Exeter College recognises exceptional Apprentices and Employers at a sparkling awards ceremony

The Exeter College Apprentice and Employer Awards returned to celebrate some of the very best Apprentices and Employers across the country. This event honoured those that have shown an excellent commitment to their Apprenticeships, and the employers that have gone above and beyond to support these individuals. 

Held at Sandy Park, the evening celebrated the achievements of 18 Apprentices and 4 employers, with two additional special recognition awards. The awards were expertly hosted by two of the college’s current Apprentices; Amy Kyme from Devon County Council and Brad Hardware from Radio Exe.

A talk from guest speaker Brendon Prince, founder of the water safety charity, Above Water, started proceedings. Last year, Brendon took on an incredible endurance challenge to stand up paddleboard the entire coast of mainland Britain, setting 5 world records in the process. The hard work and endurance shown within this challenge mirrored the winning Apprentice and employer ambitions and Brendon was an inspiring addition to the evening’s celebrations.

“The Apprentice and Employer Awards overflowed with Exeter College’s values of ambition, collaboration and energy. It was an absolute pleasure to celebrate our apprentice and employer success. A huge thank you and well done to our hosts, Amy and Brad, for leading the event so professionally with enthusiasm.”

Samantha Wilson, Head of Apprenticeships at Exeter College. 

The event was made possible by generous sponsorship from Exeter College partners. This kind sponsorship allowed winners to be celebrated in a style that reflected their exceptional achievements.

Jasmine Amphlett, winner of Digital and Data Apprentice of the Year, said, “The Exeter College apprentice awards were a great experience! I was overwhelmed when I was announced the winner and it was amazing to be able to share that moment with my dad – who is also my boss – who I couldn’t have done it without! I extend a big thank you to my Exeter College tutor Kate Beale who was always so helpful throughout my apprenticeship.”

Jasmine Amphlett with her award for Digital and Data Apprentice of the Year

L3 Sporting Excellence Apprentice Meg Davies from Exeter Chiefs was given a special recognition award; Inspiring Apprentice of the Year. Meg has overcome many barriers and challenges to excel in her professional rugby career. Her success is evidenced by the fact she was unable to attend the awards evening in person as she was in Lisbon playing for the Wales 7s team.

Meg Davies shared, “I am very proud to have won this award. I would like to thank those at Exeter College that have helped and supported me over the last few years, including Ben, Morven, Nigel, Sam and many more.”

Devon Partnership Trust were awarded Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships. This glowing recognition was given to celebrate the trust’s exemplar Apprenticeship provision which has grown significantly over the years.

Luke Moss, Account Manager for Devon Partnership Trust at Exeter College said, “DPT are a fine example of how to fully utilise their levy. This is easily represented with their high calibre Apprentices and colleagues throughout the Trust. It has been a joy to behold how this partnership has developed over the years. We thank Paul, his wonderful team, the wider workforce and their Apprentices for all their commitment and outstanding achievement.”

Luke Moss (left) presenting the award for Outstanding Contribution to Devon Partnership Trust

Exeter College Apprenticeships continue to excel, having been awarded several awards this year from institutions including the Chartered Managers Institute and Associate of Colleges. Once again, the College has had over 1000 Apprentices start this year. 

The college is still accepting applications for Apprenticeship programmes commencing this September. If you would like to find out more, contact apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk. 

Congratulations to our 2022 Apprentice & Employer winners:

Student CategoryWinner
Accountancy, Business & Professional Services
Sponsored by South West Comms  
Zoe Andrews  
Construction – Technical & Professional
Sponsored by Taylor Lewis  
Matthew Horril  
Construction – Trades
Sponsored by EX2 Electrical  
Aaron Dearing  
Digital & Data
Sponsored by IT Champion  
Jasmine Amphlett  
Education & Early Years
Sponsored by Horizon Childcare  
Holly Dowle  
Engineering, Aerospace & Manufacturing
Sponsored by Axminster Tools  
Ezme James   
Hairdressing & Barbering
Sponsored by Red Hot Products  
Tia Shere  
Health & Social Care
Sponsored by Passmore Care  
Owen Semmens  
Hospitality & Catering
Sponsored by Deer Park  
Harvey Spiller  
Motor Vehicle & Transport
Sponsored by Swifix
Sam Burn  
Sports & Leisure
Sponsored by SunGiftSolar
Sophie Rothery  
Pre-Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Ted Wragg Trust
Declan Hall
Inspiring Apprentice of the YearMeg Davies
Employer Category  Winner
Small Employer
Sponsored by Lympstone Manor  
The Dolphin Pre School & Nursery  
Medium Employer  Simpkins Edwards   
Large Employer
Sponsored by Sherwoods  
Somerset County Council   
New Employer  Barnstaple NHS Dental Access centre  
Outstanding Contribution  Devon Partnership Trust