Exeter College Women’s Rugby Scores Big with England U18 Selection

Women’s Rugby in England is in an exceptionally good place, Women’s Rugby in Exeter is not only in a good place but breaking down barriers and making waves.

Riding that wave is the Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy, in partnership with Exeter Chiefs. The Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy teams are nearly unbeaten this season. They have won the Rosslyn Park 7’s, and as South West Champions will go to the Association of Colleges National Colleges Championships to represent the region. Recently they narrowly missed out against Hartpury in the England Colleges Rugby Football Union (ECRFU) Showcase Finals Day.

“It is an incredibly exciting time to be a female rugby player in Exeter.”
Susie Appleby – Women’s Head Coach for the Exeter Chiefs women’s side

With Exeter Chiefs currently in 3^rd position and in the hunt for the play-off spots in the Allianz Premier 15’s and unbeaten in the Allianz Cup, it is no wonder that rugby in the South West is going from strength to strength.

Susie Appleby, former English female rugby union player and now Women’s Head Coach for the Exeter Chiefs women’s side, said:

“It is an incredibly exciting time to be a female rugby player in Exeter. Since forming the Exeter Chiefs women’s team, the Exeter College women’s programme has really grown in status and levels of performance. We have a really good relationship with Dave Kimberley and Eilidh Sinclair, and the fact we now have 5 players in the England Under 18s squad speaks for itself. The future is bright.”

With five students from the Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy chosen to represent England in the U18’s, things are only set to get better. Daisy Womack, 18, is one of these women. With training and studying full time she has a lot on her plate, but she says it is worth it.

“I think for a lot of us girls, it has been a dream since we were younger, but it is now becoming more realistic, and it’s been a really good experience. College has given us a more professional environment where we are training most days, with access to the gym and great coaches and that has really helped.”

Chris Wall, Academy Manager says the future is exciting; “With the Centre of Excellence run by Patricia Garcia and our Women’s Academy Lead Dave Kimberley, as well as the clubs new academy structure, this creates the infrastructure to identify and nurture local players. In turn, this creates a bigger pool of players which can enjoy rugby, develop, and thrive in the Exeter area. With the current partnership and collective vision, the sky is the limit!”

Abby Middlebrooke is living proof that this partnership works. Having started her college journey on a Sport BTEC, then an apprenticeship and now studying for a Coaching and Fitness Degree – she has done all this alongside representing Devon and South West rugby teams before moving on to England U18’s, Exeter Chiefs, Cullompton RFC and now England U20’s.

Speaking about her progression, she says; “When I came to the College, the course involved training every day and doing analysis, which replicated the life of a professional rugby player. This was much better than before, when I was only training once or twice a week at grassroots level. This kickstarted my physical progression as well as learning a lot more about rugby, specifically about my position. There was also a lot more exposure to the England coaches because of playing fixtures up and down the country and we were playing against a much higher standard.”

The Exeter College Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme is run through the College’s partnership with Exeter Chiefs and is an RFU endorsed scheme for 16–18-year old’s, requiring 12 hours per week of Rugby specific delivery alongside student’s full-time course. Selected students can choose to study a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Sport, Sports and Exercise Science, or a choice of A Levels. Find out more.

Exeter College Scoops Top Award at the AAC Apprenticeship Awards

Nominees for the Annual Apprenticeship Conference (AAC) Awards recently gathered to celebrate excellence in apprenticeship delivery. With a record-breaking number of entries, the bar was set high.

Exeter College is delighted to have scooped the award for Legal, Finance and Accounting Apprenticeship Provider of the Year.

Sarah Mandeno, Head of Faculty for Professional Adult Learning at Exeter College said:

“We are delighted to have won the Legal, Finance and Accounting Apprenticeship Provider of the Year Award at the AAC Apprenticeship Awards. We have a passionate and committed team and an ambitious curriculum that develops highly skilled, confident and ethical accountants who add value to the finance sector and the local community.

“The growth and development of the provision over the last few years and a new professional space at the Future Skills Centre, has hugely enhanced the experience for our apprentices.”

