Exeter College Expands its Construction offering with a Construction Innovation Centre

A significant milestone has been marked at Exeter College as they officially open a Construction Innovation Centre and Roofing Centre of Excellence in Sowton, Exeter.

Due to the exponential growth in demand for construction programmes, the College has expanded its provision, a reflection of hard work, vision and commitment from all involved.

Their hope is that the young people completing these courses will create a regional generation of superstar roofers who will contribute to this growing, exciting industry.

Colin McCorquodale, National President for NFRC officially opened the building.

Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Partnerships and Apprenticeships at Exeter College said;

“Exeter College delivers a huge range of construction programmes and to ensure that we meet the full needs of our employers, it was an obvious choice to pick roofing as the next one that we add to our portfolio.

“Now students can go from damp proofing right the way up to roofing and everything in between. There is a high level of skill within the industry that needs to be taught, so it doesn’t become a dying trade, and we’re delighted that we can be seen as a Centre of Excellence in the South West.

“We’ve got huge employer support, every employer that’s linked to Exeter college is giving us time, giving us resources and materials, which is a brilliant way to support the excellent team that deliver our training.”

Dave O’Connor, Head of Faculty for Construction, said;

“We began occupying the Construction Innovation Centre in January, and by February, it was already buzzing with our Site Carpentry apprentices. In April, we proudly launched our new Roofing Apprenticeship in Slating and Tiling, made possible in large part by the appointment of Steve Dowell as a Work Based Tutor. His expertise, enthusiasm, and industry connections have already made a significant impact.”

“A special thanks to Luke Hurlock and Mike Armitage, our Curriculum Area Managers, whose valuable input helped turn this vision into reality. The future of Construction at Exeter College is looking incredibly bright.”

The College was delighted to welcome Colin McCorquodale, National President for NFRC, the UK’s largest roofing trade association to officially open the building. He said;

“NFRC and its members are very engaged in training the up-and-coming generation of roofers. We need to do this so our industry is well set for the future but also so we can preserve these traditional roofing skills that we all value.

“The biggest single challenge facing this industry is a skills gap. That’s why it’s even more pleasing to see the demand from facilities like this, where roofers of the future can receive expert training and guidance to set them on the right path for their future careers. I wish them the very best of luck.”

To find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College, please contact the Apprenticeship Team on 01392 400800 or Apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk.

Celebrating our Great Western Railway Apprentices on the Apprenticeship Train

For the second year in a row, Exeter College and Great Western Railway celebrated National Apprenticeship Week aboard the Apprenticeship Train, a special train service entirely crewed, driven, dispatched, and controlled by current and former apprentices.

Jenny Nansuga, Apprentice Driver Manager: “I really enjoy working for GWR, it’s a giant and there are so many diverse opportunities. Railways are so much more than driving trains, there are so many different roles. Apprenticeships allow you to learn as you earn, and get skills which lead to a direct line of employment as you are already working in the field.”

Left: Jenny Nansuga, Right: Ewan McDermott

The train was a fantastic way to recognise the contributions of over 260 apprentices across GWR’s 2,000-mile network and to inspire the future generation of rail professionals. Apprentices were on board handing out flyers and goody bags and offering advice and guidance to passengers who were curious to know more about career opportunities in rail.

Apprentices on board the Apprenticeship Train!

Rachel Geliamassi, Customer Service Director said: “To see our apprentices thrive is everything. They support each other, they give each other confidence and they’re paving their way in their career in a way that is so inspirational.”

Welcoming the train into Exeter St Davids, John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive CBE said:

“Exeter College is delighted to partner with GWR in offering exceptional apprenticeships. We are excited to welcome many of our current and former apprentices back to Exeter today to celebrate the world that is apprenticeships. Our partnership with GWR is a great example of what can be achieved when a college and fantastic employer work together to create something truly sector leading.”

Passengers on the Apprentice Train learnt about hidden careers in the rail industry, from train crew, engineering, and customer service, to IT, operational management, and finance. If you want to become a GWR apprentice, you can find out more on their website.

Considering an apprenticeship in a different sector? Take a look at our vacancies.

