The Employer Engagement team have been working closely with Exeter International Airport over recent months. On 22nd January 2009 Jamie Christon, the Managing Director of the Airport, signed the Skills Pledge. The event attracted media interest and two radio interviews.
The Skills Pledge is a voluntary public commitment, made by a business, to support all its employees to develop their basic skills, including literacy and numeracy, to at least NVQ Level 2.
Exeter Airport is amongst the first Airports in the UK to sign the Skills Pledge and has drawn much interest from other Airports around the country. The Employer Engagement team are now working with their colleagues in the College to undertake the Skills Survey of all the airport staff. This is the prelude to commencing delivery of approximately 250 NVQs, across several sectors, during the rest of this year.
For further information please contact the Employer Engagement team:
EXETER College students are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Sir Alan Sugar when they parade through Exeter city centre dressed as the business tycoon during national Apprenticeships Week.
More than 70 apprentices and media and performing arts students will wear suits and carry masks of Sir Alan’s face as they march from Queen Street to Bedford Square, Princesshay, on Monday, February 23, at 11.50am.
It will be the first day of the Learning and Skills Council’s annual campaign which is being fronted by the founder of Amstrad and TV personality from the BBC’s The Apprentice.
Rob Bosworth, assistant principal for skills at Exeter College, said: “This exciting parade is an opportunity for us to do something engaging and innovative to raise awareness of the need for successful apprentices at this difficult economic time.
“We are linking in with the national TV campaign using Sir Alan Sugar to both raise the profile of apprenticeships as well as engaging with young people who are crucial to the future of the local economy.
“Apprenticeships are one of many training solutions Exeter College is offering the local community at present. It is essential in the current climate, whether upskilling or reskilling, that people have access to quality training opportunities.”
Exeter College is hosting a series of events to mark the second Apprenticeships Week.
On Tuesday, February 24, local business leaders are invited to have breakfast with celebrity chef and former Exeter College student Michael Caines at the college’s training restaurant, @34. The Apprenticeship Guide 2009-10 detailing all the apprenticeships offered at Exeter College will be officially launched at this event.
Employers in hospitality, hair and beauty can attend a networking buffet at the college on the evening of Monday, February 23.
There will also be a host of workshops on catering, hairdressing and automotive training throughout the week.
WORK-BASED students from Exeter and Bicton Colleges are to benefit from an £185,000 cash boost for new mobile digital devices.
The ‘Flip IT’ project seeks to transform the learning experience of vocational learners with limited access to IT and create stronger links between industry and the classroom.
Both colleges have been awarded a total sum of £185,000 for the joint scheme from the Mobile Learning Network (MoLeNET). MoLeNET is an organisation which supports and promotes mobile learning in the further education sector by part funding mobile learning projects.
The money will enable devices such as palm top devices, video cameras and Ultra Mobile PCs to be bought for work-based learners from the two colleges.
It will also go towards paying for increased wireless network provision at Exeter College’s main Hele Road site and Bicton College’s engineering workshops.
Learners studying Childcare, Care, Hospitality and Land Based courses will benefit – subjects which are the Government’s prioritised skilled sectors.
Agriculture and Engineering work-based learners within rural areas of Devon will be issued with Ultra Mobile PCs and provided with wireless access, enabling face to face contact with tutors and access to learning material through connection to the Bicton College network.
Bill Pearson, Learning Technology Manager at Bicton College, said: “This research project is a fantastic opportunity to reach out across the county using mobile technology to enhance and enrich work-based learning students’ experiences.
We will be able to provide one to one tutorial support for our learners whilst they are in the workplace. The technology will enable them to record and share work practices with fellow students around the county.”
Susan Bright, project manager and Advanced Practitioner in Work Based Learning at Exeter College, said: “This innovative pilot project aims to widen participation and improve achievement for learners in rural communities and non-technology based vocational areas.
“Through the use of equipment such as UMPCs, PDAs, Mini Video Cameras and Digi-notepads, we are aiming to provide flexible opportunities for teaching and learning that are fit for purpose, demand-led and seamlessly fit with the business environment.
