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Apprenticeship Expo draws thousands of visitors to Exeter College

An estimated 3,000 people attended Exeter College’s annual Apprenticeship Expo on Thursday 12 February 2026, which saw College faculties and 55 employers showcase the learning and career pathways available to young people and adults through apprenticeships.

Held at the College’s Sports Hall in Exeter city centre, the event gave prospective learners, parents and adults the chance to meet employers, ask questions and explore vacancies across sectors including transport, construction, engineering, media and more.

As the South West’s leading apprenticeship training provider, Exeter College currently supports just under 2,000 apprentices across 85 different programmes. These programmes span engineering and aerospace, healthcare, hospitality and catering, as well as being the only UK college to offer a specialist apprenticeship in counter fraud.

In January this year, Exeter College confirmed its merger with North Devon College, forming the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group. The merger will create one of the UK’s leading apprenticeship training providers and will see the number of apprentices in learning across the group reach close to 2,500.

To meet growing employer demand, Exeter College will expand its offer for the 2026/27 academic year, adding a Level 5 Coaching Professional programme, along with new sheeting, cladding and waterproof membrane pathways in its Roofer Apprenticeship.

Mike Blakeley, Group Executive Director of Partnerships and Apprenticeships, said:

“It was brilliant to see over 3,000 future Apprentices from across Devon and the wider South West region come together with 55 employers at our annual Apprenticeship Expo. An apprenticeship is a brilliant route for anyone to start, switch or progress a career, while also helping employers shape and train the skilled workers they need. Employer appetite as ever is very strong, and we thank them for their unwavering support.”

“With nearly 2,500 apprentices in learning, and after merging with North Devon College, as a group we are proud to be amongst the UK’s leading apprenticeship training providers. We’re continuing to develop our offers to people across the region, and we’re excited to be helping more people into brilliant careers and addressing skills shortages in key industries.”

A man infront of a pull of a pull up banner
(Jacob Tear, South West Metal Finishing)

Jacob Tear, an Engineer at South West Metal Finishing, completed his apprenticeship at Exeter College in 2023 and was representing the company at this year’s Expo. He said:

“Doing an apprenticeship was the best decision I made. I got paid to do my work and learn my college course. I started my apprenticeship during Covid, so it was a bit difficult, but the College always helped us out, kept us going if we needed support.

“Everyone (at South West Metal Finishing) is friendly, and whenever I needed to chat they would always be open. And going on to train apprentices now, I knew how they would feel, so I can help them get out of their shells.”

A man in front of a banner at a show
(Oliver Brewer, Commis Chef Level 2 apprentice)

Oliver Brewer is currently completing a Commis Chef Level 2 apprenticeship with ESS Compass Group, a company specialising in catering, cleaning, vending and facilities management services. Speaking about his Exeter College and industry experience, he said:

“My favourite part about my apprenticeship is I’m learning on the job, instead of just being in a classroom and learning it. I find this is a lot better for me.

“The best bit about working with ESS is all the opportunities you can get. It’s such a big company, there are so many different things I could do, and places I can go afterwards.”

A woman in front of a banner and a sign at a show
(Abi Kinsey, ESS Compass Group)

Abi Kinsey, a General Manager at ESS Compass Group, was representing the company and meeting potential new apprentices at the Expo. She said:

“The best part about training apprentices is watching and seeing them grow and their confidence improve. It’s seeing them be able to do the things they might not have been able to do before, just through the guidance and support you’ve been able to give them. It’s like you’ve had a part to play in their development through life!”

Adam Holloway trains apprentices for Great Western Railway and works closely with Exeter College. He said:

“It’s been a pleasure (working with Exeter College), they’re a great educational provider, and it’s great to work with them in delivering apprenticeships and delivering for people to better themselves.

“Being an apprentice, you have the chance to prove to yourself that the impossible is possible. It’s about working, not giving up, showing up and being resilient, and to achieve whatever you want. As an employer, it’s phenomenal to see that they’re following their dreams. For me, that’s the greatest feeling there can be.”  

For more information about Exeter College apprenticeship opportunities, visit: https://exe-coll.ac.uk/apprenticeships/

Exeter College Apprentice Scoops Two Awards at National FE Marketing Awards

Former Exeter College Apprentice, Rachel Nicholls, has been recognised for her hard work and impact at the College Marketing Network national FE Awards, picking up two awards at the celebration on Monday 2 February 2026. 