The College supports 120 finance sector employer partners from Paddington to Penzance – including key players like GWR and Simpkin Edwards.

The qualifications and values of awarding body, AAT, are embedded in the heart of the College’s provision and influence engagement strategies. Employer focus groups allow the College to understand business needs, populating their calendar of events with employer conferences, webinars and networking opportunities for employers and Apprentices alike.

Samantha Wilson, Head of Apprenticeships at Exeter College said;

“This award represents the hard work and relentless commitment of so many amazing curriculum teams and employer collaborations, making remarkable things happen here at the College.”

AAT Regional Account Manager Amy Ammar said:

“Exeter College’s Apprenticeship programmes provide great progression pathways for Accounting Apprentices giving them the valuable employability and professional skills to progress along their career path.”

Find out more about Apprenticeships at the next Exeter College Open Event.

Take the leap and get into teaching

Been thinking about getting into teaching? Harry Faint, Media and Performing Arts Programme Leader at Exeter College says; “Do it. Regardless of whether teaching is your forever career or just a step, it will unlock so much for you.”

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is available to study at Exeter College and with government bursaries available for people looking to get into Further Education (FE) teacher training for 2022-23, now is the perfect time to take the leap and apply.

Harry continues; “I loved the course because of my mentors and the people studying alongside me. It gave me supportive, tangible, on the job experience, but with the space to develop and make mistakes.”

The PGCE is a level 6/7 programme for those who wish to enter the profession in a full teaching role in post-16 education and training. This programme is studied over one-year, full time and contributes to professional formation QTLS status. The course runs for five days a week from September to June.

Over the last four years, Exeter College has employed upwards of 75% of its PGCE trainees in a range of roles across the college, both part-time and full-time.

Ellie is currently studying for the PGCE, she said; “The level of support I have received from Exeter College, both the Teacher Education team and my faculty, has been phenomenal. It has been an extremely positive experience so far. I have felt encouraged to express my own personality through teaching instead of being taught to teach only one way which I think is really special.”

Before studying the PGCE course, Ellie studied for a BA (Hons) English Language and Literature with the Open University whilst being a full-time parent to three children. She then went on to complete a full academic year as a learning coach in a secondary school.

She goes on to say; “The things that drew me to the PGCE course that Exeter College provides were that it was convenient for commuting purposes, it offered on site placements that are conducive to your specialism and that the course is overseen and accredited by the University of Exeter.

“If someone said to me that they were thinking about going into teaching I would say go for it! You need to be driven, have empathy and patience and be prepared to work extremely hard but the rewards are so worth it. Seeing those little lightbulb moments in your learners’ eyes and seeing their successes are the most rewarding and amazing experiences.”

The bursaries, available for the 2022 to 2023 academic year, are awarded to trainees based on their relevant qualifications or professional experience, and their intention to teach a designated priority subject in the FE sector.

To find out more about the PGCE and the funding options available, visit the next Adult and Higher Education Open Event at Exeter College on Wednesday 6 April or contact the Adult Advice Team on 01392 400170 or email adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk.

Exeter College among the best in the country for getting into Oxford

Exeter College is proud to announce the success of 15 students who have applied successfully to two of the UK’s top universities, with 12 receiving offers from the University of Oxford and three from the University of Cambridge.

Students gain a place at the prestigious institutions, commonly known as Oxbridge, by passing a rigorous application and interview process that can take months.

This year, 65 students from Exeter College applied to Oxbridge, with 15 receiving an offer to study, meaning that 23% of students who applied got offers. The successful students will be studying a range of subjects, from Fine Art and Philosophy to Medicine, Architecture and Physics, reflecting the broad curriculum available at Exeter College.

“Exeter College is a really nice environment where you feel like you’re encouraged to aim high and take opportunities. Both students and staff have encouraged me to do my best.”
Thomas Wilkinson, 19, studying UAL Art Foundation Diploma

Exeter College Lecturer Martin Gilbert, who leads on the Reach Academy, said; “I am really proud of all the students that made an application to either Oxford or Cambridge this year.