“The Flip IT Project will provide, mobile, collaborative and personalised learning opportunities not only to benefit learners, but also staff in the skills sectors in using these mobile devices.”
Rob Bosworth, Assistant Principal for Skills at Exeter College, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for work-based learners in Exeter and countywide and an illustration of how Exeter College and Bicton College compliment each other.
“This is one of many collaborative projects we have underway and the partnership of Exeter College and Bicton College goes from strength to strength.”
Earlier this year Exeter and Bicton Colleges announced a new partnership to work more closely together to benefit learners.
PUPlLS from schools across Devon had a chance to savour the culinary skills of top chef Tom Williams-Hawkes at a careers fair organised by Exeter College.
The high-profile Star Pupil Careers Event to promote the hospitality industry took place at Abode in Exeter on Monday, February 2.
It was hosted by the Hospitality Skills Academy Group made up of Exeter College, Devon Tourism Skills Network, Exeter & Heart of Devon Hotels & Restaurants Association and hospitality training provider academy 4u.
Students from 10 Devon secondary schools attended the careers fair.
Tom Williams-Hawkes, who trained with celebrity chef and former Exeter College student Michael Caines and is now Executive Chef at ABode, talked about his successful career while doing a cookery demonstration assisted by Exeter College catering students.
There was also a non-alcoholic cocktail demonstration and a chance for pupils to practise their hospitality skills such as in front-of-house, reception, using crockery and equipment and sales and marketing.
Press release from Flybe 27/01/09
Flybe, Europe’s largest and most successful regional airline, is no stranger to innovation and has wasted no time in setting the pace as an industry leader in the 12 months since becoming the first of only three UK employers to be granted Awarding Body status – part of a major national initiative by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA) – with a world-first already under its belt.
Not content with simply developing innovative relationships with local educational establishments; creating a groundbreaking programme of accrediting its extensive training with nationally recognised qualifications; starting 33 new Engineering Apprentices on a brand new four year Apprenticeship that will lead to employment as Licensed Engineers, the newly formed Training Team has also been busy fast-tracking plans to build a new Training Academy at Exeter Airport for opening in March 2010 and training over 200 Cabin Crew in the Aviation Operations in the Air NVQ – a recognised national/international qualification and a UK and world first!
Determined to develop unique relationships with local educational establishments in the South West, Flybe has quickly sealed solid partnerships with Exeter College and the University of Exeter. Supported by GoSkills (the Sector Skills Council for Passenger Transport) in developing its employer training programmes, the airline has also moved forward with a number of new initiatves designed to recognise the skills of its own staff, train those from other organisations and offer new employees a variety of training paths that marry the needs of both the learner and the employer.
In achieving all this in record time, Flybe has enjoyed outstanding support from a wide range of organisations including the Department for Innovations, Universities and Skills; the Department for Children, Schools and Families; the Learning and Skills Council; the South-West Regional Development Agency; City & Guilds and EdExcel.
Simon Witts, Flybe’s Director Safety, Quality and Training, says: “I am immensely proud of what the team has achieved over the 12 months since we received the QCA/Ofqual’s Awarding Body status. We have enjoyed fantastic support from Government Agencies and the response to our initiatives from staff and customers has been excellent.
“We are living in extremely challenging economic times and Flybe remains fully committed to playing our part towards meeting the Leitch Agenda and helping address the crucial need for skills’ development through the delivery of economically valuable industry and sector qualifications.”