Contact the Apprenticeship Team on 01392 400800 or apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk

Apprentice and Employer Awards: Nominations Now Open

We are thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the Exeter College Apprenticeship and Employer Awards 2025! These prestigious awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of our apprentices and the unwavering support of our employer partners.

Why Nominate?

The Exeter College Apprenticeship and Employer Awards recognise:

Outstanding Apprentices: Individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and growth in their respective fields.

Supportive Employers: Organisations that have provided exemplary training, mentorship, and opportunities for apprentices to thrive.

How to Nominate

Submitting a nomination is straightforward:

For Apprentice Nominations: Complete the Apprentice Nomination Form

For Employer Nominations: Complete the Employer Nomination Form

Each form will guide you through the necessary steps to ensure your nominee receives the recognition they deserve.

Please submit all nominations by the 14^th of March.

Join Us in Celebrating Excellence

By participating in the Exeter College Apprenticeship and Employer Awards, you contribute to a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Let’s come together to honour those who make a significant impact in the world of apprenticeships. Winners will be honoured at a special ceremony on the 20^th of June 2025.

For more information or assistance with the nomination process, please contact us at apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk or 01392 400800. We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the achievements of our outstanding apprentices and employers.

Building Greater Exeter: A New Chapter of Growth and Community Collaboration

Building Greater Exeter is proud to announce its transition from Exeter City Council to Exeter College, marking an exciting evolution in the group’s journey. This transition reflects the group’s steadfast commitment to fostering community engagement, enhancing educational opportunities for young people and adults, and collaborating on skills plans that drive growth and prosperity across Exeter, East Devon and Teignbridge.

Exeter College extends its heartfelt gratitude to Exeter City Council for their dedication and the significant impact and outcomes they have achieved. The City Council have laid a strong foundation, and we acknowledge their invaluable contributions to the community.

Building Greater Exeter is a not-for-profit public and private sector initiative, aimed at supporting businesses within the built environment and closing construction skills gaps in and around Exeter, East Devon and Teignbridge. It addresses the shortage of skilled construction workers and promotes developments which have a positive local impact around social value. Its mission is to inspire new candidates, support employers, and promote a culture that makes the built environment a great sector in which to work.

As we embark on this new chapter, Exeter College reaffirms its commitment to the steering group members and the broader community. Together, we will continue to champion initiatives that inspire engagement, collaboration, and progress.

Our focus remains clear:

Driving Engagement for Young People and Adults: Building Greater Exeter will prioritise innovative programmes and resources to support learners of all ages, empowering them with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to explore careers in construction and the built environment.
Fostering Collaboration Across Skills Plans: Working with partners, businesses, and stakeholders, we will create a cohesive approach to skills development, ensuring alignment with community needs and long-term economic growth.
Strengthening Community Ties: Building Greater Exeter will actively engage with the local community to ensure that their voices are heard and reflected in our initiatives.

This transition is not only a continuation of past successes but also a renewed promise to deliver impactful programmes that benefit individuals looking to embark on a career in Construction and the Built Environment. We invite the community, partners, and stakeholders to join us in shaping this next phase of Building Greater Exeter’s journey. Together, we will build on the legacy of excellence, strengthen our shared vision, and pave the way for a brighter future.

We are already busy preparing for our relaunch event on Thursday 27^th February at the Future Skills Centre, Exeter. This event will welcome keynote speakers from across the sector providing timely updates on current and future local construction projects and Employment and Skills plans. To register for this event, please book your free ticket here.

If you would like to get involved with our activities or are interested in becoming a member of Building Greater Exeter, please contact the Building Greater Exeter Project Manager, Luke Moss, Project Manager; Lukemoss@exe-coll.ac.uk or 01392 400996.

Exeter College approved to deliver the Civil Aviation Authority Part 66 Licence

Exeter College has been delivering higher level courses in aircraft engineering since the early 2000s, with new partnerships and opportunities in the sector reflected in the changes in its offer over time.

This year the College became one of only three in England approved to sign off engineers for the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 66 Licence (issued under the CAA’s Part 147 regulation). This certification covers a specific practical element of the Licence which is essential in signing off for operation any aircraft registered in the UK.

