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Exeter College Apprenticeships sets out plan to support employers through recovery period

Exeter College was extremely pleased to hear the Government’s ‘Plan for Jobs 2020’, announced by the Chancellor at the recent mini-budget. This scheme allocates £1.6 billion towards Apprenticeships and Skills, to both support individuals into work and incentivise businesses. 

To summarise the Chancellor’s support package for Apprenticeships and Skills:

  • £2,000 payment to an employer taking on an apprentice aged under 25yrs. This is additional to the £1,000 incentive already paid for an Apprentice aged under 19 or under 25yrs with an Education and Health Care Plan.
  • £1,500 payment to an employer taking on an apprentice aged over 25yrs.
  • £1,000 payment to an employer taking on a trainee or pre-Apprentice aged under 25yrs.
  • £1,000 for each furloughed employee who remains continuously employed through to the end of January 2021

As an Ofsted Outstanding Training Provider, consistently rated in the top three nationally for employer satisfaction, we recognise that these are exceptionally tricky times for employers, and we must ensure that we respond quickly and provide businesses with the support that is required.

As the Government itself states ‘the COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest threat the UK has faced in decades. The virus has caused tens of thousands of deaths, has affected the lives of everyone in the country and has had a devastating effect on businesses.’ 

We welcome backing for businesses to take on Apprentices of all ages; our company has grown exponentially in this area over the last five years, and we are proud to work with over 950 employers and support Apprentices from Penzance to Paddington.

Our dedicated sector specialists continue to work hard with employers to identify, market and fill Apprenticeship jobs, and we are currently advertising over 125 live vacancies.

The Exeter College Pre-Apprenticeship programme has also had incredible success rates in recent years, enabling young people to gain access to Apprenticeships while building their confidence in Maths and English. 

Exeter College Learning Support Specialist, Philippa Charlton, praised candidates on the Pre-Apprenticeship programme. She said, “These young people show determination and resilience. We are delighted to have seen them go on to fulfil their potential in Apprenticeship roles – as electricians and bricklayers, and within early years education and hospitality, to name a few examples.

“They bring new insight, creativity, and absolute dedication to their employers and the Chancellor’s support for this programme is extremely encouraging. The extension of the scope of the programme further widens the opportunity for young people with a Level 3 qualification. This is welcomed.”

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at the College, will explore the role of Apprenticeships and technical education in the economic recovery in our upcoming employer webinar, on Thursday 23rd July, 10:00am – 11:15am. We are delighted also to welcome Rob Nitsch, Chief Operating Officer for the Institute for Apprenticeships, and Nicola Drury UK Apprenticeship Manager at Amazon.

If you would like to join us, please register in advance.

For further information on accessing the government’s support for Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeships, please contact the Exeter College Team on 01392 400800 or email Apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk.  

Exeter College bucks national trend for Apprenticeship starts

As Training Providers nationally report a potential loss of 80% of predicted starts during the Spring period as a result of the Covid-19 crisis (FE Week 22 May 2020), Exeter College is able to share positive news, having welcomed new intakes of Apprentices in Digital Marketing, Project Management, Customer Service, Management and Data Analytics.  

Following a virtual meeting with government ministers this week, the College also reports exceptional retention rates as the local business community rallies to support Apprentices. Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, said, “To see 95% of our planned Apprenticeship starts come to fruition despite all of the challenges of lockdown, shows clearly that our employer partners continue to see the value of Apprenticeship training.  We know that our region is a huge supporter of Apprenticeship training, with Exeter having achieved City of Apprenticeships earlier this year, and it is a really positive sign that in face of global challenge Apprenticeships in the region remain high on the agenda.” 

“Exeter College is delighted to welcome Data Analyst Apprentices from our new employer partner EDF.  The fact that the Data Analyst programme has been able to start despite the challenges of lockdown shows the strength of our partnership and the positive approach adopted by both parties. This is our first truly national programme with learners in the South West, South East and North East all participating fully.” 

Filomena La Porta, Data Skills Squad lead at EDF said, “People are at the heart of fully realising the value of data and data skills are precious and scarce. It’s amazing to see that in our company there is talent rising to the challenge of learning new skills and we are delighted to be able to support their development over two years in partnership with Exeter College. It is a great success story that the Data Analyst Apprenticeship has gone ahead as scheduled, despite the challenges of COVID. Exeter College have taken on the challenge of remote learning, ensuring a real partnership at every step of the way.” 

