Top Marks for First Graduate of Exeter College’s Data Analyst Apprenticeship

Exeter College’s cutting-edge Data Analyst Apprenticeship department is celebrating as the first student to have completed the course has achieved a Distinction grade for her efforts.

Liz Houihane, 24, has been part of the first cohort of Exeter College learners studying on a Level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship and has been the first student to complete her end-point assessment; achieving the highest possible grade classification.

“After completing university, I felt like I was done with that kind of learning. I wanted to get out there and achieve things in the workplace,”
Liz Hourihane, Former Data Analyst Apprentice

The two year course teaches learners how to become assets in any industry, with data analytics skills fit for the workplace of the future. Students are taught how to collect and interpret data to provide businesses with meaningful takeaways to improve performance.

Liz is the first of a number of students who will be completing the course in the coming months and completed her Apprenticeship with the Met Office while studying at the College one day a week.

Having already completed a degree in Psychology with the University of York, Liz decided she wanted to use some of the analytics skills from her degree in a different way, and that led her to Exeter College.

“When I finished my degree, I knew I wanted to work in a slightly different field. I still loved psychology, but I wanted to use some of those skills in a different way,” said Liz.

“I knew I was interested in science and statistics, and that’s where I wanted my career to be. I thought this course would be a good option for that. It has actually turned out to be a lot more suited to my interests than I first realised.”

The Data Analyst Apprenticeship, which is proving to be popular with learners of all ages, sees students earn while they learn, with valuable work-based learning topping up the skills learnt in the classroom. Liz thinks the mix of learning styles helped her develop her skills.

Liz continued: “I learnt a lot of things in College that has been incredibly valuable about how I have gone about doing the job with the Met Office. The statistics side of things has especially helped me, and I’ve gained a lot more knowledge out of that area than I thought I would. That knowledge has all helped me in the workplace on several different projects.

“I also found it beneficial to have classmates at College who were doing the same job in different organisations. That gave me different perspectives and a more rounded view of how other places were using data analytics in their business.”

While working with the Met Office, Liz got the chance to be a part of various teams within the nationally leading organisation. Her analytics skills were put to task on different projects, including the science behind a meteorological observation, the technical side of the business and with marketing projects.

“I learnt a lot of new skills at the Met Office, backing up what I was doing in College,” said Liz, who now secured full time employment as a Data Analyst with an economics consultancy business in London.

“I was supported in the role by the College. We had monthly reviews, where my Skills Officer at College would visit me at work and check on my wellbeing and progression since the last meeting. My line manager at the Met Office would come along too, so that we all knew what I was doing and how I was getting on.”

Liz believes that more businesses are switching on to the power of data, with improved technology leading the charge for even small companies to make the most out of the data at their fingertips.

“Personally, I think previously a lot of businesses weren’t sure how to use someone who called themselves a data analyst,” said Liz.

“But with advancements in technology helping people make sense of it, most organisations now have data available to them; they’re just not always sure how to use it. The fact that businesses can have that capability to access data, in all its forms, means that people recognise the value of data analytics to improve business performance. There’s still a long way to go in terms of places understanding what this discipline is and how it can be fully utilised, but it’s definitely improving.”

Liz also reflected on her Apprenticeship route into the industry, having previously completed a degree.

She said, “After completing university, I felt like I was done with that kind of learning. I wanted to get out there and achieve things in the workplace. I also wanted to earn money and support myself, and this course was a great way of doing that.”

Liz’s Skills Officer Darren Stevens paid tribute to the work ethic of Liz on the course. He said, “Liz has been fully engaged with the Apprenticeship from the beginning and has never been afraid to ask the difficult questions.

“She has taken the lead on projects within the Met Office and presented data and recommendations at senior level and to clients. It is a pleasure to see her achieve the award she clearly deserved.”

Find out more about the Level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship with Exeter College.

Find out more about the new Digital and Data Centre which is being built at Exeter College as part of the South West Institute of Technology.

