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South West based Green Construction Advisory Panel (GCAP) to be rolled out nationally with BACH

The British Association of Construction Heads (BACH) has launched a collaborative programme with the Green Construction Advisory Panel (GCAP) to roll it out across the UK.

GCAP is a member-led committee comprising of building services, housing, and construction businesses, supported by government agencies, charities, and training providers across the UK. GCAP aims to promote, enhance, and develop sustainable training and education opportunities for the housing and construction industries. Our mission is to close the skills gap and create entry pathways into green careers. We aspire to educate both the current and future workforce on adapting to emerging technologies, considering environmental impacts, and helping the industry meet net-zero targets.

Established by Exeter College two years ago, GCAP has successfully and impactfully brought together employers, training providers, manufacturers and other regional stakeholders in the South West to drive the ‘Green Skills’ agenda locally. This has created a template model which is replicable not only across the UK but also internationally, with the Nepalese Government embedding the GCAP model into policy.

To date, over thirty training providers throughout the UK have already committed to GCAP, including local authorities and charities. GCAP currently boasts nineteen regional Centre’s who will collaborate with local stakeholders to understand more about the skills landscape and work towards action-based outcomes.

BACH will be responsible for establishing the GCAP model across the UK via its established structure in England & Wales and its contacts in Northern Ireland and Scotland over the next three years and beyond.

Mike Blakeley of GCAP and Exeter College said:

“GCAP has had a huge influence on our approach to ‘Green Skills’, careers engagement and collaboration with regards to the College’s approach to Net Zero. It has grown from 12 founder members to over 160 and expanding it nationally is a natural evolution. We know that the impact of BACH’s support in doing this will be both significant and positive.”

Graham Hasting-Evans, President of BACH and Chief Executive of international skills solutions provider NOCN Group, added:

“To address the existential challenge of climate change we need a radical change in skills across the whole of the construction workforce, affecting both existing occupations and the new ‘green jobs’ which are rapidly emerging. This cannot be run centrally; local areas and employers are best placed to drive the modularized changes needed as and when they are required in a practical and pragmatic way.

“GCAP has demonstrated the great benefit of this ‘bottom-up’ approach and we at BACH are delighted to be able to support rolling this out across the UK.”

BACH was established 40 years ago to bring together Further Education Colleges and other providers that deliver construction training in building, civil engineering and business service engineering. Over the last two years, BACH members have been collaboratively focusing on the challenge of ‘Net Zero’ through the development of ‘Green Skills’ and the national roll out of GCAP is a key next step in this initiative.

Graduates of the Michael Caines Academy: Shaping the Future of the Hospitality Industry 

On Wednesday 19 June, the Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College celebrated the class of 2024 after two years of dedication, hard work and commitment.  

The Academy aims to nurture the region’s future generation of talented restaurateurs, chefs, restaurant managers, waiters, and front of house staff by providing high quality experiences, challenging practical and theoretical workshops and masterclasses from the best the industry has to offer.  

The Michael Caines Academy graduating class of 2024 stand in the herb garden
The graduating class of 2024.

Michael Caines MBD DL, renowned Michelin starred chef and alumni and patron of Exeter College said; 

“Like every year, we are here to celebrate the graduation of our students who have finished two amazing years. All the students have been exceptional, they have been dedicated and embraced all elements of the course. Their commitment has been up to the name of Michael Caines, so I’m really pleased for them.  

“It’s always sad to see them go but it’s also nice to see the first year students cooking for the second year students, next year they will be graduating themselves and so the entire process continues. I am so proud that they are going off into the hospitality industry knowing they have had two amazing years.” 

Michael Caines cooks in the kitchen with three students
Michael Caines cooking in kitchen with first year Michael Caines Academy students.

Michael Caines Academy tutors at Exeter College, Ian Biggar and Paul Carne, expressed their thanks to all the supporters of the Academy which provide opportunities for the learners. Speaking about the students, they said: 

“It has been a privilege getting to know all the students and being able to work with them so that they can meet their potential. Throughout their time at college the students have done so well, achieved some outstanding results and it’s been amazing to see them flourish in their work placements.” 

