Exeter College Apprentice Scoops Two Awards at National FE Marketing Awards

Former Exeter College Apprentice, Rachel Nicholls, has been recognised for her hard work and impact at the College Marketing Network national FE Awards, picking up two awards at the celebration on Monday 2 February 2026. 

The awards bring together colleges from across the country and recognise the skill, dedication and creativity that marketing teams contribute to the further and higher education sectors.  

At this year’s ceremony, Rachel was awarded the Marketing Apprentice Star Award and a Silver in the Social and Digital Media Impact category for her work launching Exeter College’s TikTok channel and its ongoing success. 

Rachel Nicholls started at the College in April 2024, studying on a Multi-Channel Marketer Apprenticeship. Part of Rachel’s role as an Apprentice was to launch the College’s TikTok channel, which she did with great success, quickly gaining followers and creating a channel for students to have an authentic voice. Rachel has now successfully completed her apprenticeship, gaining the highest award, a Distinction.  

In her award entry, she was described by her team as “marketing gold”. 

“What Rachel brings to her role and to the college is something you can’t buy. The effect of what she does and will go on to do, is in all the little things and the big things, she is pure marketing gold, and we cannot imagine anyone better suited to winning this award.” 

Rachel now works full-time at Exeter College as a Marketing Assistant and has continued to have a positive impact on both the marketing team and the wider college. Included in the award entry were comments from students and staff.  

Lucy, an A Level student at Exeter College, said: 

“I would describe Rachel as someone who pays it forward and delivers kindness. I think it is evidenced in all her videos that she has a natural ability to do this. I know that whatever the initial idea, we would take it further. This not only encouraged me but motivated me in college as I would be excited to see what would happen post-production and tell everyone about it at the dinner table.  

“Because of Rachel’s work, more people engage with being a part of the Exeter College community. From sharing puns to advice, all the little things have had a big impact.”  

Amelie Foster, Industry Placement Liaison Officer for T Levels at Exeter College, said: 

“Rachel is phenomenal, her ability to engage with students and staff and make content that shows the joy that it is to study and work at Exeter College is quite simply outstanding. She has created a buzz with her fun, joyful and inspired content and helped to inspire future students to want to study here and be part of our learning community.”