The Licence is delivered as part of the College’s Foundation Degree (FdA) in Aircraft Engineering which is awarded by Kingston University London and approved by the CAA. Most people who train for this accreditation will do it directly with an airline, so this is a unique offer for any college. Students on the FdA programme need to complete 2400 learning hours across two years (with a combination of time in the classroom and in the hangar). Students benefit from the use of facilities at Exeter Aerospace (EA) throughout their training. The support from EA in providing access to their modern, purpose-built hangars and workshops is invaluable to the quality and breadth of experience students receive, giving them access to a UK CAA Part 145 environment, an essential criterion for Licence approval by the Authority itself.

Andy Wells, Head of Faculty for Engineering, Aerospace and Automotive, said;

“This programme is a vital cog in providing the skills required across maintenance repair organisations across the whole of the South West. Students enrol from across the region, which enables us to successfully set up apprenticeship opportunities and careers development with employers in their areas. We are proud to be one of only a few Part 147 organisations delivering this vital training.”

Students completing their Foundation Degree receive their Part 66 Licence certificate, an essential steppingstone in gaining full accreditation. Once graduates are issued their certificate it allows them to apply for their full Licence after only two years in industry, rather than the normal five: the certificate significantly reducing the time it would take these engineers to fully qualify.

We are seeing many opportunities in the aviation industry right now. Of the recent FdA cohort, all ten graduates were offered jobs at Exeter Aerospace, with nine accepting and one continuing to Kingston University to study the top-up degree.

Pictured is Foundation Degree student, Charlie Putt, receiving his Part 66 Licence certification from Mike Robinson, Programme Lead in Aeronautical Engineering, earlier this month.

“In our experience students in the main want to stay local and we are fortunate that there are opportunities like those at Exeter Aerospace right on our doorstep.” says Mike Robinson, Programme Lead in Aeronautical Engineering.

This is an exciting time for graduates intent on moving into the aviation sector. At both national and international level, the aviation industry is facing a significant shortage of suitably certificated engineers, and the College is now receiving enquiries directly from airlines looking for qualified staff. For those students who do wish to go further afield there is a multitude of avenues open to them. Better still, aircraft engineers can hope to earn anything between £40k-£50k within three to five years of qualifying, nearly £10k above the average UK annual salary (according to the latest earnings report by the ONS).

The College currently offers a range of courses and training opportunities in aeronautical engineering at varying levels, including a full time Level 3 BTEC in Aeronautical Engineering, and progression pathways including the Level 5 Foundation Degree in Aeronautical Engineering and an Apprenticeship in Aircraft Maintenance. Building on the success of its Skills Bootcamps (funded short-term, part-time practical courses), Exeter College now also delivers a Skills Bootcamp in Aviation in partnership with Exeter Aerospace.

Exeter College Celebrates Class of 2024 with Procession to Exeter Cathedral

At the end of October, over 160 Exeter College graduates processed down Exeter High Street to the beautiful Exeter Cathedral in glorious autumn sunshine. This special occasion marked the end of their journey with Exeter College and the beginning of their exciting next steps.

Exeter College offers a variety of Higher Technical Education programmes, including Foundation Degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees, HNCs, HNDs and Higher Level Apprenticeships. Working closely with prestigious partners such as the University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, Plymouth Marjon University, Kingston University, and CMI, the College is able to offer courses on a range of desirable subjects.

John Laramy CBE, Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College said;

“I would like to thank all the graduates for their contribution to the Higher Education community at Exeter College and congratulate them for their success, which is marked by today’s milestone event.

“Today was made extra special, as our graduates heard some inspirational words from Dr Andrew Roe CB, the new Rector of the slightly older Exeter College in Oxford. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to share this special day with graduates’ families and friends. Congratulations again to the class of 2024 and all the very best for the future.”

Speaking to our graduates, Dr Andrew Roe CB, Rector of Exeter College at the University of Oxford said;

“I congratulate today’s graduates and their teachers on a job extremely well done. To work at the level required by the examining bodies and to meet Exeter College’s exacting values requires commitment, application and – no doubt – endurance.