Over and above facilitating its normal busy programme of some 60 training courses a month for 500 Flybe employees and trainees at its Exeter base, the highlights of the Flybe Training Academy’s last 12 months include:
– In September 2008, 33 new Engineering Apprentices starting a brand new four year Apprenticeship leading to employment as a Licensed Engineer
– Since April 2008, over 200 Cabin Crew have been trained in the Aviation Operations in the Air NVQ – a recognised national/international qualification – a UK and world first
– Since April 2008, Call Centre staff are being assessed against a Customer Service NVQ
– Significant progress in building a range of Flybe accredited aviation qualifications to ‘fill the gap’ in the availability of tailored courses to suit the needs of the industry
– Three new Foundation Degrees are being developed with an innovative delivery method based mostly in the workplace (development coordinated via Exeter College and the University of Exeter with the Partnership with University of Plymouth, University of West of England)
– A Pilot Multi-Crew Pilot Licence programme is being developed
– Through the LSC, RDA and Sector Skills Alliance supported SkillsShop hosted at Flybe, Exeter Airport has recently signed the Skills Pledge and training is being rolled out towards all of their employees in a unique partnership approach
Flybe’s new multi-million pound 25-classroom Training Academy at Exeter Airport is scheduled to open in March 2010, allowing the airline to integrate all of its training on one site for the first time. The state-of-the-art facility will incorporate four Flight Simulators and integrated Apprentice Workshop that will allow Flybe to offer training to other airlines and companies as well as an adjoining 150-bedroom hotel.
26/01/09
STUDENTS thinking about starting careers in the creative arts or media can benefit from a new and exciting course being delivered by Exeter4Learning.
The Creative and Media Diploma is aimed at young people wanting to study a broad range of arts while preparing for a potential career in the creative industries.
It starts later this year and is being officially launched at Isca College on Wednesday, January 28, at 6pm.
Activities on the launch night will include open rehearsals, art and design exhibitions, displays by local arts organisations and businesses and information sessions with course leaders. Representatives from the Phoenix and Devon Arts in Schools Initiative (DAISI) will also be in attendance.
An initiative from the Exeter4Learning partnership made up of Exeter College and the city’s five secondary schools, the diploma can be studied at two levels.
The Level 2 Higher Diploma course which is equivalent to seven GCSEs is open to Year 10 students from all Exeter secondary schools. They will spend two days per week at Isca College studying the Diploma.
For learners aged 16 or over they can study the Level 3 Advanced Diploma course at Exeter College. This part of the Diploma is equivalent to 3.5 A levels.
The Creative and Media Diploma will cater for those interested in not just music, dance, performing arts, media and art & design but all of these and more.
Examples of Creative and Media Disciplines covered in the course include 2D & 3D Visual Art, Graphic Design, Drama, Dance, Interactive Media, Animation, Photography and Music.
Viv Finer, Head of Art & Design at Exeter College, said: “This course is revolutionary and we’re very excited about what it means for young people within the creative arts. “But we’re aware that the Diploma is new and innovative, so this launch gives students and their families an opportunity to come and find out more and ask any questions they may have. “The Level 3 Diploma will be based in the Centre for Creative Industries, which is at the heart of further arts education in the city. “Not only will students be able to specialise but they’ll learn how to work in project teams and collaborate across the disciplines in real-life contexts. “To add to this, there is a 10-day work experience requirement meaning that young people don’t just learn about the industry but actively take part in it.”
Garry Plastow, Specialist School Manager and Head of Creative Arts at Isca College of Media Arts, said: “The Diploma is a fantastic opportunity for students who enjoy all aspects of the arts and want to work on themes that combine and develop a varied set of skills across different subject areas. “It provides a wonderful opportunity for the city’s schools and Exeter College to plan, develop and deliver the course in a truly collaborative way that will emphasise applied learning working with our business partners to provide experiences that will have real vocational relevance. “The course will make full use of media technologies to deliver an exciting blend of practical assignments and academic learning that will give students a wide range of options for further progression.”