Chair of governors Bindu Arjoon and Michael Caines present a student with her graduating certificate
Chair of Governors, Bindu Arjoon and Michael Caines present Leah Attwood with her graduating certificate.

Decs Moss is one of the graduating students. Decs is progressing to the Level 3 course next year whilst also working in industry. He hopes to open his own restaurant one day. Speaking about his time at College, he said; 

“My experience at College has been phenomenal. I have enjoyed so many aspects of it such as the trips, the contacts I made and the chefs I met. The friends I have made have been one of the best parts and I cannot wait to see what everyone goes on to do – whatever it is I’m sure they will be great.  

“One of the reasons I chose the Academy is because on the open day all the lecturers were so helpful and welcoming, which really helped to calm the stressful experience of deciding what course to study. Being a graduate of the Michael Caines Academy, and having that on my CV, will help with my future job opportunities. Exeter College and the Academy is such an amazing place – I am so happy I was a part of it.” 

A male and female student stand in the herb garden
Decs Moss and Belle Susila are graduating this year.

Belle Susila is also graduating this year. She describes her College experience as bringing her genuine happiness. 

“The class that I have been with for the past two years has become a second family to me. We are so close with one another, and I guarantee I have made friends for life.  

“The Michael Caines Academy has given me so many new experiences. I have enjoyed every minute of it, going from our enrichment trips to each skills lesson at College. It has driven and prepared me for my future. With the skills that I have learnt and the passion I have seen from my lecturers and other classmates, I hope to acquire a job in the hospitality industry. I chose the Academy because of my love for cooking and my readiness to become a chef. However, I’ve learnt through this course how much I have connected with the front of house aspect and wish to continue with that.” 

“The Academy first intrigued me because of its involvement with Michael Caines himself. He has been an inspiration to me and my classmates. I have never regretted my choice of study and I hope future students get the experience and opportunities I received while at Exeter College.” 

You can visit one of the College open events in the new academic year. Register now to be the first to hear about dates. 

Find out more about the Michael Caines Academy. 

Exeter College student shortlisted in 2024 National Theatre New Views playwriting competition 

An Exeter College A Level student, Clay Colman, from Chulmleigh, Devon has been shortlisted in this year’s New Views programme, the National Theatre’s annual nationwide playwriting competition for young people.    

Clay, who studies A Levels in Drama and Theatre, Art and Design and English Literature submitted a play called The Kids are Smoking, Again. The script was selected from over 500 submissions from across the UK and will be presented as a rehearsed reading in the Duffield Studio at the National Theatre as part of the New Views Festival on 4-5 July. Alongside six other shortlisted plays, it will be read on Friday 5 July by professional actors for audiences to watch for free. 

New Views is the National Theatre’s nationwide playwriting programme for students aged 14-19. Participating schools and colleges work with a professional playwright to mentor students in writing their own original 30-minute play. 500 plays were submitted for New Views 2024 from 90 schools across the UK.    

The Kids are Smoking, Again follows two generations captured in a moment in time, suffocated by their own internal dialogue, but connected through the same sigh. Each has so much to say but is anyone really listening? 

Speaking on being shortlisted for New Views 2024, Clay said; 

“I am beyond grateful to have this opportunity to see my work staged as a reading! It has been a thrill to work with eager creative minds: exploring, experimenting and developing our pieces as a team- playing with ideas and challenging each other to freely follow ambitions. New Views, have opened a door and pushed me to pursue my aspirations!” 

Clay’s play was shortlisted by a panel of judges from across the industry. The seven shortlisted plays are open to the public to watch for free and include themes of LGBTQIA+ relationships, AI, community, war, mental health and online safety. 

Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre, said; 

“I am so excited to be supporting this year’s New Views writers in my final year at the National Theatre. New Views is a wonderful platform for young people across the UK to be empowered to share their perspective on topical issues as well as develop their creativity and writing skills, helping to nurture the next generation of theatre makers and writers while encouraging creative self-expression in whatever they choose to do in life.” 