“At Exeter College we encourage all students to make competitive UCAS applications and it is so nice to see this many students holding offers for two of the top universities in the world after such a rigorous application process. All the applicants have gained a huge amount from the process and the support they get from their teachers, tutors and our Future Steps Team is exceptional.”

For the University of Oxford, over half of the 41 Exeter College students that applied got interviews, with 12 receiving offers to study with them. This equates to a 30% success rate, which is higher than the national average of 21% for state schools and 18% for Further Education colleges, putting Exeter College among the best in the country for getting into Oxford.*

For the University of Cambridge, nearly all students who applied were interviewed, with three students receiving offers to study.

“It’s going to be really exciting studying at such a prestigious place for four years doing the subject I’m passionate about.”
Troy Dale, 18, has an offer to study Physics at Oxford

Jade Otty, Vice Principal, said; “We are so pleased for, and proud of these learners, and everyone who made an application for Oxbridge this year.

“Alongside the support we offer at Exeter College for such competitive university applications, these learners have had the courage and confidence to sit entrance exams as well as multiple interviews whilst staying focused on their study for their A Levels or International Baccalaureate.

“The resilience and dedication this has taken, this year especially, is inspiring. Our teachers at College who have supported their applications could not be prouder of them.”

Many of the students applications were supported by the Exeter College Reach Academy, which helps academically minded students with extra-curricular seminars, support and guidance to help raise aspirations and boost achievement.  

Student Stories

Erin Fraser-Smith is continuing the family tradition of going to Exeter College and getting into Oxford, as her sister Ella received an offer to study Earth Sciences last year. Erin is hoping to study Medicine and work around the world as a doctor.

Erin (pictured below), 17, who studied at Chulmleigh College before coming to Exeter College, said, “The application process was quite stressful but because I had support from Martin and the Reach Academy it was quite clear to me.

“The actual interview itself was quite relaxed and I actually really enjoyed it. They asked me very weird and wonderful questions – I couldn’t even tell you what they were!”

Thomas Wilkinson (pictured below), 19, who studies UAL Art Foundation Diploma and was also named Reach Academy Student of the Year at the Exeter College Student Awards 2022, has been offered a place to study Architecture at the University of Cambridge.

He said, “I applied last year also. I think this year I felt much more prepared and because it was separated from taking my A Levels, I had more time to nail my portfolio and personal statement.

“The Reach Academy has been tremendously helpful. Martin Gilbert really helps elevate everyone’s applications and when you go to him with questions about improving your personal statement or what to put or how to approach interviews, he is always incredibly supportive.

“Exeter College is a really nice environment where you feel like you’re encouraged to aim high and take opportunities. Both students and staff have encouraged me to do my best.”

Troy Dale, 18, studied at St James before coming to Exeter College. His offer to study Physics at Oxford is particularly impressive as he is the first Exeter College student to receive an offer to study Physics for several years.

He said, “It’s going to be really exciting studying at such a prestigious place for four years doing the subject I’m passionate about.

“The application process was challenging. I had never done any academic interviews, so it was an experience. I thought that even if I didn’t get in it would be a good learning experience.

“I only thought about Oxford at the end of last year so it’s not something I had thought about pursuing before. I just thought I would go for it and try my best and perhaps good things would happen.

“Even though I wasn’t part of the Reach Academy, Martin took me in as one of his own, helped me with my personal statement and offered loads of support still. I felt like I had all the support I needed to apply there.”

Students with offers to study will find out if they are guaranteed a place after their 2022 exam results.

Want to join Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College? Apply online now.

*The national averages come from the application data released by the University of Oxford at the end of each application year.

Exeter College Students to Study at World-Leading Aeronautical University in Florida

Exeter College is delighted to have secured government funding to be able to offer students studying the National Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering the chance to learn at a world-leading university in Florida.

The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a specialised Aeronautical University based in Florida with several campuses across the globe. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degree programmes in arts, sciences, aviation, business, and engineering.

This summer Exeter College students will have ten days to fully immerse themselves in university life and participate in core learning activities linked to aviation.