The awards bring together colleges from across the country and recognise the skill, dedication and creativity that marketing teams contribute to the further and higher education sectors.  

At this year’s ceremony, Rachel was awarded the Marketing Apprentice Star Award and a Silver in the Social and Digital Media Impact category for her work launching Exeter College’s TikTok channel and its ongoing success. 

Rachel Nicholls started at the College in April 2024, studying on a Multi-Channel Marketer Apprenticeship. Part of Rachel’s role as an Apprentice was to launch the College’s TikTok channel, which she did with great success, quickly gaining followers and creating a channel for students to have an authentic voice. Rachel has now successfully completed her apprenticeship, gaining the highest award, a Distinction.  

In her award entry, she was described by her team as “marketing gold”. 

“What Rachel brings to her role and to the college is something you can’t buy. The effect of what she does and will go on to do, is in all the little things and the big things, she is pure marketing gold, and we cannot imagine anyone better suited to winning this award.” 

Rachel now works full-time at Exeter College as a Marketing Assistant and has continued to have a positive impact on both the marketing team and the wider college. Included in the award entry were comments from students and staff.  

Lucy, an A Level student at Exeter College, said: 

“I would describe Rachel as someone who pays it forward and delivers kindness. I think it is evidenced in all her videos that she has a natural ability to do this. I know that whatever the initial idea, we would take it further. This not only encouraged me but motivated me in college as I would be excited to see what would happen post-production and tell everyone about it at the dinner table.  

“Because of Rachel’s work, more people engage with being a part of the Exeter College community. From sharing puns to advice, all the little things have had a big impact.”  

Amelie Foster, Industry Placement Liaison Officer for T Levels at Exeter College, said: 

“Rachel is phenomenal, her ability to engage with students and staff and make content that shows the joy that it is to study and work at Exeter College is quite simply outstanding. She has created a buzz with her fun, joyful and inspired content and helped to inspire future students to want to study here and be part of our learning community.” 

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 2026! 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 13th 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 26th of June 2026.

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

Exeter College to create world-class hospital training ward

Exeter College has secured £1.3m in funding to create a new, world-class healthcare training facility, opening up opportunities for hundreds of learners to develop vital skills in nursing and healthcare professions.

Funded through an Office for Students’ grant, the state-of-the-art facility will see a fully simulated hospital ward and two multi-purpose laboratories added to Exeter College’s Hele Road campus, right in the heart of Exeter City Centre.

Work to convert the existing Ted Wragg building, which will house both the ward and laboratories, is scheduled to start in January 2026 and is expected to be completed in March 2026. Once finished, it will provide access to important new courses and enhance clinical development opportunities through Assistant Practitioner programmes, Nursing Associate apprenticeships and access to Higher Education courses in Healthcare and Biochemistry.

The investment will expand regional healthcare training capacity, improve accessibility for adult learners and directly address healthcare workforce shortages across the South West. It will also support national priorities, including the NHS 10-Year Plan and the UK Industrial Strategy, ensuring the region is equipped to meet future healthcare demands.

Exeter College Ted Wragg building

Sam Hillman, Deputy Vice Principal at Exeter College, said:

“We are thrilled to have secured Office for Students funding to build a cutting-edge healthcare training facility at Exeter College, including an amazing hospital ward and two state-of-the-art laboratories.

“This investment is timely, aligning with current government priorities and supporting our brilliant partnership work with the University of Exeter on the co-creation of a health skills escalator. These facilities will ensure our city and region continue to benefit from inclusive health skills curricula and opportunities that exceptional technical teaching and training enable.” 

Steve Race, Member of Parliament for Exeter, said:

“Congratulations to Exeter College on their successful bid, which will make such a difference in our community.

“This Labour Government is delivering vital funding to help young people get the skills they need to confidently enter the world of work. This new healthcare training facility will provide world-class education for our next generation of medical professionals, boosting the workforce as we build an NHS fit for the future.

“This is national renewal right on our doorstep – unlocking opportunity for our young people and driving growth for our country.”

Nolan Smith, Director of Resources and Finance at the Office for Students, said:

“This year’s funding allocation will help a broad range of universities and colleges to ensure their students can access the facilities and equipment they need to succeed.

“This was a very competitive funding round, and the projects we are supporting will make a tangible difference to current and future students. As well as expanding opportunities for students in strategically important subject areas, these projects will offer a boost to local and regional economies and promote national growth.”