My Apprentice Journey – Emily Stutt

Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship

My journey as an Apprentice began on 9th August 2018 when, after just three days in my new Business Support Administrator role with Devon Partnership NHS Trust, my induction was completed. Prior to this Apprenticeship, I had no business admin experience, however, I had actually had a fairly successful career as an Assistant Manager in retail and hospitality. I had never completed an Apprenticeship before, and most Apprentices I had encountered were a good five years younger than me. All of these factors left me understandably apprehensive and nervous – but also excited to start something completely new.

I started my Apprentice journey with a different provider – not Exeter College. However, in May 2019, half way through my programme, my provider announced they wouldn’t be keeping us on to complete the Apprenticeship and I would be automatically transferred to another provider. My employer stepped in and stopped the automatic transfer and enrolled me with Exeter College. This all happened really suddenly and left me feeling very confused. Before all of this happened, I was on track to enter gateway in September 2019, and due to the number of Apprentices being transferred, and the summer holidays coming up, this was now looking to be very unlikely.

I felt really frustrated – it was the lowest point of my Apprenticeship journey. I will admit, at this point, I was close to giving up, but then decided that I had put too much time and effort into it to give up now. So instead, I kept my head down, kept building my off-the-job hours, kept revising and completing as much work as possible. In September 2019, I was then re-enrolled formally onto the Apprenticeship by Exeter College.

It appeared after meeting with my assessor, that my hard work had paid off, as I was informed that I wasn’t far off gateway and we could still aim for my original completion date. My assessor also gave me the option to complete the Business Administration Level 3 Diploma alongside the Apprenticeship qualification, which hadn’t previously been offered to me. I was assured that a lot of the work I had already completed would contribute to this, so, seeing this as good revision, I decided to complete the Diploma as well.

“From the very beginning, it felt as though I was amongst friends, which became a fact very quickly,”
– Emily Stutt, Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice

By the end of November 2019, I had finally managed to trigger gateway. This in itself was a massive weight off of my shoulders as I finally felt as though I was moving forward. During this time I passed my Diploma exams and enjoyed a peaceful Christmas before kicking things into high gear!

We booked my End Point Assessment for February and March 2020 – starting off with a knowledge test, a portfolio interview, followed by a project presentation. I had prepped and prepared as much as I could, revising my evidence and practising my presentation. And, despite a few hiccups, I felt it went well, it was at the very least finished, and I could now let go of the breath I had been holding for the last few hours. If I were to offer any advice to Apprentices taking these exams, it would be to trust your gut instinct and don’t overthink the question, but definitely go through your answers a couple of times (if you have time) just to make sure!

I found that a lot of the Apprenticeship, particularly my time with the original provider, was aimed more towards the private sector rather than the public, and I had a hard time trying to apply what we had learned to my job role. This resulted in a lot of independent study (which was great for off-the-job learning), to ensure that I had an understanding of the topic and could complete the tasks set for me.

A great part of the Apprenticeship was the off-the-job learning, which is self-study that you record and document for assessment. It allowed me to see and experience areas of Devon Partnership NHS Trust that I otherwise would never have seen and to network within the organisation, helping other teams understand what my role and department were about. I had immense support from my team, particularly my line manager, to ensure that I not only fulfilled the off-the-job requirement but that the time spent on this was interesting, valuable and would help me in my role as well as my Apprenticeship. To all other Apprentices out there, please utilise the off-the-job training as best you can! It’s a really good opportunity to experience some amazing things.

Another amazing part of the Apprenticeship were my cohorts. From the very beginning, it felt as though I was amongst friends, which became a fact very quickly. Everyone was extremely supportive of each other. We had created a WhatsApp group so that between our sessions with our provider, we could still support each other. When I changed providers, I was ultimately split up from my original cohort but we still keep in touch.

Overall, my Apprenticeship journey was pretty much a rollercoaster. Very up and down with a few loop-de-loos for good measure! And if I’m wholeheartedly honest, I wouldn’t have changed a single second of it. It’s allowed me to grow as a person, it’s proven to me that I have the ability to self-study (something I really struggled with when I was in full time education), it allowed me to have such amazing and interesting experiences through off-the-job training. But most of all, this Apprenticeship has shown me how resilient and determined I am. There were so many points I could have given up, and I kept on going because I didn’t want my hard work to go to waste.

So, for all other Apprentices out there, I promise you it’s worth it.