Josh Rodgers is studying the BTEC National Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering. He said:

“We are all really excited about the visit to Embry Riddle University in June, it’s an amazing opportunity to further my knowledge in aerospace engineering and have the experience of a lifetime!”

Students will be trained by world-class aviation teachers, global leaders in their profession, and learn specific skills and knowledge in drone technology, alternative fuels and future flight technologies.

Students will also be given the opportunity to apply the theory they have already learned in the classroom to real-life scenarios. This experience will improve their employability and career prospects, having developed their skill set in an aeronautical industry placement.

Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College, Mike Blakeley said:

“This visit will give our Aeronautical Engineering students the unique opportunity to build on their learning. Embry-Riddle equips students with the skills to solve even the most complex challenges in design, propulsion, and systems for aircraft and/or spacecraft. By learning in a new cultural and geographical context, students will be exposed to new ideas and different learning styles and methods from a highly prestigious institute.”

This trip has been made possible by The Turing Scheme. The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s scheme to provide funding for international opportunities in education and training across the world. It supports UK teaching and training organisations to offer their learners life-changing experiences to study or work abroad.

Find out more about this course and other Engineering courses at the next Exeter College Open Event on 28 April 2022.

Exeter College is officially one of the Best to Work For in 2022

Exeter College has officially been named as one of the ‘UK’s Best Large Companies to Work For’ in the Best Companies League Tables for Quarter 1. Exeter College was ranked 65th in the large company list, 4th in the not-for-profit body category and 28^th in the regional list.

This ranking recognises the college’s commitment to its employees and demonstrates that they see workplace engagement as a vital part of their success. Exeter College has an ambition to be an exceptional employer where staff thrive because they feel valued, engaged, and challenged. Taking part in the Best Companies survey gives staff another way in which to feedback and enables the college to make effective changes.

Principal and CEO, John Laramy CBE said;

“As a college, we recognise that our staff are our most valuable asset, therefore for them to place us in three Best Companies lists for Quarter 1 is a brilliant accolade for the college, especially given the challenges of the pandemic. Our staff continue to show day in day out why we are an outstanding college and as Principal I absolutely recognise that we have a brilliant staff team. We aim to use the feedback from our staff, in the Best Companies analysis to become a truly exceptional employer where all our staff thrive, feel valued and enjoy what they do.”

This prestigious Top 100 UK ranking is based on a staff survey at the college measuring eight factors such as leadership, personal growth and giving something back.

“The thing that makes Exeter College exceptional is the people.”
Simon Takel, Lecturer in Leadership and Management at Exeter College

Gemma Noble, Director of People and Organisational Development at Exeter College said;

“We are incredibly proud of our staff and everything they achieve. It is fantastic to be placed by them in these three 2022 Best Companies lists for Quarter 1. Our aim is to keep listening and enhancing how and what we do here at the college in order that we can be the very best employer we can.”

One of the key strengths in the survey, highlighted by Exeter College staff, was ‘my team’. Meaning staff rated questions relating to their teams and collaboration highly.

Simon Takel, Lecturer in Leadership and Management at Exeter College, said;

“The thing that makes Exeter College exceptional is the people. The people at the College are amazing, there is always support available with teaching or personal development or anything really – which is great. There is a culture of wanting to develop and improve all the time, there’s a drive from higher management to better things and not just rest on our laurels. It could be extremely easy to say, we are an Outstanding College, but there’s a drive to push to the next level and I think that drive for continuous improvement is important.”

Exeter College congratulates all those organisations who have made the national, regional and sector Q1 lists.

If you are interested in working for an award-winning organisation, then please browse our current vacancies.

Staff pictured above celebrating winning CMI Learning Provider of the Year.

Radio Academy to hold Training Day at Exeter College

The Radio Academy has announced details of a Training Day to be held in Exeter on 30 March, with speakers including Magic’s Harriet Scott, Virgin Radio’s Mike Cass and Absolute Radio’s Dan Noble.