Clay was able to access this opportunity through the Exeter College Performing Arts Academy. This is a stretch and challenge programme for performing arts students where the aim is to introduce students to ‘line of sight’ opportunities. This year this has led to the College exploring a partnership with the National Theatre and ‘New Views’. 

Triumph on Two Fronts: Exeter College Shines in National Rugby and Hockey Championships 

The Rosslyn Park 7’s tournament, known as the largest 7-a-side tournament globally, witnessed over 14,000 boys and girls competing fiercely. Among them, two teams from Exeter College entered into the fray, each aiming for glory in their respective categories. 

In the Girls U18 ACE competition, dubbed the top tier for girls U18, our blue team geared up for intense battles. Drawn into Pool B against other AoC Performance College teams, including Henley College (Ealing Trailfinders), Loughborough College (Loughborough Lightning), Oaklands College (Saracens Rugby), and Worthing College B (Harlequins), our squad faced rigorous challenges. However, they displayed exceptional skill and fitness, eventually clinching victory against Worthing College A, the Harlequins Academy, in the final with a commanding 20-7 scoreline. Tilly Pulfer’s blazing speed earned her a hat-trick of tries, while Charlotte Wreford’s masterful control and strategic play earned her the title of player of the tournament. 

Simultaneously, in the Girls U18 Open competition, our team in pink and black took on the challenge. Placed in Pool K on day one, they fought fiercely, securing a spot in the next round by finishing second, despite a narrow loss to Peter Symonds. Their determination shone through as they progressed to day two, ultimately triumphing in the final against Samuel Whitbread Academy with a 19-5 victory. 

Meanwhile, in another sporting arena, Exeter College’s men’s hockey team showcased their prowess in the England Hockey Notts Sport Schools Tier 3 National Championships. After battling through the Devon and West of England rounds, they faced off against the nation’s best. 

Their journey to victory was hard-fought. A crucial 2-1 win against Sevenoaks propelled them to the top of the group, with goals from captain Innes Rose-Price and Ronnie Horne securing the victory. Subsequent victories against Royal Russell and Sandbach solidified their place in the elite final. In a nail-biting final showdown, goals from Sol Bloomfield and Zach Simons, coupled with resilient defending from Tristan Peatt and Jacob Murphy, led them to a 2-1 victory over Worksop, clinching the coveted silverware. 

Both on the rugby field and the hockey pitch, our teams showcased not only their skill and fitness but also their unwavering determination to emerge victorious, etching their names on numerous trophies of sporting excellence. 

Find out more about our Sports Teams at our next Open Event on Wednesday 24 April. 

New programme aims to boost job prospects for care experienced young people

A pioneering new programme has been launched to improve career opportunities for care experienced young people in Devon.

Devon County Council and Exeter College have worked in partnership to develop the PACE (Positive About Care Experienced) programme with the aim of creating a ground-breaking business network dedicated to working with young people who are, or have been, in the care system.

The scheme is designed to help employers feel confident in their ability to support care experienced young people and to commit to working with the County Council and Exeter College to remove barriers that they might face.

Evidence gathered by Devon County Council suggests that those in the care system are facing significant challenges in finding suitable employment and training across the county.

Last year in Devon, 25% of children in care over the age of 18 and around 35% of care leavers were not engaged in education, employment or training.

Employers who sign up to PACE will be offered regular training days throughout the year, delivered by a team of County Council and Exeter College staff. The training covers a wide range of subjects including recruitment, inclusive employment, mentoring, apprenticeships and grants and funding.

The first 20 employers signed up to the programme took part in the initial training provided at the launch event at the Future Skills Centre.

Among those who attended the launch event was Jake McClure, from the UK Health Security Agency, who has previously employed a care experienced young person as an apprentice. Jake said:

“PACE is such a great project to advocate for care experienced young people. My own experience of employing a care experienced apprentice was beneficial for both parties; he was passionate and a very capable talent; and we were able to support him to progress upwards into the business.”

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said:

“We recognise that more needs to be done to improve opportunities for our care experienced young people in Devon and this is just the beginning of working with Exeter College and local employers to ensure that happens. A lot of work has gone into developing this programme and I’ve no doubt that everyone who takes part will see the value that care experienced young people can bring to any organisation.”