Constructing the Future Summit plots the path for regional skills and jobs

Exeter College joined forces with the construction industry on Friday 14 November for the inaugural Constructing the Future Summit at Sandy Park, Exeter. The summit focused on strengthening collaboration between education and industry and tackling the sector’s pressing employment and skills challenges in the South West.

Hosted by the College and supported by Exeter City Council’s Strategic Prosperity Fund, the event attracted close to 200 attendees and featured 15 exhibitors from across the region. It saw housebuilders, industry experts, education leaders and public sector officials, alongside an international delegation from Nepal and representatives from the British Council, come together to share experiences, discuss future plans and explore ways of delivering major construction projects in the region.

Delegates heard keynote addresses from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Homes England, who underlined both the scale of opportunity and the sector’s urgent need for a skilled workforce to meet Government housebuilding targets. They were also joined by Year 6 students from Exwick Heights Primary School who received a standing ovation for presenting their Towns of the Future vision.

A panel of keynote speakers at an event.

With three new towns earmarked for Exeter, Bristol and Plymouth, hundreds of thousands of new homes will be built in the South West in the coming years. The additional large infrastructure projects earmarked for the region are expected to create significant opportunities for young people and adults to access the construction sector.

Exeter College is uniquely positioned to educate and train the next generation of site-ready workers and the professional construction roles needed to complete these projects. The College offers over 20 construction industry courses, including apprenticeships, T-Levels and full-time courses. With over 1,500 learners on programme, it’s making significant contributions to closing the skills gap in the construction sector.

The College has also recently been awarded Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) status by the Department for Education, recognising its high-quality curriculum, student and employer engagement, and close industry ties. Exeter College will support the co-ordination of the region’s response to the challenges in the construction industry with regard skills.

A keynote speaker presents at an event.

Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Future Skills and Apprenticeships at Exeter College, said:

“The South West has a fantastic opportunity to set the example for delivering successful housing and construction projects, and Exeter College is proud to play a key role in developing the talented workforce needed to make that happen. But for the sector to succeed, collaboration between education, employers and industry is absolutely vital.

“This summit was a brilliant example of that collaboration in action. Bringing together nearly 200 delegates and 15 exhibitors from across the region, alongside an international delegation from Nepal and the British Council, shows the scale and ambition of what’s happening here in the South West.

“With some of the highest numbers of construction apprentice applicants in the UK and our newly awarded Construction Technical Excellence College status, Exeter College is in a strong position to deliver exceptional training and to work with employers to provide the right programmes and career opportunities young people are looking for.”

Danny Clarke, England Engagement Director, CITB, said:

“The construction industry needs more trained people to deliver the projects, whether that’s housebuilding, infrastructure, retrofit, all kinds of areas. We need to upskill the current workforce to make sure they’re competent to do the jobs that are needed, but we also need opportunities for people to enter the industry and develop their skills.

“That’s why it’s important to have Colleges like Exeter College, who are helping train the next generation of construction industry workers, to deliver these skills, ensure young people coming into the sector are site ready and can immediately help deliver these projects.

“The construction industry is the best industry in the world. It’s a job for life, it’s for everybody and its unlikely to be replaced with AI, and everyone who joins it will be making a difference every day.”

A keynote speaker presents at an event.

Joe Wharton, Assistant Director, Homes England, said:

“There are huge infrastructure projects being delivered here in the South West, which are driving a further demand for homes, and three new town candidates proposed by the Government in the region that could provide tens of thousands of quality homes in sustainable communities.

“The South West is driving innovation in housing across all scales, and some projects in this region are being held up as nationally significant in their production. To deliver these, we need talented people coming through, so making sure there’s a pipeline of young, skilled workers to become the industry experts, replacing those leaving the sector, is absolutely crucial so we can continue to build.”

Peter Sadler, Managing Director, Vistry Group South West:

“We have a massive building program in the UK, and the demand for housing in the South West is as high as probably anywhere else in the country. The numbers are growing and growing, and with that the career opportunities are also expanding. As an industry, we need to act now to get more young people into the sector as quickly as possible and upskill them so they’re ready to deliver for tomorrow!

“Having a variety of training courses available to young people is really important. Exeter College has that and by working in partnership with them and our skills academies, we have a great opportunity to build and grow, and help provide the opportunities young people are looking for.”

Exeter College apprentice earns major recognition for outstanding contribution in the workplace

Exeter College apprentice Lauren Flood is celebrating being nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the West Country Women Awards, a prestigious event which honours the outstanding contributions of women in the region and their positive impact on the community.