“The qualities that you have all displayed to achieve your academic goals will be the same as you require in life, particularly in employment, to meet the complex demands of the ever-changing world in which we live.

“But it is rare for students to succeed alone, and in many cases your families and friends have played a vital support role over the past months and years. To those friends and family members, you also deserve recognition and praise, and my sincere thanks go to you also.”

A group of graduates celebrate outside Exeter Cathedral — Graduates from the BA Business Management course.

BA Business Management Graduate, Michael Dalton, (pictured above, far left) is excited for the future. Speaking about his experience, he said;

“It’s been a journey of 3 years to get to this point, and it’s nice that I’m finally at the point that I can say I’ve done it, I’m at the end. I can’t wait for that moment to throw my cap up, I’m just so full of excitement and excitement for the what the future holds.

“Some of the opportunities that I’ve had whilst I’ve been at the College, I wouldn’t have been able to get without my tutors help so I’m very grateful to them for all the time and effort they have shared with us and the help they have given to get us to this point.”

A female mature graduate smiles at the camera

Heather Darracott (pictured above) studied the Level 5 HR Consultant/Partner Apprenticeship shared her pride in achieving this goal.

“For 3 years, I’ve travelled up and down from Holsworthy and had fantastic support from my tutor. From start to finish it was just brilliant. Since starting the course I have been promoted and have been applying what I have learnt in the classroom.

“My children are older now and have left home so this was a chance to do something for me and to have a second career. I’ve been to both their graduations so to do it myself is incredibly rewarding.”

Graduates from the FdA Football Coaching and Development course.

Matt Rowe (pictured above, far left), from Seaton, studied the Foundation Degree in Football Coaching and Development. He balanced his studies with a job and is now completing an optional third year at Plymouth Marjon with the hope of teaching PE in the future.

“As someone who came from A Levels and from not doing anything sport related in 2 years, it was all very different, but my tutor was great at helping me adjust and seeing us through to the end as well which was fantastic.

“Today it’s just great to see all my friends from the course and our lecturers as well. I never thought I would be here really. I nearly didn’t go to university at all, so now I’m here it’s a great achievement.”

Exeter College extends its congratulations to all graduates and wishes them continued success.

Prospective students can learn more about university level programmes at our upcoming Open Event on Wednesday 20 November.

Available Now: Exeter College School Leavers’ Course Guide 2025-26

Our brand new School Leavers’ Course Guide for students interested in joining Exeter College in September 2025 is now available!

You can view the guide online, download it, or request a printed copy to be posted to you. It’s designed to be user-friendly and is filled with essential information.

How to use the guide

To help you navigate easily, the guide is divided into clear sections:

Your Choice
This section provides details on our course offerings, how to select the right course for you, and what level of study might be best.

Your College
Here, you’ll find information about the campus, including a site map and transport links. This section also covers timetables, EXtra opportunities, and support available.

Your Application
This section outlines the six straightforward steps from school to College and provides additional details about the application process.

Look out for…

Apprenticeships – Highlighted in pink throughout the guide.

T Levels – with many new T Levels in subjects such as Marketing now available.

EXtra – Discover all the exciting Extra opportunities beyond the core curriculum.

What’s inside the guide?

The guide includes information on all the courses and Apprenticeships offered to School Leavers at Exeter College. With a broad range of study options, including A Levels, Apprenticeships, and vocational courses like T Levels, you’ll find something that suits you. For a more detailed look, use the course search feature.

Find out more

To explore everything Exeter College has to offer, attend one of our Open Events. We host three Open Events annually. Click here to register:

Thursday 10 October 2024, 4-8pm

Wednesday 20 November 2024, 4-8pm

Wednesday 23 April 2025, 4-7pm

Need more help?

Our College Advice Team is here to help you find the right course. Contact them to arrange a visit or a chat. Call 01392 400500 or email cat@exe-coll.ac.uk.

Remember, you can view the new guide online, download it, or request a printed copy to be sent to you.

Exeter College Launches New Level 5 Assistant Practitioner (Health) Apprenticeship

Start Date: 1st October 2024

Exeter College, in collaboration with Plymouth Marjon University, is excited to announce the launch of the new Level 5 Assistant Practitioner (Health) Apprenticeship, starting on the 1st of October 2024. This program, aligned with the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, is designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled health and social care professionals.