The five-hour event starts at 1pm, and will include a programme of talks covering programming, music, news, features, imaging, technology and a demo clinic for aspiring presenters. The day will end with networking drinks in a local bar.

The Training Day will take place at Exeter College Hele Road Campus, and is open to anybody that wishes to attend. Tickets are charged at the token price of £10 for Radio Academy Members, or £20 for non-members. Tickets include light refreshments on the day and the first drink in the bar, and the non-member price includes a discount code for £10 off Radio Academy Membership.

Confirmed speakers so far include co-host of Magic Breakfast Harriet Scott, Content Director of Virgin Radio Mike Cass, and Absolute Radio Presenter Dan Noble. The bosses of both BBC Radio Devon (James Watts) and BBC Radio Cornwall (Emma Clements) will be speaking, and they’ll be joined by BBC Introducing South West presenter Sarah Gosling. KISS FM Producer and Exeter University Alumnus Grace Hopper will be making a return to the city, and bringing with her KISS presenter Alex Mansuroglu.

Announcing the Exeter Training Day, Managing Director of The Radio Academy Sam Bailey said: “I’m so excited we’ll soon be back doing hands-on, in-person training for the radio and audio sector. This event is for everyone – professionals, volunteers, hobbyists, students, podcasters – anyone that loves making audio, and wants to learn from some of the best in the business”.

Rob Bosworth, Vice Principal and Deputy CEO of Exeter College said: “We can’t wait to welcome The Radio Academy to Exeter College on 30 March. Our students are going to really benefit from the training day, enabling them to make contacts within the radio industry. We’re also extremely excited to open our doors to the entire audio and radio sector in the South West and show them what Exeter College has to offer.”

Co-chair of the Radio Academy South West Branch Paul Nero said: “There’s so much radio and audio talent here in the South West – from student and community radio, to the BBC, to the only commercial radio station broadcasting from Devon, Radio Exe and the national commercial brands too. I’m really proud that the first of the new Radio Academy Training Days will take place here in Exeter with the help of Exeter College, and I encourage everybody to come along and learn from what will be an incredible line-up of experts”

Full details and tickets are available now.

Celebrating Exeter City of Literature on World Book Day

On World Book Day 2022, Exeter College is celebrating its partnership with the Exeter City of Literature and its announcement that it is now a registered charity and independent organisation. This partnership has bought many benefits to the College including learners accessing a wide range of events linked to City of Literature which enhances their studies with the College and their connection back to the cultural and literary capital of Exeter and the wider community.

Exeter College is firmly embedded in the activity and partnership work which emanates from the City of Literature organisation. One recent example of this in action is the recent Shon Faye event which the College had the pleasure of hosting and saw them working with a range of partners to bring our students and local community together to support LGBTQIA+. Students also had the opportunity to attend a writing workshop with Shon Faye.

Learners are also benefiting from the strengthening partnerships emerging from the City of Literature which will enhance learners’ personal and potentially professional skills development. Upcoming projects include a Bibliotherapy Skills Adult Learning Course in the spring, which will run for nine weeks every term.

Dee Rowett, Exeter City of Literature Board Chair and Exeter College Director of Learning & Teaching, said, “I am delighted that we can celebrate World Book Day in collaboration with Exeter City of Literature’s announcement today as a registered charity. We’ve seen so many opportunities emerging for our learners and the wider community as a direct result of Exeter City of Literature and there are some exciting plans to further strengthen the collaboration between Exeter College, Exeter City of Literature and other partner organisations.

“I believe that Exeter City of Literature can make a real difference to the experience of our students here at the college, opening up links to explore stories and storytelling in a way that connects them to the local community, other partner organisations, and to ultimately provide them with some fantastic learning opportunities. We’ve already seen the benefits of this from visiting authors, to writing competitions and broader creative outreach links; I can’t wait to see how our learners engage with Exeter City of Literature over the next few years.”

To celebrate this partnership and World Book Day, student Linus Day, has designed a bookmark (pictured above) to give out to students in the college Learning Resource Centres. Linus is an A Level student studying Graphics, History and Sociology.

