Reform tertiary education and kickstart the great British recovery

A groundbreaking new report from Association of Colleges, ‘Opportunity England‘, has called on whoever wins the next general election to create a new system for lifelong learning from the age of 16 to make sure that the country can rise to the challenges of a sluggish economy, flat-lined productivity with widening skills gaps, and the prospect of millions of people being left behind as technology takes over our lives and work.

The report suggests that colleges, universities and other providers should be regulated through one tertiary system to avoid excess regulation and unnecessary competition and to enable a clear strategy to support all adults get the skills they need throughout life. The new national post-16 education and skills strategy should be developed in partnership with learning organisations and a range of other institutions including local government, employer groups, unions and community organisations. Devolution will play a vital role in this overhaul, with devolved authorities having the opportunity to push local priorities to help bolster communities as well as regional and national economies.

Colleges are clear that this is not about pitting themselves against universities or training providers, instead it’s about them working better together so that all parts of the post-16 skills eco-system thrive to deliver for the country. They urge the focusing on five central elements:

A new statutory right to lifelong learning
An apprenticeships system that works
A curriculum for all
A workforce strategy
Investing in our future

‘Opportunity England’ also shows how with a proper commitment, government can:

Drive economic growth and improve productivity
Overcome regional inequalities
Offer better life and work opportunities for all
Bring about the green transition
Deliver the health and social care workforce revolution
Build safe, cohesive and integrated communities

David Hughes, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges said:

“The challenges the country faces are numerous and well-known. What we need to focus more on are the opportunities. The next Government has the chance to unleash the power of colleges to re-balance the country, grow the economy, become world leaders in green technology, harness the potential of people of all ages and make sure that millions of people are not left behind as technology takes over our lives and work. But that requires a boldness and clarity of vision which our report outlines.

Whoever holds the keys to Number 10 will need to do things differently – business as usual is not working. We need a new approach to education and skills and we need a revolution in lifelong learning. If colleges did not exist, the government would have to invent them, to upskill the next generation, to re-train existing workers, and to drive forward innovation in business and technology. Now is the opportunity to use them and kickstart the great British recovery.”

Exeter College Netball Team Win First Ever College Treble

Exeter College is excited to announce that the Women’s Netball first team have achieved an incredible treble, becoming the first ever college team to win three illustrious national competitions in one season.

The playing squad consisted of Charlotte Steer (Vice Captain) GS, Ella Williams GA, Jemma Potter WA, Lily Tomlinson C, Caitlin Jeffery (Captain) WD, Iris Hindley GD, Hannah Rae GK, Abi Down GS, Lottie Armstrong WD, Abi Greenslade WD, Emily Churchill GD, Kitty Sampson C, Bronwin Stewart C, Annie Grief GD, and Tilly Spong WD. The team have won over 40 games in one season to be crowned the champions three times over.

Charlotte Steer, Vice-Captain said;

“It was such a proud moment for me, winning with all the girls I have grown up playing netball with was surreal. Winning one title was great but to become the first college to win all three was the best and I’m so glad we were all a part of it.”

The treble success began where the team became National Premier League Champions. Exeter College joined Barking Abbey, Hartpury, and Queen Ethelburga’s in Walsall at the finals, as the top four teams across the South, Midlands, and North Premier Division leagues. Exeter was drawn against Barking Abbey and won 37-26, during a competitive and physical game. The team then met Hartpury in the final securing an impressive win of 34-30 to take the first of the three titles.

“This is the first time a team has won the treble and we commend the students for their commitment and application over a long season and the staff for coaching the team to such a high standard.”
Andy Perlejewski, AoC Sport Competitions Manager

The team then fought hard again and won the gold medal at the Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport National Championships in Nottingham. After an intense competition, the South West region were presented winners of the Wilkinson Sword, the first time the region has won the coveted title since 2016 – which the Netball team also contributed towards by winning Gold. The squad won the title in a round robin competition over other colleges, including Hartpury College, Billborough College, Greenhead College, Hartlepool College, and Worthing College to take home the second of the titles and become the National College’s Champions.

The final achievement came when the team came out on top in an amazing and tight fought match against Hartpury, winning 41-40 to win the AoC Sport National Netball Knockout Cup. The AoC cup sees teams drawn from all over the country and having to win each game to progress onto the next round.

Andy Perlejewski, AoC Sport Competitions Manager, said;

“AoC Sport congratulate Exeter College for their outstanding achievement in winning the National Netball Knockout Cup, the Premier League play-off final and the gold medal at the National Championships. This is the first time a team has won the treble and we commend the students for their commitment and application over a long season and the staff for coaching the team to such a high standard.”

Hollie Greenaway, Academy Lead at Exeter College said;

“Winning just one of these competitions is a fantastic achievement and to be the best College in the country in your sport is an outstanding feat. To win the treble is simply phenomenal and I am so proud of every player that has contributed to the success of the team. A special mention must go to the rest of the Netball Academy players in the second and third teams. Their support of the players has been unwavering and as a whole Academy they have been a pleasure to coach.

“The first team have been dedicated in their commitment towards training over the past two years and the resilience they have shown to win over 40 games in total during one season and finishing by winning the treble is extraordinary and they will go down in history. I wish them all the best as they leave Exeter College and continue to play Netball at their clubs and University destinations.”

