Exeter Leads the Skills Revolution

Exeter College and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) have teamed up to pioneer the provision of the latest technical training programmes prior to a national rollout starting in 2020.  

Exeter College is one of the first colleges in the country – and the only one in Devon – to be offering the government’s new T Levels for 2020 delivery. The two year, Level 3 technical qualification sits alongside A Levels, BTECs and Apprenticeships within a reformed skills training system for 16-18 year olds.  

As part of the provision for the new T Levels, students on the programme must gain 20 days relevant workplace experience during their studies and RAMM has provided two placements as part of a pilot programme that is crucial to the success of T Levels.  

RAMM has recently played host to the workplace development of Level 3 IT Systems and Network students Kyle and Marshall in preparation for the new T Level system.  

Marshall worked with RAMM’s in-house designed on projects around animation, design, newsletters and programmes. He said, “I’ve really enjoyed being creative and have learnt that good planning pays off. I now know that I want to be a designer.”  

Meanwhile, Kyle worked closely with RAMM’s Digital Media Officer and developed a digital display panel for their central core wall. He said, “Before I worked at RAMM I would never have thought about working in the cultural sector. 

“Now I have a much better idea of what I’d like to do in the future. Work isn’t half as scary as I thought it was.” 

RAMM’s Skills Development Officer Sophie Harbour is delighted with the partnership with Exeter College: “We are very impressed with Kyle and Marshall’s commitment and the professional manner in which they have conducted their duties. With their skills and enthusiasm, we were able to complete important projects that wouldn’t otherwise have been possible. 

“RAMM is committed to creating relevant and meaningful opportunities for young people to gain experience of working in a dynamic cultural environment.  

“Working with Exeter College on this pilot scheme is an important addition to the internships, placements, training and work experience that we currently offer and we look forward to continuing to work with Exeter College to build on this very positive start to the programme.” 

Exeter College Assistant Principal Sam Hillman said, “Industry placements provide learners with an opportunity to develop industry-related knowledge, behaviours and skills. Kyle and Marshall have worked alongside, and have been mentored by, the RAMM’s brilliant in-house designer and digital media officer. Successfully completing live projects of benefit to the RAMM. 

“Through the exceptional work-placed experience and support provided by the RAMM Kyle and Mitchell have thrived. Not only has their learning been enhanced but, they have acquired and developed skills that will stand them in good stead for the future.  

“Kyle and Mitchell are a real credit to the Faculty of Business and IT and to the College. As a key partner of Exeter College, we are delighted to be working with the RAMM on pioneering industry placements and very much look forward to continuing to build on this great start.” 

Exeter College will be delivering T Levels in Construction, Education and Digital from 2020, with a further 22 subjects to follow for 2021 delivery.