Speaking about World Book Day, A Level student, Jemima Horne said; “It is important that we recognise books on a day like today because books really increase a person’s empathy and so they are an important thing to have as a part of your life to become a more empathetic person. My favourite book at the moment is Heaven by Mieko Kawakami.”

Exeter College Construction Alumni Return to Complete T Level Extension

Exeter College construction alumni, Bob and Dave Tranckle recently returned to the College to work on an extension project in the very building they learned in.

The College’s Construction Centre has undergone a £1million extension to create new learning spaces for the recently launched T Level in Construction.

Bob and Dave Tranckle founded Nevada Construction, the principal contractor for the recent works at Exeter College, in 2010. Based in Teignmouth, Nevada provides clients with a comprehensive building service from project inception to completion in a variety of sectors, which include Education, Healthcare, Public Services, Commercial and Retail.

Nevada Construction worked on completing a new space for a computer suite, as well as an electrical workshop and testing area for students. The renovation also includes a new café, staffroom and exterior cladding. 

Bob and Dave studied for a ONC and HNC in Construction and Civil Engineering in 2008. After founding Nevada Construction in 2010 the brothers have enjoyed significant company growth year on year.

Working on the T Level extension at the Construction Centre, Bob said: “It was a bit strange coming back, seeing the café where we used to eat our lunch, that sort of thing. It has been a great opportunity to improve those facilities and we were really happy to be chosen as the main contractors on the project. We pride ourselves on our strong connections with the local community we serve and to be able to give something back to Exeter College to help today’s students further their careers is a great feeling.”

Bob says his HNC in Construction course at Exeter College was a good, rounded course because you could specialise in different areas. He found that when he went to university, he was ahead of those who had gone straight from a Level 3 course, so much so that he even started Nevada Construction in his last year of university, working on small house renovations until they could move onto bigger projects.

Exeter College was Bob’s first choice of college. He said: “Construction has always been in the family and we both really enjoyed the course. The bit we really liked was that we built up a structure in the brickwork area and everyone was involved from Construction to Quantity Surveying to Civil Engineering and we all worked on the project together. It felt like a mini construction site and was great experience.”

Exeter College’s new Construction Centre extension welcomed its first cohort of Construction T Level students in September 2020, following this £1million transformation creating a bespoke learning area for the new qualification.

You can find out more about the courses on offer at Exeter College and view the facilities at the next Open Event.

Find out more about Nevada Construction.

Technical Education Offers Students a Stepping Stone into Devon’s Growing Sectors

As Open Day season continues, students are being encouraged to explore technical education routes that can open the door to some of the region’s biggest job growth areas in Digital, IT and Healthcare.

Young people in Devon are being encouraged to consider the range of technical education routes on offer into some of the biggest growing sectors in the region. Apprenticeships, traineeships and the new T Levels are just some of the different education and training pathways being showcased this Open Day season, with clear routes into Devon’s growing industries.

This follows the launch of the government’s new ‘Get the Jump’ Skills for Life campaign, which launched on 24^th January. The campaign brings together in one place all the training and education choices that are available for 14–19 year olds, so that young people can see how they compare and where they can lead, to help them take their next step.

“I chose the T Level as it is a course that represents a combined way of learning, blending classroom and practical training.“
Josh Dyer – Exeter College student studying a T Level in Digital Design, Production and Development

Digital, IT and healthcare are three of the region’s biggest job growth areas, with the number of jobs in the digital sector doubling since 2012 – and this trend is expected to continue.¹ The healthcare sector is also steadily growing and accounts for around £1 billion annually to Devon’s economy.² The demand for more nurses means there are also 810 projected new job openings between now and 2024.

Employers, schools and colleges in the region are offering a range of support to young people who are considering their next steps. Technical education routes, including the new T Levels, are a helpful source for local employers looking to find, nurture and secure young talent.

“The placement has offered us a new perspective on what we learn at college and helped us put our skills into practice.“
Meg Wall – Exeter College student studying a T Level in Health

One student, Josh Dyer from Kingsteignton, is studying a T Level in Digital Design, Production and Development at Exeter College and is currently completing a work placement with Teignbridge Propellors.

