The exceptional achievement of Exeter College BTEC learners was celebrated on Friday at the prestigious Pearson BTEC Awards. As well as a number of learners picking up awards, Exeter College was named as Silver BTEC College of the Year for 2022. 

Six learners from the College were recognised by teachers and peers for their outstanding work while studying for the qualification. Exeter College would like to congratulate the following learners on their fantastic achievement. 

The award winners are: 

• Keiko Saruta – Bronze – BTEC IT and Computing Learner of the Year 2022 
• Hal Furneaux-Gotch – Bronze – BTEC Construction Learner of the Year 2022 
• Megan Fowler – Bronze – BTEC Construction Learner of the Year 2022 
• Harry Glanville – Silver – BTEC Construction Learner of the Year 2022 
• Chris Pratt – Silver – BTEC Construction Learner of the Year 2022 
• Matthew Wood – Silver – BTEC Sport Learner of the Year 2022

Exeter College student, Harry Glanvile, was awarded a Silver for BTEC Construction Learner of the Year. He said; 

“Studying a HNC in Civil Engineering at Exeter College was a great stepping stone for me. The specialist knowledge and skills I have learnt during this career focused course has allowed me to apply them in the workplace while working on real life scenarios.  

“After completing the BTEC course, this then opened doors for me to continue my progression to a university course so that I can progress in my career of civil engineering. I’m very happy that my hard work has been recognised through this award. I would like to thank the staff at Exeter College, I really appreciate the nomination and I would also like to thank my employer, Pell Frischmann, for the continued support.” 

Exeter College student, Hal Furneaux-Gotch, studied for a HNC in Construction and was awarded a Bronze in the BTEC Construction Learner of the Year category. He said:  

“My time at Exeter College has been invaluable in furthering my career in the construction industry, developing my academic knowledge and vocational skills, as well as putting me in contact with a wide range of others working in the sector. 

“My HNC, combined with my vocational portfolio, has allowed me to obtain Chartered Construction Project Manager (MCIOB) status, and both have made me significantly more employable, having been offered several jobs since finishing the course. Upon completion of my HNC, I was promoted into a senior civil engineer role in local government. 

“I am very honoured to have been awarded a Bronze Learner of the Year Award; the COVID-19 pandemic started during my first year of study and so all learning had to be completed remotely. This, alongside all the other challenges associated with the pandemic, made study more difficult than expected and consequently it’s great to have this work recognised.” 

The BTEC provision at Exeter College was also awarded with a Silver BTEC College of the Year Award, recognising the hard work of staff and learners alike. 

John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO at Exeter College said; 

“We are very proud of our BTEC provision at Exeter College and our learners who continue to exceed, both at College and within their chosen field. 

“We are delighted to have this hard work recognised by the prestigious Pearson BTEC Awards as it highlights the outstanding opportunities that these qualifications provide.” 

Freya Thomas Monk, Senior Vice President for Vocational Qualifications and Training at Pearson said; 

“After two long years spent giving or receiving lessons behind a computer screen, through face masks, or socially distanced, 2022 has been a whirlwind for everyone involved in education. Considering this, it makes the inspiring achievements documented in Exeter College’s submission all the more impressive. The hard work and commitment they – and all our award winners – demonstrated is extraordinary.” 

Hundreds of thousands of learners across the globe have completed BTEC courses over the past year. The career-focused qualifications are a vital route for those pursuing careers in sectors such as IT, business, the creative industries, healthcare, engineering, construction and future industries. Many of these industries are suffering from staff shortages and skills gaps which this year’s graduates will be more than equipped to fill.

Find out more about BTEC courses at Exeter College.

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