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for children’s services, said:

“The great thing is that young people have been fully involved in the development of this training by telling us about their own experiences of entering employment, and the difficulties they’ve faced. We take our role as corporate parent extremely seriously and this new PACE programme reflects that, and it will ensure that our care experienced young people are given the training and employment opportunities they need for a successful future.”

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

“Exeter College values any opportunity to positively engage with our community across Devon. The support of care experienced young people has never been more critical. The PACE project brings together a number of businesses from across our employer network who want to provide employment opportunities to this group.

“This is a unique programme developed with Devon County Council, that will place the young people’s needs front and centre of the recruitment process. The collaboration with our DCC colleagues has shaped a superb and motivated partnership. We are excited to be supporting these young people on their career journey.”

For more information about the PACE programme email hayleylyon@exe-coll.ac.uk  or debbie.stafford@devon.gov.uk

Exeter College Culinary Star, Paul Carne, Receives Prestigious City and Guilds Outstanding Achievement Award 

An Exeter College teacher has been recognised for his knowledge and skill in the kitchen. Hospitality teacher Paul Carne, Programme Leader for the esteemed Michael Caines Academy, was nominated for a prestigious City and Guilds Award by his peers and ultimately awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award. 

The City and Guilds Professional Recognition Awards have been developed for those at the highest professional levels within their chosen careers. The awards are NQF (National Qualifications Framework) accredited qualifications which enable candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills within any sector or role.   

As a result of winning the City and Guilds Award and because judges were so impressed with his nomination, Paul was also awarded the Cherry Grainger prize from the Worshipful Company of Cooks, one of only two chefs in the whole country. 

Presented by the Livery Companies Skills Council and The City and Guilds of London Institute, Paul Carne was invited to the historic Mansion House in London. 

Expressing his gratitude, Paul remarked; 

“It’s been a huge privilege to receive and attend the awards and a fantastic experience to attend such awards which have a huge tradition. To represent the college and the hard work of the whole hospitality faculty is an honour.   

I have a real love for all things hospitality, the food, the buzz and the people. These awards ceremonies have given me a new experience into the industry and one I look forward to sharing with my learners.  

I often talk to my students about their future careers and where their paths may lead, for me coming into the college to give a demonstration to the Michael Caines Academy gave me a spark to look to join the college and move into education. I have truly enjoyed my journey so far and being lucky enough to be awarded these awards is the icing on the cake.” 

A male teacher cooks at the stove with two female students looking over his shoulder.

In his nomination, his colleague Matt Pickett, wrote; 

“Paul is always willing to support hospitality events, even in the summer holidays and this year Paul spent a week of his summer holiday cooking for Exeter City’s Charitable Trust, catering for 900 of the cities most disadvantaged children under the HAF activities, Paul even drove the food to the children and helped serve.” 

“Paul facilitates a 6-week work placement for his 16 learners ranging across the country, with many of these placements leading to full time employment and incredible outcomes for his learners.  Paul’s success rates, retention and achievements are always sector leading, with an enormous output of enrichment for his learners. A very tough balancing act that involves a large amount of 1:1 and group tutorial time.” 

Bryher Wilson, studying the Level 3 NVQ in Professional Cookery, is one of these learners, speaking about Paul, she said; 

“Mr Carne was my tutor for Level 2 and he was very supportive and guided us to be more confident and taught us a lot in cooking too. He’s very approachable.” 

Josh Conibear, also studying the Professional Cookery course, added; 

“He was one of the first teachers I had in my first year and he was really inspiring and helped me find the love for cooking I didn’t know I had. Even now, in third year, he’s just amazing really. 

“He taught me to be creative with everything I do. I’m already quite confident with doing it but sometimes I just follow the recipe and instructions too much. So, trying to put my own twist on it and be creative with everything I do.” 

Paul has worked at the College for eight years, starting in an associate lecturer role, moving into the programme lead role. His transition into teaching brought with him excellent industry knowledge and has enabled Paul to mentor many new colleagues, helping them with the transition into teaching. 