From the Plymouth Herald 21/01/09
STUDENTS from Mid Devon have been rewarded for their hard work and contribution to life at Exeter College at the institution’s annual student awards. The ceremony at Exeter’s Thistle Hotel recognised the outstanding achievements of pupils. Among the winners was Lucy Garrett, of Crediton, named humanities student of the year. The former Queen Elizabeth Community College pupil excelled in geography gaining an A grade at A-level. Lucy is taking a gap year and is to travel to South America, Asia and Australia. Next year she is planning to study environmental geography and international development at the University of East Anglia. Former student union president and Chulmleigh Community College pupil Ross Stanley, of Uplowman, earned the governors’ award for his contribution to the college community. During his time at the college, Ross worked to promote the welfare of others and was the driving force behind a number of high-profile campaigns among the student body. Emma Redwood, from Hemyock, won the accolade of higher education student of the year for excelling on the foundation degree in coaching and fitness. A former Uffculme School pupil, she is now doing a third-year top-up of her foundation degree at Marjon, which will lead to a full honours degree in coaching and fitness. Another sporting success story was Kim Fletcher, from Halberton, who was named the sports leisure and tourism student of the year. The former Uffculme School student was a carer to her family and had be balance her time between this and schoolwork to gain herself three distinctions in the BTEC national diploma in travel and tourism and also a university place at Bath Spa. Kieran Sweeney, from Upton Pyne, picked up an award for International Baccalaureate student of the year, scoring 44 points out of a possible 45 in his IB diploma – the highest score ever achieved at the college and the equivalent of six A* grades at A level. Kieran is currently busy studying medicine at Manchester University. Anne Oxborough, assistant principal at Exeter College, said: “This is the major awards’ evening in the entire college calendar because it celebrates student achievement right across the college. “Alongside traditional, academic and vocational achievements, we are also recognising such factors as students overcoming obstacles and returning to education as adults.” She said that it was hoped such events would help inspire existing students to see just what can be achieved at the college. Exeter College is holding an open morning for potential new students on Saturday January 24, from 9.30am-12.30pm. The closing date for applications to start at college this September is Saturday, January 31.
13/01/09
STAR students have been rewarded for their hard work at Exeter College’s annual Student Awards.
The ceremony was held at Exeter’s Thistle Hotel to recognise the outstanding accomplishments of high-achieving pupils in subject areas ranging from maths and science to catering and hospitality. Top pupil Kieran Sweeney was named International Baccalaureate (IB) student of the year, scoring 44 points out of a possible 45 in his IB Diploma – the highest score ever achieved at college and the equivalent of six A* grades at A level. A former St Peter’s student, Kieran, of Upton Pyne, is now studying medicine at Manchester University. Alfie Pugh, from St Thomas, was named student of the year in media and performing arts. He gained 298 marks out of a possible 300 in his AS music exam. Before joining Exeter College, he studied at West Exe Technology College. Alfie is a pianist, plays bassoon and drums and composes his own music. He is now taking a gap year before studying music at university. The student of the year award in English went to former St Peter’s pupil Alyx Barker, from Mount Pleasant. She achieved outstanding results in A level English language, law, philosophy and the national award in journalism and is now studying law at Oxford. Lucy Garrett, of Crediton, was named humanities student of the year. The former Queen Elizabeth Community College pupil excelled in geography and gained an A at A-level. Lucy is taking a gap year and is to travel to South America, Asia and Australia. Next year she will study environmental geography and international development at the University of East Anglia. Pippa Howell, from Heavitree, was given the Met Office-sponsored maths and science student of the year award. In her maths A-level, Pippa, who went to St Peter’s, scored 597 out of 600 points and received top marks for physics and chemistry. She is now at Cambridge studying natural sciences. The motor vehicle student of the year award went to Otterton resident Paul Greenaway, who completed the demanding two-year programme in just eight months. Paul came to Exeter College from Exmouth Community College and achieved his advanced apprenticeship in heavy vehicle maintenance. Hard-working Matthew King, of Newton Abbot, received the determination to succeed award, sponsored by Lloyds TSB. During his time at the college, Matthew, who has cerebral palsy and previously went to St James School, never let anything get in the way of furthering his career. He studied hospitality and catering, gaining NVQ levels 1 and 2 in food preparation and cooking and level 1 food service. He now works at the Passage House Hotel, in Newton Abbot, and in the kitchens of the Royal Marines’ Lympstone base. Christy Vigor, from Exmouth, was named student of the year for access to higher education. Although she was pregnant and had a baby while studying, she