”

Mr Richer from West Exe, one of a small group of teachers who travelled with the schools groups, said “This has been an inspirational and motivational experience for all who are thinking of being involved in hospitality”.

Huw Southcott, deputy head of Hospitality and Catering at the college said “The school pupils seemed to enjoy the experience and we're hoping that it will have raised the profile of excellence in the hospitality and catering industry. It is very important for our Academy students to take every opportunity to develop their skills – whether that is here in the restaurant, in catering exhibitions and demonstrations or in the many ‘excellence visits' that take place across the year.”