And for anyone who may be wondering…

I got a pass in both my Diploma exams and a distinction in my EPA Knowledge Test, Portfolio Interview and EPA Project Presentation. Overall my grade for the Apprenticeship Standard was Distinction!

Inspiring the next generation of Apprentices

With National Apprenticeship Week coming up in early February, we caught up with four former Exeter College Apprentices to find out how they used an Apprenticeship to forge a career in the industry of their choice…

George, Management and Leadership Apprenticeship Programme

Great Western Railway

“I was working at Exeter St David’s ticket office, when I saw an internal advertisement for a management Apprenticeship programme. I really wanted to give it a go so I could progress within the company, and the course would allow me to take that next step, while continuing to earn a salary.

“We covered several helpful topics, including project management, which was crucial in landing me a role as Project Manager for the train network after completing the course. I have been working on nationwide restructuring, such as cashless purchasing on GWR trains and a timetable overhaul – the biggest change in 40 years. It is my responsibility to ensure every member of the GWR team across the UK is informed of how these changes affect them and their role. These large-scale projects have required me to use my training in relationship building and communication, to manage the various stakeholders involved.

“I’m really loving my job and the variety I get to enjoy. I might spend one day in the office at Exeter, the next in London, then the next at our head office in Swindon. I wouldn’t be doing what I am now if it wasn’t for my Apprenticeship and I would recommend it to anyone. It’s only six months since I completed, and I really feel as though I am making strides in my career.”

Find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College.

Zoe, Business Administration and HR Consultant Apprenticeship Programmes

Devon Norse

“I knew university wasn’t for me, but I was keen to learn and push myself, so I decided I would take a Business Administration Apprenticeship. The programme would allow me to work in an office environment and give me a broad understanding of business. While completing the Level 2 and 3 programmes I enjoyed the elements of the course that touched on HR and I decided to specialise in this area. My company has been happy to support me through all my learning, as well as the recent transition from a more general role into their HR team, on the Level 5 Apprenticeship.

“I have developed much faster than if I had gone to university. I would be in debt and would still be searching for a job – but I’m in a full-time role and have really got my teeth into my career. Not only that, but I am already immersed in the local business community and have built a network of contacts.

“I’m really enjoying my current role. It allows me plenty of interaction with people and takes me to various locations, visiting employees across the South West and Wales. I would absolutely recommend an Apprenticeship and am even setting my sights on moving onto a Level 7 Apprenticeship or specialising further in employment law.”

Find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College.

Max, Sporting Excellence Apprenticeship Programme

Exeter Chiefs

“After progressing from U16 and U18 at Exeter Chiefs, the coach felt I had potential to continue full-time. I was therefore given the opportunity to complete an Apprenticeship programme and continue training with the club.

“Some parts of my Apprenticeship have been helpful in what I am doing right now, such as nutrition and sports science modules, but I know there’s an ‘expiry date’ on playing professionally and my Apprenticeship has encouraged me to consider a career in the industry after I step down. It has acted as my plan B. The coaching section of the course allowed us to practice taking a class and conducting lessons with groups of varying ages, including organising and planning the structure of the session. I really enjoyed it and developed leadership skills, which has inspired me to develop my coaching further.

“I’d recommend an Apprenticeship to anyone. If you don’t know what you want to do, like me, it gives you an opportunity to learn and gain experience in the workplace, without the price tag.”

Find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College.

Andy, Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship Programme

HepcoMotion

“I spent my childhood tinkering – taking things apart and putting them back together. I decided early on that I wanted to take this further and knew engineering offered great career prospects. After finishing an engineering BTEC I thought the Apprenticeship option was the obvious route for me. I would end up with the same qualification as my friends who opted to go to university, but would earn a salary and get practical, hands on experience in the workplace. I found a job close to home with a local company that offered great progression options. HepcoMotion has a strong history working with Apprentices as many of the managers, and even the chairman himself, started work at HepcoMotion as Apprentices.

“HepcoMotion has an intake of Apprentices each year and it was nice to share the experience with others. We spent the second year rotating around departments, so that we had an overview of the business and could see which area best suited us. I now work as part of the CNC team, using specific knowledge I learnt at college about robotics.  I really enjoy my role and am encouraged to keep trialling new things, which keeps me motivated. My Apprenticeship also taught me valuable professional skills, such as communication, team working and presenting, and I like the idea of perhaps taking a management programme to develop further.