Josh commented, “I chose the T Level as it is a course that represents a combined way of learning, blending classroom and practical training. I have dyslexia so prefer this style of learning. The course is amazing – there have been so many opportunities and projects to get involved in.

“The placement at Teignbridge Propellers has been really great. It has improved my team skills and given me good insight into how a software development team fits into a business and has reinforced what we’ve been studying at college. When I complete my T Level, I will be working at Teignbridge Propellers as they have offered me a graduate job, following on from my work placement with them.”

Another student, Meg Wall from North Devon, is studying for a T Level in Health at Exeter College and has been doing her work placement with the Devon Partnership NHS Trust.

Meg commented, “I chose a T Level because it offered new opportunities for my learning and the chance to complete an industry placement. I have found the course so interesting and enjoyable, and I am looking forward to future learning. The placement has offered us a new perspective on what we learn at college and helped us put our skills into practice. In the future I hope to go to university to study Midwifery.”

Meg Wall is studying for a T Level in Health at Exeter College

Technical education routes being spotlighted in the area include:

New T Level qualifications. T Levels are designed with employers and include practical on-the-job training. They can help you find your way into a job, higher apprenticeship or university. There is a whole range of T Levels available to study at Exeter College – you can find out more about the different courses here: https://exe-coll.ac.uk/school-leavers/t-levels/

To find your nearest T Level you can look here: Find your nearest T Level

Apprenticeships. You don’t have to choose between getting paid and gaining skills. With an apprenticeship, you can do both. Apprenticeships help you develop skills, knowledge and behaviours in preparation for progression into further training or work. There is a whole range of apprenticeships on offer in the area. Data & Science, Education & Early Years, and Digital & Technology are just some of the apprenticeships available at Exeter College. To find and apply for an apprenticeship in your local area, search here.
Traineeships. A traineeship gives you the support and skills to find your way into an apprenticeship or work. Traineeships can boost your skills and confidence, which can help you get into an apprenticeship or a job. To find and apply for a traineeship visit: Find your nearest traineeship or find a local training provider.
Kickstart Scheme Jobs. These are open to 16–24 year olds claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. Thousands of Kickstart Scheme jobs are available right now in a wide range of sectors. Talk to your Work Coach to find out how to apply or read more on the JobHelp website.

Devon Partnership NHS Trust is offering a number of T Level students industry placements. Jo Horne, Apprenticeship Development Manager at the Trust, said: “T Levels form an important part of Devon Partnership NHS Trust’s plan to develop additional career pathways and progression routes into the NHS. These new qualifications provide an excellent opportunity for young people to explore careers in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities. It’s crucial that we start a relationship with young people who will become our nursing workforce in the next five years.”

Jo Horne, Apprenticeship Development Manager at
Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Commenting, Sam Hillman, Assistant Principal for Curriculum at Exeter College said: “It’s more important than ever for young people to get ahead and start thinking about their choices, whether they take a technical education pathway like a T Level, or choose to do A levels or BTECs.

“We’re encouraging all young people to explore all their options. Our courses offer a range of exciting routes for young people which will ensure they are well-equipped to maximise the wealth of opportunities out there and get a foot on the ladder in the region’s growth areas. The perfect way to do this is to attend one of our Open Events where you can learn more about our whole offer, including the fantastic new T Levels.”

Kat Woodman, a careers adviser from the National Careers Service said, “Whether you know where you’re headed in the future or not, exploring the work and study choices available to you is a great place to start. Our friendly and professional advisers at the National Careers Service can help you better understand your next steps or talk you through all the choices to get you where you want to go.”

The ‘Get the Jump’ Skills for Life campaign has information and advice about all the choices on offer, so young people can choose the best path for them.

If you need help or advice about learning, training and work, to make informed decisions about your future, you can contact the National Careers Service via webchat or by calling 0800 100 900 (8am-8pm Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday).

You can also find out more about upcoming Open Events at Exeter College.