Head of Faculty for Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, Tracey Bennett, said; 

“Paul is the colleague, teacher, and friend that everyone needs in their team, and we are the envy of many departments with the amount of enrichment, commitment and success that Paul is able to achieve, always with a smile. We are very proud that his hard work has been recognised with these awards.” 

Come and experience our award-winning hospitality at the AA College Restaurant of the year, @thirty-four, and book your table today. 

If you interested in studying Hospitality at Exeter College, then visit us at our next Open Event to find out more. 

College Apprentice Justin Veal Wins Apprentice of the Year in National Heating and Plumbing Awards

Honiton resident, Justin Veal has been named Apprentice of the Year in the Heating and Plumbing Monthly Awards. Justin and the Synergi SW team joined other installers in Manchester for a glitzy award ceremony hosted by television presenter Jenny Powell.

Before his current career in heating and plumbing, Justin spent 11 years at Tesco, working in various roles in different stores and getting management training. He says it was a great experience, but deep down, he was craving something more hands-on and fulfilling.

After tinkering around with some DIY projects at home, Justin decided to spend one of his days off doing some work experience at Synergi SW. The team at Synergi were impressed with Justin’s dedication and they offered him an apprenticeship. He made the tough decision to leave Tesco and fully commit to it.

Justin is now starting phase three of his Apprenticeship with Exeter College and he says that he can’t even begin to express how much he loved phases one and two. He has been passing his coursework, consistently scoring between 85-90%. He has poured his heart and soul into this journey and now it’s paying off.

Speaking of his experience, Justin said;

“This has been such an amazing experience, I’m still so overwhelmed. Thank you to Synergi SW and Exeter College for helping me achieve this award.”

Looking ahead, Justin says he is particularly excited about the future of the heating and plumbing trade, especially in air source heat pumps;

“It’s such a fascinating field, and I have a real passion for sustainability and renewable energy”.

Managing Director of Synergi SW commented;

“We’ve known Justin had a natural flair for the trade since day one, so it’s a credit to him that he has now been recognised as the best nationally. We’re delighted to have him as part of the team.”

Find out more about an Apprenticeship with Exeter College at the next Open Event. Register today.

Exeter College and Exeter City FC: Two Decades of Football Excellence and Community Impact

Now in its twentieth year, the partnership between Exeter College and Exeter City Football Club is a shining example of how education can make an impact in the community it serves and how that community can help shape young lives. This partnership boasts over 100 students on its academy teams, which includes men and women’s football, CEFA and futsal. 

The partnership has made significant achievements during this time, including the growth in academy numbers, and investment in facilities for students and the community, providing a pathway for those aiming to be professional players, and a foundation degree linked with Exeter City Football Club and Plymouth Marjon University. 

Showing no sign of slowing down, the College and the Club, with further support from the University of Exeter and Alphington Football Club, have recently invested in spectator seating, pitch side at the Exwick Sports Hub. The 3G pitch is used by Exeter City women’s side, also known as The Grecians, to play their home fixtures. The seating has provided fans with some much-needed shelter through the winter season and meant aspiring young players can come and support their team. 

A group of female and male football players sit on some pitch side seating.
The new supporter seating at Exwick Sports Hub.

A new minibus for academy players has also benefited the teams, making their journey between college, training and away games, a lot easier.  

Rob Bosworth, Deputy CEO, said;  

“The partnership between Exeter College and Exeter City FC stands as a beacon of opportunity, guiding young talents toward both academic excellence and sporting achievement.  

“Two decades of shared ambition, endless dedication, and boundless community impact has built not just a pathway to professional football, but a gateway to brighter futures for all our young people.” 

The partnership between Exeter City and Exeter College combines training and matches with academic study. As well as having a performance pathway through the club’s apprenticeship scheme, the sports academy gives aspiring footballers the opportunities to develop their talents and focus on full-time academic or vocational courses, should they not quite break through as a professional player. 

For over ten years Exeter City has provided the College with a member of its coaching staff to work alongside the college’s coaches to deliver training sessions. Currently this is Aaron Wakley for the Women’s Football Academy, Alex Bressington supporting the Men’s Football Academy, both who are College alumni themselves, and Chris Mcginn coaching Futsal and CEFA. The current Academy Operations and Performance Director, Arran Pugh is also a former Exeter College student.  