Lauren, who is studying a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at Exeter College, was nominated for her outstanding achievements in the workplace and her commitment to professional development.

After initially choosing to study an Animal Care course, Lauren decided to switch to the apprenticeship route because she knew the hands-on experiences it offered would benefit her most.

Lauren Flood, Level 3 Business Administration apprentice at Exeter College, said:

“I wanted to gain skills in the workplace because I’m a practical learner. An apprenticeship gave me the best opportunity to put theory into practice, as well as gaining the benefits of being in employment.

“Going straight into a workplace helped me learn quickly and build skills I don’t think I would have gained in a classroom alone. Being nominated for this award feels like I’ve been recognised for the efforts I’ve put into my apprenticeship so far.”

Lauren’s decision proved transformative, and she is now able to gain valuable experience in a sector she cares about through her apprenticeship with DYS Space Ltd (Space Youth Services), a charity that supports young people across the region.

During her apprenticeship, Lauren has quickly discovered a passion for HR and people development, coordinating training, working on policy writing and supporting HR functions.

She has taken on responsibilities beyond her expected role, identifying organisational gaps and introducing improvements within the organisation. Lauren also developed new processes to support staff and senior leadership, updated key organisational policies, including the charity’s menopause and menstruation policy, and created a capacity tracker to monitor staffing, projects and contracted hours, which is already being used by managers across the organisation.

These contributions led to her nomination for Apprentice of the Year by Steph Holwell, Strategic Lead for Projects and Partnerships at Space Youth Services. Throughout her apprenticeship Lauren has received dedicated support from Exeter College, and she credits both her lecturer and her Skills Officer with helping her stay on track.

Lauren continued:

“I’ve taken on quite a lot of work. I’ve used my initiative and I’ve looked for gaps where we might be lacking in certain areas.

“The College has been really helpful. Whenever I need support, I can call or email, and they’re on top of everything. They’ve helped me figure out what I want to do next.”

Looking ahead, Lauren plans to continue progressing in HR, with ambitions to complete a higher-level apprenticeship in HR and People Management, ideally working towards a CIPD Level 4 or Level 5 qualification.

Lauren explained:

“You get qualifications, practical experience, and you’re part of a workplace. It’s the best of everything.

“For students considering an apprenticeship, I’d advise they make the most of the support available at Exeter College and stay organised! Building good communication and teamwork skills early on will prepare you better for your future career.”

The 2025 West Country Women Awards winners will be announced on 28 November.

For more information about apprenticeships at Exeter College, visit https://exe-coll.ac.uk/apprenticeships/, contact the Apprenticeships Team on 01392 400800, or attend an upcoming Open Event.

The achievements of the Class of 2025 celebrated at Exeter Cathedral 

Last Friday marked the annual celebration of Exeter College students who had successfully completed their higher-level programmes in the 2024/25 academic year. 

Graduates began their day processing through Exeter city centre to cheers and applause from proud family and friends before arriving at Exeter Cathedral.  

There were over 140 graduating students across a range of levels, sectors and subject areas. Exeter College partners with awarding bodies and Higher Education institutions to offer programmes as wide-ranging as Data Science to Coaching and Fitness, Teaching to Health and Social Care, and more. These important partnerships enable the College to continue to deliver world-class training and education for the city and region. 

Exeter College Principal and CEO, John Laramy CBE, welcomed graduates and guests, congratulating those who had achieved their qualifications:  

“Many of you have undertaken your studies alongside other life commitments, from raising a family to jobs, and more. Today marks a truly remarkable achievement, and we are grateful for the contribution you have made to the Higher Education community at Exeter College.”

Amongst graduates was Shrika Palakaden who attained her Level 5 CELTA qualification, an internationally recognised qualification for those who wish to teach English to speakers of other languages. She commented: 

“One of the best things about studying at College has been the flexibility of the course. The structure of the course means we are only in class one day a week and can then continue to work on the other days. It has been amazing to be back in the classroom. It really has been an unforgettable experience.”  

Two adult students in their graduation gowns smiling with arms round each other
Srika is pictured left, alongside fellow graduate Sanjana Zunjur 

Tom Drawert’s parents watched proudly as he graduated with a Foundation Degree in Aircraft Engineering, awarded by Kingston University. He said: 

“It was tough, especially as we had both the university course and then the Civil Aviation Authority licence exams to contend with. But I’m very, very happy today. The teachers were the best part of the course. They knew their field really well and never hesitated to help us and to get us through the tougher parts.” 