The new cohort of Data Analyst Apprentices is led by Steve Mariadas, Digital and Data Lead at Exeter College and CEO of the new South West Institute of Technology, which is backing a new Digital and Data Centre which is being built on the Exeter College site.  Reflecting on the challenge of launching new programmes during lockdown Steve said, “It has been an interesting time for us all, but the College’s investment in digital skills meant that staff were well placed to implement the remote learning required which enabled the Apprentices to begin their programmes as planned and with minimal disruption despite lockdown. Our concerns are always to offer high quality teaching and learning, through a safe online learning environment.” 

As a Microsoft Showcase College, and having undergone a digital transformation, teaching staff have been able to quickly adapt to the challenges thrown up by the Covid-19 lockdown. Many of the staff already hold Microsoft Innovative Educator badges and the College’s IT and Digital Innovations teams have worked hard over recent years to embed Microsoft technologies into everyday practice across the College. It has also allowed the staff to host a series of virtual open events to support school leavers, and secure talent for the new academic year starting in September. Online interactive job seeking sessions have also allowed the Apprenticeship Team to match individuals who have come forward for the hundred-plus employer vacancies currently advertised with the College. 

Having reached the finals of the prestigious AoC Beacon Awards on Thursday 4th June, in The City and Guilds Employer Engagement category, the College cites its strong community network as one of the key factors in weathering the current storm.   Mike Blakeley said, “The delivery of programmes at this time has been seen as a key tool in employee welfare and support.  Levels of employer satisfaction are exceptionally high regarding learning delivery.  Looking to the future we know that given the current economic climate there are challenges ahead, but we believe that the strong partnerships and reputation we have of partnering with employers will enable us to help them through this time, and in turn, find employment for our applying Apprentices.  

“With the digital expertise the College has in place, and our ongoing investment in skills development and new premises, our Apprentices and our employer partners are exceptionally well placed to be at the centre of the Skills Revolution.”

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!

5 REASONS TO ATTEND EXETER COLLEGE’S ADULT ONLINE OPEN EVENT

Are you an adult looking to further your education or learn a new skill? Exeter College is here for you. We’re inviting you to our Adult Online Open Event, Tuesday 16th June 2020, 3pm-7pm, where we’ll help you to find your future.  

This event is directed towards any adult (19+) who is interested in studying a course with Exeter College. Perhaps you’re hoping to move forward with your career aspirations, retrain in a new profession or just improve your skills. We have something for everyone.  

Our Adult Online Open Event is the best and easiest way to find out what Exeter College can offer you…  

FIND OUT ABOUT COURSES 

Exeter College is bursting with opportunities for adult learners.  

We offer a range of course types and subjects, from GCSE English and Maths, professional and leisure courses, university level study and Apprenticeships. We know all learners are different, and that’s why we cater for all levels of learning.   

Our Adult Online Open Event is the perfect place to find out which course could help you to unlock your future, and you can do this all from the comfort of your own home, via your phone or laptop.  

HEAR FROM SUBJECT LECTURERS  

We want you to get the best start to your time at Exeter College, and that’s why we’ve arranged for you to be able to hear from subject lecturers during an interactive seminar.  

Each lecturer will break down their courses for you, so you know what to expect when you start. From course content, timetabling and typical exam results, our lecturers are here to guide you.  

ASK LIVE QUESTIONS 

Each session will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.  

After each interactive seminar, subject leaders will respond to your queries. Simply type them in using the question box and get your reply.  

We recommend having a pen and paper handy during the seminar, so you can note down your questions as you think of them.  

HEAR FROM ADULT ADVISERS  

We know that for a lot of our adult learners, the thought of going back into education can be daunting. To help you achieve your full potential, Exeter College’s adult advisers are here to support you.  

Hear about the outstanding adult learning environment at Exeter College and our personalised approach to teaching and learning.  

We make sure you’ll gain the skills to take you to the next level in a supportive and engaging environment.  