This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity for experienced individuals in support roles to enhance their clinical expertise while working alongside registered healthcare professionals. Upon completion, apprentices will be well-equipped to deliver, supervise, and coordinate compassionate care for diverse patient groups across a variety of health and social care settings.

Key Details:

Course Title: Level 5 Assistant Practitioner (Health) Apprenticeship
Length: Up to 24 months
Study Mode: Day Release every Tuesday
Location: Hele Road Centre, Exeter College
Start Date: 1st October 2024 (Welcome Day)

Employers across the healthcare sector have already recognised the essential role of Assistant Practitioners in improving patient outcomes. “Our Assistant Practitioner has helped tremendously on the ward, bridging the gap between our HCAs and our Band 5 nurses. She is the first line of defence in patient care and is a highly skilled member of the team, due to both her educational and clinical training,” said Rhi Humphreys, NHS Midwife.

The apprenticeship offers 12 comprehensive modules, including:

Providing high quality, evidence-based clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic care
Foundations of professional practice
Anatomy and Physiology
Communicating effectively
Communication and working in teams
Quality improvement, audit and research activities
Leading and Integrating Care

The programme is carefully designed in partnership with healthcare employers and service users, ensuring that students are equipped to meet real-world demands.

“The course is intended to prepare students to become independent practitioners specialising in their chosen pathway. The programme has been designed in collaboration with employers and service users, combining study that is university-based alongside learning in the workplace. A high level of evidence-based clinical training, embedded with new knowledge attained from the programme, is a vital component and makes Assistant Practitioners a valued member of the nursing team.” – Donna Lucas PgCert Clinical Education, Programme Leader Assistant Practitioner and T Level Adult Nursing

The program is designed with extensive support and learning resources, including access to a state-of-the-art simulation suite, replicating hospital, GP, and community care settings.

Entry Requirements:

A Level 3 BTEC or QCF in Health and Social Care (or equivalent)
T Level P (C+ in core elements)
Three A-levels at grades DDD or higher
Level 2 GCSEs (grade C or above in English and maths) or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills

This apprenticeship is an excellent pathway for those looking to develop their careers in health and social care while contributing to the future workforce. Exeter College is committed to ensuring apprentices have access to all the necessary resources, including our Learning Resource Centre (LRC), with additional recommended readings available for those wishing to explore further.

For more information and how to apply, please contact us on 01392 400800.

Exeter College Celebrates the Best of the Best at Apprentice and Employer Awards

Held at Sandy Park, the annual Apprentice and Employer Awards was a night of celebration and recognition, displaying the incredible achievements of Apprentices and the employers who support them. This year’s event featured former Exeter Chiefs Captain Gareth Steenson as the guest speaker, adding extra inspiration and motivation to the evening.

With over 20 categories spanning various fields, the awards highlighted the diversity and excellence within the Apprenticeship programmes.

Nigel Fenn MBE was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships Award by Gareth Steenson and Sam Wilson

Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Future Skills, and Apprenticeships expressed his admiration for the nominees, stating;

“These awards showcase the amazing Apprentices and employers that Exeter College has the pleasure of working with. This year, with over 250 nominations, we have selected the best of the best to be rewarded for their dedication, hard work and support that make apprenticeships genuinely great.

“Our employer network continues to grow and delivers some of the best support young people and adults will receive to make sure they are a success and have lifelong careers in their chosen sector.”

Jessica Cowlard was presented with the Health and Care Apprentice of the Year Award

Tracey Mills, Apprenticeships and Early Careers Manager from Devon County Council, shared a story about one of their own apprentices, Luke Freathy, who won the Business and Professional Services Apprentice of the Year award. She praised Luke’s contributions, saying, “Luke winning tonight is a testament to his hard work and brilliant recognition of him and all he has put into his Apprenticeship. He thoroughly deserves it.”

She emphasized the positive impact Apprentices have on businesses, saying;

“We have quite a big Apprenticeship programme at the council – they bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and apply what they’ve learnt through their Apprenticeship and that drives our business forward. We have a motivated, enthusiastic workforce, who are learning the latest skills, knowledge, and behaviours and applying it in their work. They are our future.”