Student in their graduation gown stood in between their parents
Tom is pictured centre, alongside his parents.  

Tom now plans to progress to employment at a regional airport.  

Samatar Osman celebrated with others graduating from the Level 4 Junior Management Consultant Apprenticeship. He told us: 

“This apprenticeship helped me to land a full-time position. I was able to go around to different placements whilst studying different theories and how to get projects over the line. All of this has helped me secure what is now a full-time post at Great Western Railway as a Position Delivery Manager.” 

Three students in their graduation gowns stood outside the cathedral smiling with arms around one another
Samatar is pictured centre, celebrating with other graduates from the Level 4 Junior Management Consultant Apprenticeship 

Graduates were addressed by guest speaker, Julian Tagg BEM, President and Director of External Affairs at Exeter City Football Club and Chairman of Exeter City Community Trust who spoke with passion and sincerity about his journey and his long-established and enduring connections with Exeter College: 

“My connection with Exeter College is the reason I feel particularly honoured to be here today. Exeter College has given you a start, just as it did for me. You can rightfully take pride in being part of Exeter’s story.” 

For anyone interested in learning more about Higher Technical Education programmes at Exeter College, please visit https://exe-coll.ac.uk/university-level/, or head along to our next open event on Thursday 20 November, 4- 8pm, to learn more about the courses on offer.

Exeter College Apprentice Roselle Wu Named Finalist in Multicultural Apprentice Awards 2025

Former Exeter College apprentice Roselle Wu has been named a finalist in the Retail, Hospitality and Tourism category of the Multicultural Apprentice Awards 2025, capping off an extraordinary two years of professional and personal achievement.

From beginning her apprenticeship with no prior kitchen experience to working under Michelin-starred chefs, representing her workplace at national competitions, helping develop internal kitchen tools and communication systems, and winning multiple awards, Roselle’s journey is one steeped in tenacity, and served to honour her cultural roots.

Roselle, originally from Hong Kong, began her Level 2 Commis Chef apprenticeship with Exeter College in September 2023, whilst working full time at the Ministry of Defence Royal Marines Training Centre in Lympstone.

“My story isn’t just about cooking – it’s about reimagining identity and purpose.” Roselle shared.

“Food has been my anchor, helping me connect with my cultural roots while finding a place in a new community. Growing up in Hong Kong, I was immersed in a vibrant and international food culture. I took Food Technology for my public exams in secondary school and, at 18, spent a summer teaching children how to bake cookies. That experience showed me how fulfilling it is to share the joy of food with others.

“It wasn’t until my late 20s, after relocating to the UK that I realised cooking wasn’t just a hobby. It was something I truly wanted to pursue professionally, and cooking Asian food makes me feel connected to my heritage. Starting fresh in a new country, culture, and industry wasn’t easy, but I knew I needed a pathway that offered structure, mentorship, and room to grow. That’s what led me to the apprenticeship model, combining formal learning at Exeter College with real kitchen experience.”

During her apprenticeship, Roselle worked for Compass Group, catering daily for more than 200 Royal Marine Officers. She quickly established herself as a dependable member of the team, making operational impacts such as developing a visual recipe guide to streamline the deli service and training colleagues to ensure consistency across shifts.

Her progress has not gone unnoticed: earlier this year, she was awarded Apprentice of the Year by the Craft Guild of Chefs, won Silver and Best in Class at the 2025 International Salon Culinaire, and last year, placed second in Compass Group’s Apprentice Chef of the Year.

She has represented her workplace at high-profile events including Wimbledon, the Cheltenham Festival and Brit Awards. She has also taken part in exclusive masterclasses with renowned chefs such as Bryn Williams, Ollie Dabbous and Dipna Anand, broadening her skills in fine dining and live service.

Roselle credits the apprenticeship model, and the support of Exeter College, as pivotal in her development: “Exeter College built my foundational catering knowledge, and after a few months into my apprenticeship I had already managed to write recipes and learned how to manage a kitchen.”

She has taken an active role in inspiring others, mentoring through the Ted Wragg Junior Chef Academy, a ten-week programme that introduced 15-year-olds to professional cookery.

Roselle is quick to acknowledge the people who helped her along the way. “My lecturers and the Exeter College Apprenticeships Team were so supportive and approachable throughout my study. They were so encouraging.”

Roselle completed her apprenticeship in April 2025 with a Distinction in her final exam.