Exeter City Football Club players and Exeter College Sports Academy players lean on the new spectator seating at Exwick Sports Hub.

Julian Tagg, Associate Director, President and Director of External Affairs at Exeter City Football Club, said; 

“The partnership between Exeter City and Exeter College has gone from strength to strength over the last twenty years and really shows off the shared ethos, values and dedication of both organisations. 

“All our young academy graduates have completed their education at Exeter College. In the past players like Dean Moxey and Ollie Watkins, who have gone on to achieve incredible things in their careers, and more recently seeing the likes of Sonny Cox go on to make his mark in the first team this season is both incredible to see and inspirational. 

“The same goes for the likes of Connie Pengelly and Jess Sandland who have been crucial parts of the recent success of Exeter City Women. The College and Club work together to create well rounded young players. 

“The new seated facility at the Exwick Sports Hub is yet another stride forward for the Women’s game and a celebration of what a partnership like this can produce.” 

An action shot Sonny Cox playing football at Exeter City Football Clun.
Sonny Cox celebrating scoring at Exeter City Football Club.

A recent success story of the partnership is Sonny Cox, Centre-Forward for Exeter City, he came up through the academy from a young age and recently scored the winning goal on Boxing Day against Wycombe Wanderers. He has just signed a new two year deal with the club. Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins is another example to come through the League Football Education (LFE) programme. In addition, there is currently an amazing 8 alumni playing for the women’s squad, who currently sit 9 points clear at the top of the table. This includes Connie Pengelly and Jess Sandland who are both currently studying on the Foundation Degree in Football Coaching and Development. 

An action shot Connie Pengelly playing football at Exwick Sports Hub.
Connie Pengelly in action for The Grecians at Exwick Sports Hub.

The Foundation Degree in Football Coaching and Development is in partnership with Exeter City Community Trust and is in its tenth year and continues to support students into football coaching and teaching jobs. A recent example is Daniel Leigh, who graduated from the College last year. Daniel won the Higher Technical Learner of the Year at the recent Exeter College Awards and now works full-time at Exeter City Community Trust.    

Exeter College is pivotal in making sure that players who come through the academy, but are not offered scholarships, still have a pathway to returning to professional or semi-professional football, coaching, or attaining academic opportunities that continue into a wide variety of fields, supported by the college’s extensive programmes. 

If you want to be a part of the success of the Academy’s history, come and find out more at the next Exeter College Open Event. Register now. 

“I’ve never looked back.” – Three Exeter College Apprentices on Why They Love Their Career Choice. 

As part of #CollegesWeek2024 we caught up with some of our fabulous Apprentices to hear about why they love being an Apprentice. Colleges Week is an initiative spearheaded by the Association of Colleges to celebrate the work of colleges around the country. 

As well as supporting students to find an Apprenticeship, Exeter College also employs a wide range of Apprentices across the organisation. 

Nico Bautista, Kitty Coulson Byng and Lucy Joyce are completing the Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship and are all employed at the College. Apprenticeships cater to various career paths and interests, from Business to Health and Care, to Engineering and Construction and much more. 

Kitty works with the Exams Team. Speaking about what she loves about being an Apprentice, she said; 

“If you’re not quite sure what you want to do or how to go about getting a job, an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to learn things at the same time as working. It’s a really nurturing environment and can start you off on a certain career path.” 

Lucy, who works in the Apprenticeship Hub, added; 

“It’s a good foot in the door but you are still learning so even though you aren’t going to university, you are still learning skills that you can apply elsewhere.” 

One of the many benefits of doing an apprenticeship is that you learn things in the classroom that you can immediately put into practice in your job role. 

Kitty says her role has boosted her confidence. 

“We work on a wide variety of projects and having to do things like presentations has really developed my confidence. Just speaking to a lot of new people and joining a big employer has really helped me and all my peers with that.” 

Lucy added; 

“What I’ve learnt from my apprenticeship is probably time management, having to prioritise work and college work, our work is fast paced so I’ve had to really get organised.” 