worked with determination to finish the course and is now studying law at Exeter University. Former student union president and ex-Chulmleigh Community College pupil Ross Stanley, of Uplowman, earned the governors’ award for contribution to the college community. During his time at the college, Ross worked to promote the welfare of others and was the driving force behind a number of high-profile campaigns. Dedicated to helping others, Amy Salter, of Countess Wear, was named student of the year in care and public services, sponsored by Exeter City Council. Amy achieved a distinction in the BTEC National Diploma in health and social care and completed voluntary work in Eastern Europe during the summer. The former St Peter’s High School pupil is planning to study paediatric nursing at Cardiff University. Alexis Heal from Ebford and John Eustace of Lympstone both won accolades for teacher education students of the year under the Ted Wragg award, which is sponsored by the University of Exeter. Former King’s School pupil Ben Cann from Ottery St Mary received the award for the most promising 14-16 student. Zarina Rich who used to go to Exmouth Community College was named hospitality and catering student of the year. Amy Clark from Dartington was named the art and design student of the year. The former pupil from Sands School, Ashburton, faced a number of challenges during her time studying the National Diploma in photography but achieved a distinction for her course. She is now studying a photography degree at University College Falmouth. Emma Redwood from Hemyock won the accolade of higher education student of the year for excelling on the Foundation Degree in Coaching and Fitness. A former Uffculme School pupil, Emma is now doing a third-year top-up of her Foundation Degree at Marjon, which will lead to a full Honours Degree in Coaching and Fitness. Kim Fletcher from Halberton was named the sports leisure and tourism student of the year. The former Uffculme School student was a carer to her family and overcame many difficult challenges to gain three distinction grades in BTEC National Diploma in Travel & Tourism and a university place at Bath Spa. Anne Oxborough, assistant principal at Exeter College, said: “This is the major awards’ evening in the college calendar because it celebrates student achievement right across the college. Alongside traditional, academic and vocational achievements, we are also recognising such factors as students overcoming obstacles and returning to education as adults. “The event also celebrates our work in the community and with partners outside the college such as employers and schools. “We hold the awards’ evening at this time of year because we hope to be able to attract ex-students away at university during their Christmas vacation. We hope that such events do inspire others to see just what can be achieved at the college. “Last week was a busy one for celebrating achievement at the college as we also held our first-ever degree graduation ceremony at the Cathedral on Friday for students who have completed degree-level courses here at college.”
MORE than 100 students to have studied university-level courses at Exeter College will graduate this week in a historic ceremony at Exeter Cathedral.
The college is hosting its first graduation ceremony for its former students who have completed degree-level courses accredited by the University of Plymouth or the examination board Edexcel.
The graduates will take part in a procession and receive their certificates at Exeter Cathedral, on Friday, January 9, starting at 2pm.
Former BBC weather presenter, Penny Tranter, who is now Meteorology Training Manager at the Met Office, will be giving the key speech at the ceremony.
It will also be attended by more than 200 guests including city MP Ben Bradshaw and the Lord Mayor Councillor Paul Smith.
Exeter College’s Principal Richard Atkins said: “This is Exeter College’s first graduation ceremony celebrating the success and achievements of our many university-level students.
“We have been offering higher education programmes for many years, including professional qualifications and degree programmes in partnership with the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter and the University College Plymouth St Mark & St John but this is the first time we have had our own dedicated graduation ceremony. ] “We’re delighted that the Cathedral has enabled us to hold this celebratory event in the very centre of our city.”
By Livi Leonard
EXETER College’s Students’ Union is running an awareness day to warn teenagers of the dangers of binge-drinking.
During the run-up to Christmas the team are stressing the message: ‘Eat, drink, be merry’, rather than ‘Eat, drink, get wasted.’
The drink awareness day will be held on Monday 15th at the college’s main Hele Road site with activities to make students more aware of the effects of drinking.
The event will include giving out beer goggles to give students the vision of a drunk, an alcohol calculator to calculate the yearly, monthly and weekly price you can spend on alcohol, a guess the units test and a drink spiking exercise.
The union has also publicised the event with the slogan, “Everyone likes a drink…No-one likes a drunk.”
Natalie Tremlett, president of Exeter College Students’ union, said: “We just want to make people think a bit more about their drinking. “We don’t want to stop them from enjoying themselves over the Christmas period but it’s about getting a balance of having fun and not putting themselves in danger and making themselves ill.”