As she awaits the result of the Multicultural Apprentice Awards, Roselle remains determined to build on her knowledge and continue to progress within industry, with hopes to begin a Level 3 apprenticeship.

“This award would be a recognition not just of what I’ve achieved so far, but of what’s still to come.” Roselle explained.

“I hope my story inspires others from diverse backgrounds, especially those who feel it’s “too late” to start again, to believe in themselves and follow their passion.”

To find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College, visit an Open Event.

Exeter College to Lead the Way as Construction Technical Excellence College

Exeter College is proud to announce it has been chosen as one of 10 Construction Technical Excellence Colleges by the Department for Education, an accolade that underscores the exceptional quality, innovation, and impact of its Construction provision. 

This prestigious recognition is a testament to the outstanding expertise and dedication of Exeter College’s Construction Team, whose tireless work continues to set the benchmark for excellence in technical and vocational education. It positions the College as a national leader in Construction training and opens exciting opportunities to collaborate with providers across the country, share best practices, and drive further investment into the South West region. 

John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO at Exeter College said; 
“We are absolutely delighted to be selected as the one of the Construction Technical Excellence Colleges. We look forward to working with our students, staff, stakeholders and employer partners across the region to turbo charge construction training.   

“It is a particular personal privilege, as an education leader who began their career in construction, to be part of a national initiative to ensure our region benefits from the career opportunities that excellent technical education enables. No education system can be better than the quality of its teachers and it is brilliant to see their professional development as a key part of this initiative.  

“We are excited about working with colleagues in the DfE and wider Government to ensure this national policy has meaningful impact and benefits for the South West and beyond.” 

The College’s exceptional track record of collaboration with regional and national employers has created a vibrant construction network that is impacting significantly on the national construction skills shortage. This ‘Technical Excellence’ Status recognises the eco system Exeter has in place. Through initiatives like Building Greater Exeter and the Green Skills Advisory Panel, the region is working to make a real impact on the government initiative to ‘Get Great Britain Building Again’. 

Steve Race, Labour MP for Exeter, commented; 
“Awarding Construction Technical Excellence College status to Exeter College means brand new skills training in construction for young people and will help others already in the construction sector to upskill. This new approach will help us deliver the new homes and the economic growth we need across our region, in partnership with the construction sector. It’s a testament to the hard work and educational excellence of the College team, and I’m excited about this new future for skills training in Exeter.” 

In securing Technical Excellence Status, the College received an impressive 120 endorsements from local organisations and stakeholders, including FE colleges, schools, councils, and construction employers, reflecting strong community backing. 

Pete Sadler, Managing Director for Vistry South West said; 
“Vistry is delighted to see the roll out of Construction Technical Excellence College’s across the country — they will provide a significant boost to skills, innovation, and developing the future workforce our country needs. At Vistry, we’re deeply committed to skills development and building strong industry partnerships.  

“This achievement will not only strengthen our collaboration with Exeter College but also help ensure we have a pipeline of talented, work-ready individuals to support the future of construction and housebuilding across the region.” 

This is a timely investment as the College has seen unprecedented growth in Construction in recent years. Full time learner growth surged by 32% in the last academic year, while apprenticeships have also seen consistent increases, with over 650 trade and professional construction apprentices enrolled for the 2024/25 academic year. With a total of over 1150 Construction learners (2024/25), helping to provide a solution to the UK’s construction skills shortage over the next few years. Furthermore, the faculty’s achievement rates significantly surpass national averages, underlining its dedication to high quality teaching, learning and student success. 

Councillor David Thomas, Chair of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA), said:  
“Exeter College’s appointment as a Technical Excellence College in construction is welcome news for our region. This will strengthen local skills and help Devon and Torbay contribute to the government’s 1.5 million homes target. 

“To meet these ambitions, we must expand construction training across the whole of our region. The DTCCA looks forward to working with Exeter College to address local needs and challenges. 

“We are also committed to collaborating with the West of England Combined Authority, Plymouth and Cornwall, to align skills strategies and share expertise with other training providers, ensuring a joined-up approach to building a skilled workforce across the South West.” 

As a Construction Technical Excellence College, Exeter College is excited to lead the way in tackling the skills shortage, driving innovation, and building a stronger future for the South West, and looks forward to sharing more exciting developments on this initiative in the near future. 

Pictured above: Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State for Skills at the Department for Education, launching Foundation Apprenticeships earlier this year at Exeter College.

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.

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