Luke Freathy was this years winner of the Business and Professional Services Apprentice of the Year

Luke Freathy, a Level 3 Business Administrator Apprentice at Devon County Council in the Public Transport Team, took home the award for the Business and Professional Services Apprentice of the Year. He said;

“I chose an Apprenticeship because I wanted to carry on with my education, but I didn’t want to go to university. After my A Levels I realised how much I wanted to get into some practical skills and earn whilst I’m learning.

“I’m enjoying it so far; it’s been good from a social standpoint and being able to save money and build practical skills that will stand me in good stead in my career.

“It’s nice to be nominated and it feels like my hard work has been recognised. I am really excited to be here this evening.”

The awards were hosted by two current Exeter College Apprentices, Lucy Joyce (Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice) and Sam Osman (Level 4 Junior Management Consultant Apprenticeship at GWR.) Speaking about hosting and being an Apprentice Sam said;

“I feel honoured, it’s a privilege to be here this evening. I’m halfway through my Apprenticeship and I have gained so much valuable experience already from different areas of the business at GWR. The mixture of academic work and practical work is what makes Apprenticeships so special.”

Exeter College’s Annual Apprentice and Employer Awards continues to be a cornerstone event, celebrating the achievements of Apprentices and the vital role of employers in shaping future careers. The evening not only recognised individual accomplishments but also underscored the importance of Apprenticeship programmes in building a skilled and enthusiastic workforce for the future.

Many employers were also recognised at the awards for the contribution to the success of Apprenticeships

South West based Green Construction Advisory Panel (GCAP) to be rolled out nationally with BACH

The British Association of Construction Heads (BACH) has launched a collaborative programme with the Green Construction Advisory Panel (GCAP) to roll it out across the UK.

GCAP is a member-led committee comprising of building services, housing, and construction businesses, supported by government agencies, charities, and training providers across the UK. GCAP aims to promote, enhance, and develop sustainable training and education opportunities for the housing and construction industries. Our mission is to close the skills gap and create entry pathways into green careers. We aspire to educate both the current and future workforce on adapting to emerging technologies, considering environmental impacts, and helping the industry meet net-zero targets.

Established by Exeter College two years ago, GCAP has successfully and impactfully brought together employers, training providers, manufacturers and other regional stakeholders in the South West to drive the ‘Green Skills’ agenda locally. This has created a template model which is replicable not only across the UK but also internationally, with the Nepalese Government embedding the GCAP model into policy.

To date, over thirty training providers throughout the UK have already committed to GCAP, including local authorities and charities. GCAP currently boasts nineteen regional Centre’s who will collaborate with local stakeholders to understand more about the skills landscape and work towards action-based outcomes.

BACH will be responsible for establishing the GCAP model across the UK via its established structure in England & Wales and its contacts in Northern Ireland and Scotland over the next three years and beyond.

Mike Blakeley of GCAP and Exeter College said:

“GCAP has had a huge influence on our approach to ‘Green Skills’, careers engagement and collaboration with regards to the College’s approach to Net Zero. It has grown from 12 founder members to over 160 and expanding it nationally is a natural evolution. We know that the impact of BACH’s support in doing this will be both significant and positive.”

Graham Hasting-Evans, President of BACH and Chief Executive of international skills solutions provider NOCN Group, added:

“To address the existential challenge of climate change we need a radical change in skills across the whole of the construction workforce, affecting both existing occupations and the new ‘green jobs’ which are rapidly emerging. This cannot be run centrally; local areas and employers are best placed to drive the modularized changes needed as and when they are required in a practical and pragmatic way.

“GCAP has demonstrated the great benefit of this ‘bottom-up’ approach and we at BACH are delighted to be able to support rolling this out across the UK.”

BACH was established 40 years ago to bring together Further Education Colleges and other providers that deliver construction training in building, civil engineering and business service engineering. Over the last two years, BACH members have been collaboratively focusing on the challenge of ‘Net Zero’ through the development of ‘Green Skills’ and the national roll out of GCAP is a key next step in this initiative.