LEARN ABOUT FINANCIAL SUPPORT 

Often, adult learners feel there are barriers to returning to education, but we want you to know that we’re here to support you.  

Our Adult Online Open Event will allow you to learn more about the financial support available to students.   

Our advisors will guide you through how to finance courses through funding or other means, and the bursaries the college offers and how to access them.  
 
If you would like to join us at our Adult Online Open Event, you can register your interest here.  

You can view our range of adult courses on our website, or you can request a course guide to be sent to your home. For any additional information, please email our adult advisers on adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk.  

To apply for an adult course, please visit our application page. For help with your application, please email info@exe-coll.ac.uk. For adults interested in studying a university level course at Exeter College, you can apply via the online UCAS application system.   

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.

Polly’s Apprenticeship Story

Empowering adults, children and young people with disabilities to make choices and take control of their own lives is what drives 22-year-old Apprentice Polly Wayland. 

As an Exeter College student, Polly studied hard to develop the knowledge and skills to enable her to pursue a career caring for others as a Support Worker at Community Equality Disability Action (CEDA), based in Exeter. At the same time Polly stood square to face her own battle in completing the Maths qualification required to enable her to complete her Apprenticeship. 

“We take a holistic approach, breaking down the barriers to learning that have existed for many years and for many different reasons,”

Helen Barker, Polly’s Tutor at Exeter College

Polly was taking on the exam for the ninth time in March this year and, this time, to the delight of Polly and her tutors, she passed. Polly was then able to complete her Apprenticeship enabling her to provide valuable assistance to the Exeter community who so rely on her support.

What was the turning point that drove Polly’s success?  “It was because the tutors at Exeter College taught me to think in a different way,” said Polly.

Helen Barker, Polly’s tutor, said, “Polly has shown exceptional competency in the workplace, however she had a mental block around Maths. Together we worked on developing the new skills which have led to her success. Her determination and commitment, even when she found the going hard, is commendable.”

Polly is enormously thankful to the Apprentice Learning Support Team. Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships, praised the team, he said: “They are highly dedicated advocates of all who come into their care, ensuring that all Apprentices, and those on our traineeship programmes, have the opportunity to succeed. Our success rates are 14% above national average and it’s in no small part due to the dedication and support of tutors like Helen, that more people succeed with Exeter College than elsewhere.”

Helen said, “We take a holistic approach, breaking down the barriers to learning that have existed for many years and for many different reasons.” 

Helen speaks from experience – she knows what it means to have a fractured school experience; a house-move at sixteen put paid to Helen’s own exam hopes as a teenager. However, never daunted, Helen rediscovered her confidence and hunger to learn in her mid-twenties, ultimately going on to achieve her Master’s.

“At college we will often come across Apprentices who have had their schooling disrupted through no fault of their own,” said Helen.

“We work with these people – of all ages, to develop their confidence and build the skills they need in order that they can achieve. The college also provides a wide range of pastoral care around student wellbeing and mental health, which we can draw upon to ensure that each of our Apprentices has the chance to achieve.”

As a beneficiary of Exeter College’s support, Polly is now going on to enable others to live as independently as possible, to live the lives they have chosen for themselves – a difficult job during these challenging times of COVID-19 lockdown but one for which the evidence clearly shows Polly is ready to take on.

Find out more

Interested in an Apprenticeship? Find more useful tips, advice and guidance on the Apprenticeship experience.

Register now for our Virtual Apprenticeships Open Evening on Thursday, 14th May, 4-6pm.

Businesses Rate Exeter College Top in South West for FE Apprenticeship Employer Satisfaction for Second Year Running

The Department of Education has released results of its annual survey that ranks Apprenticeship providers based on business feedback and Exeter College has topped the South West table for further education colleges once again.  

“Our industry partnership approach means that our students get the very best out of their experience, while employers also gain access to a dynamic and creative workforce,”

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive

This is the second year running Exeter College received the highest rating from employers across the region, within the four counties of the South West, and the third year in a row it has scored above 97.5%.  

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “The feedback from our employers is vitally important to us.  Our aim is to be a partner to employers that makes a tangible difference to their business, which goes far beyond being a provider of training.  These stellar results show that our approach is working.  I would like to thank our employer network for their feedback. Our industry partnership approach means that our students get the very best out of their experience, while employers also gain access to a dynamic and creative workforce.” 