Sam White, Netball Coach at Exeter College said;

“This prestigious treble status is a huge credit to the demanding work that the girls have put in over the past two years. Even during the lockdowns, they worked tirelessly with Hollie and Lucy remotely over zoom with workouts and pair strength training which I believe increased their motivation, resilience, and their mental well-being. The players are an exceptional group of athletes and truly deserve this tremendous accolade. They are a credit to themselves, the coaches and the College and we could not be prouder of them.”

Exeter College Finalists in AoC Virtual Beacon Award Ceremony

Exeter College are finalists in the prestigious Association of Colleges (AOC) Beacon Awards, in the City & Guilds Engagement with Employers category. The awards, now in their 25th year, will be delivered virtually for the very first time, with an online award ceremony on Thursday 4 June.

The event will celebrate finalists and winners from seven categories that collectively highlight and celebrate the best and most innovative practice amongst UK further education (FE) colleges nationwide.

Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, Mike Blakeley, says, “With partnerships and collaborative working at the heart of all that we do as a college, the team are particularly excited to participate in the finals for the Employer Engagement category.

“In February 2020 Exeter celebrated becoming the City of Apprenticeships, having shown exceptional growth in Apprenticeship starts compared to other cities in the UK. Even in these unprecedented times, our employer partners in the region have once again stepped up to the mark and are working in partnership with the College to support their Apprentice employees.

“Difficult circumstances have highlighted the strength of our employer network, and we have been working closer than ever to offer new opportunities and development through training. We have just announced the launch of a new academy for future skills with partners Devon County Council, which is testament to the City’s forward-thinking. The project will enable us to train the next generation, as well as individuals affected by the economic impact of Covid-19, for high-tech jobs in engineering, digital, construction and clean growth.

“Not only this, but we have been working with the community over the past few months, supporting our local NHS front line. This has included initiatives with businesses across the region to make vital PPE, providing kitchen space so meals can be made and delivered to key workers, as well as opening accommodation for NHS staff.”

The Employer Engagement award, supported by City and Guild, recognises exemplary practice in demonstrating an outstanding ability to work with and provide a direct service to employers – in particular, colleges that are effective in meeting employers’ skills needs and/or apprenticeship requirements.

To evidence its exemplary practice, Exeter College has undergone a rigorous judging process. This has included not one, but two written submissions, as well as a visit from an assessor who attended a showcase day with roundtable discussions, visits to Flybe and Exeter Chiefs, plus employer interviews.

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges says, “Colleges often don’t get the recognition they deserve, the AoC Beacon Awards aim to showcase exactly why colleges are so important and reward their dedication to learners and their progress in the workforce. Colleges produce the workers of the future and it’s clear from those who have made it through to the final three that their contribution to local and regional economic development must be valued.”

To join in the celebrations and find out who the winners are, follow the AoC twitter feed on the day.

Applications are open to study with Exeter College in September 2020.

If you’re an employer or a young person considering getting involved in Apprenticeships, contact our team on Apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk or 01392 400800 to discuss your options.

Exeter College Shortlisted for National Award for Employer Engagement

Exeter College has made it to the finals of the Association of Colleges Beacon City & Guilds Award for Engagement with Employers.

The Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year. This award, supported by City and Guild, recognises exemplary practice in demonstrating an outstanding ability to work with and provide a direct service to employers. In particular, colleges that are effective in meeting employers’ skills needs and Apprenticeship requirements.

“The appetite for local businesses to turn work experience into fantastic Apprenticeship opportunities has never been stronger and more beneficial,”
Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College

Exeter College has made the coveted list of four finalists; recognised for engaging with employers and facing the skills challenges of industry in a proactive way.

The college’s Apprenticeships programme has had a hugely successful year, building on a legacy of success for students in industry. Businesses across a range of different sectors are currently hosting Exeter College students, with the record levels of recruitment, totalling 1150 new Apprentices, joining the college in the last academic year.

A recent Department for Education survey also announced Exeter College as the top-rated further education college in the South West for business satisfaction, solidifying the college’s status as a leading provider of Apprenticeships to its network of 950 businesses across the region.

Students at Exeter College continue to develop their employability skills across a variety of courses in collaboration between the college and its affiliated local and national employers.

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College, was delighted about the acknowledgement of the college’s partner-focused approach with employers.

“We’re all thrilled to have been selected based on the work we do with employers,” said Mike.

“We are coming to the end of an ambitious five-year strategic plan and this is another accolade that helps us to realise our aspirations of becoming the Apprenticeship provider of choice for the business community right across the region.

“We always want to ensure our students get the most out of their experience working in industry and that employers see the value of working with colleges to face the skills challenges of the future together. The appetite for local businesses to turn work experience into fantastic Apprenticeship opportunities has never been stronger and more beneficial.

“We are constantly looking to build on and improve the experience for businesses and employers as part of our ongoing mission to be a truly exceptional education and Apprenticeship provider.”

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “Colleges often don’t get the recognition they deserve, the AoC Beacon Awards aim to showcase exactly why colleges are so important and reward their dedication to learners and their progress in the workforce. Colleges produce the workers of the future and it’s clear from those who have made it through to the final three that their contribution to local and regional economic development must be valued.”

Applications are open now to study with Exeter College in September 2020.

If you’re an employer or a young person considering getting involved in Apprenticeships, contact our team on Apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk or 01392 400800 to discuss your options.