Nico has come from a role where he was working alone a lot and is really enjoying being back in a team. He works in the Apprenticeship Hub with Lucy. He said; 

“What I like most is the variety of stuff we do and getting hands on, not just theory but practicing the theory too. 

“Learning those specific skills does make a big difference (like time management), you learn to collaborate, and its team orientated.” 

So, what would they say to someone considering an Apprenticeship? 

Lucy said; “For anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship, just remember university isn’t your only option. I looked on Instagram one day and found an apprenticeship and haven’t looked back since.” 

Nico added; “If I knew about apprenticeships earlier, I would have gone down this route, rather than university. I feel like you get hands on experience, and you just figure things out.” 

Explore the Apprenticeship zone on our website to find the right Apprenticeship for you. 

You can find out more about Apprenticeships at the next Open Event on Wednesday 24 April or call our Apprenticeship Team on 01392 400800. 

Navigating the Path to Higher Education: Sherry’s Journey at Exeter College 

Embarking on a journey toward higher education can be daunting, especially for those who seek a fresh start and a new direction. Sherry, a dedicated individual with aspirations of pursuing a career in Paramedic Science, found her pathway through the Access to Healthcare course at Exeter College after returning to education to retake her GCSEs. In an interview with the College, Sherry shared her experience, highlighting the pivotal role Exeter College played in shaping her academic and personal growth. 

Sherry’s decision to enrol on a Access to HE course stemmed from her desire to unlock the doors to university education. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed; “I want to go to university, and because I’m a mature student, it’s my best option to get into university.”  

Despite facing challenges during her GCSEs, Sherry persevered, recognising the need to strengthen her academic foundation. She shared, “I didn’t do very well at school…I didn’t achieve what I needed because I was in the mindset that I couldn’t do it, so I came back to College and achieved my English GCSE and my other GCSEs.” 

A girl with blonde hair smiles at the camera wearing a black and white chequered shirt.

Driven by her passion for healthcare and enriched by her experience working as a Health Care Assistant in the accident and emergency department amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Sherry set her sights on Paramedic Science. The Access course provided her with a comprehensive platform to pursue her ambitions while balancing her professional responsibilities. Sherry explained, “I’ve been working in the hospital since the COVID pandemic,” emphasizing the seamless integration of her studies and practical experience. 

Navigating her rigorous schedule, Sherry dedicated Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to her studies at Exeter College, combining her educational pursuits with her work commitments. Despite the demanding workload, Sherry found solace and support within the College community. She remarked, “I feel like I’ve grown personally and academically…the College has pushed me in the right direction…everybody here has been very supportive.” 

Central to Sherry’s success was her dedication to achieve. Despite initial apprehensions stemming from past academic setbacks, Sherry found herself excelling beyond her expectations. She reflects, “I didn’t think I’d be able to do it because I always struggled but I managed to get a higher grade than I thought I was going to get.” 

As Sherry reflected on her experience, she wholeheartedly endorsed the Access to HE course at Exeter College. She attested, “It’s difficult and full-on, but it definitely sets you up for university…I’ve enjoyed it, there’s a lot of work but if you’re willing to put the effort in, it’s definitely a good idea to do.” Sherry’s testament echoes the sentiment of countless students who have found their future through completing an Access Diploma. 

Throughout her journey, Sherry confronted various challenges, from managing her time effectively to overcoming self-doubt. Yet, with the support of her tutor and the support teams at Exeter College, she has emerged resilient. Sherry acknowledged, “All my teachers have been supportive…they see the best in you and want you to do your best. It’s been a fresh start.” 

Sherry hopes to embark on the next chapter of her academic journey at Bournemouth University to study Paramedic Science (after applying for 5 universities and getting offers for all 5!). Her story illustrates the transformative power of education and highlights the potential that can arise from returning to the classroom. 

If you are thinking about a career change or looking to find a new skill, then visit the next Adult and HE Open Event. Register today. 

You can speak to our Adult Advice Team about all the Adult and HE courses on offer, including the Access to HE courses. 

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