In the published responses the University of Exeter answered: “Exeter College are an outstanding training provider who work with their employers in partnership. They are professional and attentive to employers’ needs and provide excellent quality training and assessment.”  

A company representative from Newton Abbot-based engineering firm MB Aerospace stated: “I am extremely pleased and consistently impressed with the commitment and focus Exeter College gives to Apprentices. The welfare, quality of learning and the 360-educational experience is considered, thought through and supportive.” 

Exeter College’s exceptional customer service has also been recognised by the Association of Colleges in their coveted Beacon Awards, having been shortlisted and undergoing judging for the next phase of the College Engagement with Employers category. These awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among the UK’s further education colleges and reaching the shortlist alone is a huge honour. 

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College explained: “I am delighted that employers feel they are receiving a consistently good experience. I have read the fantastic comments left by all of the companies surveyed, as well as taking on board feedback so that our Apprenticeship Team can continue to improve its service and strive for excellence.”   

Record Breaking Recruitment

The exceptional achievement is also reflected in the popularity of Exeter College Apprenticeships, with record recruitment numbers of 1150 for the 2018/2019 academic year, numbers which are particularly impressive in a challenging environment for many education providers.

The dedicated Apprenticeship Team at the College has continued to grow its provision year on year, offering over 90 programmes across a variety of sectors and roles, giving more choice for individuals looking for support in their chosen career pathway. 

There has never been a better time to think Apprenticeships. Are you an employer looking to work with an exceptional Apprenticeship provider? Or are you looking to develop your career with an Exeter College Apprenticeship? Call our Apprenticeship Hotline on 01392 400800 today. 

Exeter College Apprentice Ella Fielding has been named runner up of the coveted accolade of ‘Apprentice of the Year’ in a national award ceremony. Exceptional Apprentice Ella was shortlisted as a finalist and then announced as runner up for this year’s Apprentice of the Year in the prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Awards. The awards highlight exceptional students from across the country and celebrate the contributions they have made to their college and wider community.

Ella has recently completed a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing with Exeter College and plays an integral role within its dedicated apprenticeship team. She has been praised for her fantastic work ethic and driven attitude, and recognised for going above and beyond for the department on a number of occasions. Through effective marketing, such as managing the social media channels, local advertising campaigns and managing high profile events such as the Apprenticeship Expo, Ella has helped grow the apprenticeship intake from 550 to 1,000 a year.

Her passion for promoting apprenticeships has translated outside of her marketing role, acting as an ambassador during her free time and championing the programme at local schools and events. Since its inception in 2017, Ella has also been responsible for chairing the Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset Young Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, a national government initiative in which young people use their own Apprenticeship experiences to inspire others.

It is not the first time that Ella has made headlines as an inspiration to others. She was a South West Finalist for the National Apprenticeship Awards 2018 and won the accolade of Young Employee of the Year at the Pride of Devon Awards in May 2018.

“I was overwhelmed to be named a finalist, let alone to have been named runner up. I am really please for Ellie Ferguson, from Aintree Hospital in Liverpool, who won this year’s Apprentice of the Year – a very worthy winner. I had such a great night at the ceremony, celebrating with some of my Exeter College team, and it was great to be recognised amongst so much talent!” explains Ella.

John Laramy, Principal and CEO of Exeter College said: “We are delighted that Ella has been named runner up for this prestigious national award, we are committed to apprenticeships both as an employer and as a provider, so this is a double celebration for our award winning apprenticeship team – well done Ella!”

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “Once again we have had excellent applications from colleges across the country who are all rightly proud of the efforts, achievements and application of their students. It made the judging really tough, and offers inspiration to all of us. These awards show how much great work colleges are doing every day to help people realise their ambitions and develop their talents.”

The winners were announced at a glittering awards evening that marked the start of the AoC annual conference in Birmingham. The conference is an opportunity to showcase some of the ways that colleges are transforming the lives of more than two million people across England and how vital colleges are to the future of the British economy in the 21st century.

Are you thinking about an Apprenticeship? Follow in Ella’s footsteps and kick-start your future – Think Apprenticeship. Call the Apprenticeship Hotline 01392 400800 today.

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