Chris Barron has been supporting learners as a work-based tutor in the Faculty of Construction for over three years. A civil engineer for 22 years, prior to his time at Exeter College Chris worked for local authorities and consultancies across the South West on projects ranging from highways, flood risk assessment, sustainable drainage and more.  

This year, following his application to the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), he was granted Fellowship, one of the highest honours in the industry.  

Chris commented; 

“I suppose you could summarise membership as recognition of giving back to the industry. I have spent the last 10 to 15 years helping people to become chartered and developing them to achieve their goals. Since joining the College and becoming involved in apprenticeship programmes, I have been working with employers and helping with progression routes to university and generally supporting people with their studies.” 

To apply Chris had to submit papers to identify his contributions in the sector, his leadership capabilities and had to have his application endorsed by two existing ICE Fellows.  

Chris’s role as a work-based tutor and skills officer sees him mentoring apprentices and supporting them with real-world industry skills on a daily basis. Chris is certainly well-placed both to showcase and to continue to deliver the qualities and experiences required for the Fellowship standard.  

Reflecting on the impact of the Fellowship on both a personal and professional level, Chris said; 

“I started helping people with their training because I enjoyed doing it. In my previous workplace I used to support people during my lunch breaks and then the chance came to take a post at College and to do that full time. For the department, this recognition helps reputationally. It means employers can see we have a team of professional people, and they can trust us with their apprentices.”