“I’d definitely recommend an Apprenticeship. I have a proper job compared to my university friends, who have finished their degree and are just working in part-time jobs.”

Find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College.

Think Apprenticeships

Visit the Apprenticeship Expo on Thursday 6th February 2020, 1pm-6pm at Exeter College Sports Hall (Victoria Yard, Off Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3SR).

Every year, the South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, in collaboration with Exeter College, host the South West’s largest careers event during National Apprenticeship week, to inspire individuals to think about their career. The event is an opportunity to meet with over 50 local employers, ranging from large international companies, to local businesses, all with job vacancies for those hoping to forge a career through an Apprenticeship.

This year, Building Greater Exeter and Building Growth South West will be running a dedicated Construction Zone with their partner organisations. The collaborative will be raising awareness of the wide range of opportunities available within the sector and the skills shortage that we can overcome by investing in training through Apprenticeships.

Find out more and register your interest in attending the Apprenticeship Expo.

Aviation Minister Liz Sugg today visited Flybe’s Exeter HQ which, as part of her fact-finding tour of the South West, served to highlight the importance of aviation and connectivity for the South West’s regional economy and the role Flybe plays in the national transport infrastructure.

During her visit the Minister met Exeter College engineering students and apprentices at the Flybe Training Academy and spoke to some of the home-grown engineers that had recently graduated and who are working with Flybe. She also saw first-hand the intensive ground and simulator training that its new pilots undergo at the Training Academy.

Liz Sugg - Visits Flybe — Baroness Liz Sugg, Aviation Minister with Flybe Students

Aviation Minister Liz Sugg, said: “It has been fantastic meeting some of the talented apprenticeship engineers today at Flybe’s Training Academy in Exeter.

“The UK aviation sector faces a number of challenges to ensure it has the skills it needs so I am delighted to see the investment Flybe is making to help young people in the South West to pursue these roles.

“And we want to encourage even more young people to start a rewarding and creative career in science, technology, engineering and maths through our Year of Engineering Programme.”

Flybe’s well established and globally recognised Training Academy has a key role in training the pilots and engineers of the future, a key role needed to address the skills’ shortage that is evident within the ever-growing global aviation sector.

Ms Ourmières-Widener added: “We are honoured to have had the opportunity to show the Aviation Minister what Flybe is all about and to showcase the excellent local partnership we have established with Exeter College. Flybe’s economic impact cannot be underestimated both in terms of job creation, skills’ training and providing business and leisure travellers the opportunity to connect seamlessly with all parts of the UK, and internationally via Manchester and Heathrow hubs to destinations worldwide.

“There is no doubt that, through the training we offer especially for those with aspirations to become aviation engineers and in attracting new pilots into the workforce, Flybe has a key role in supporting the future growth of the UK commercial aviation industry from right here in the South West.”

Flybe’s long-standing pioneering partnership with its local education partner, Exeter College, delivers a unique Engineering Diploma which, when launched in 2007, was the country’s only four-year programme in Aerospace Engineering with EASA Part 147 Approval, combining the necessary academic qualifications alongside practical hands-on experience.

This jointly run Diploma programme has gone from strength to strength and, to date, some 176 students have graduated all going on to immediate fulltime employment throughout the aerospace industry, including with Flybe itself in Exeter. To date this includes 12 female engineers, and this representation is expected to increase with the airline’s positive steps to address gender imbalance in the aviation industry evident through its recently announced FlyShe programme.

Exeter College Principal, John Laramy, said: “Our long-standing partnership with Flybe is not only award winning, it’s growing and most importantly it has a positive impact on both young people and productivity in the region. Each year around 30 highly qualified Aeronautical Engineers emerge from the programme. They are work-ready and employable – evidenced by a 100% employment rate for the last three years.

“The growth is further evidenced by the addition of a specialised course that gives young people in Devon access to training as a member of cabin crew, by using industry standard equipment in the setting of a real airport.

“We believe our successful partnership with Flybe is an exemplar of a college and industry working together to make a difference.”