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.

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Exeter Chamber of Commerce has appointed Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College, to its board. The appointment comes as Exeter is recognised as the City of Apprenticeships, with the fastest growing number of Apprenticeships, topping 57 other cities across England.

“I hope to build links between our network of employers and the Chamber,”
Mike Blakeley, Exeter College Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement

In his role at Exeter College, Mike Blakeley oversees the delivery of 2,000 Apprenticeships at any one time, from Penzance to Paddington. His team works with 950 businesses, with Apprentices gaining skills and training across 90 different subjects. In addition, Mike works with some of the players of Exeter Chiefs to develop their second career skills. He has been instrumental in the launch of GOAT Lager, a partnership between England International Luke Cowan Dickie and former chief, Harry Strong.

Matt Roach, Chair of Exeter Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “We are pleased to welcome Mike to the Chamber board. Mike will bring a vast range of skills and experience to the board, helping us to continue to work with all sectors of business and particularly to ensure the pivotal link between business and education is at the centre of our work.”

Mike Blakeley said: “I am delighted to join the Exeter Chamber board. I hope to build links between our network of employers and the Chamber, and to focus on how the Chamber can help to develop the next generation of business leaders in the city.”

Exeter College Apprentice Selected for WorldSkills UK Squad

Exeter College student Harry Colgrave is setting out on the road to Shanghai following his selection to Squad UK for the international WorldSkills competition in the Joinery category.

Harry, 19, from Winkleigh, has been invited to join the prestigious WorldSkills UK Talent Development Programme after excelling in its national skills competitions, the finals of which were held recently at WorldSkills UK LIVE at the NEC in Birmingham.

Harry Colgrave studied his Apprenticeship with Exeter College

The WorldSkills competition, which will next be held in Shanghai, China in 2021, takes place every two years and is known as the ‘Skills Olympics’. The competition will feature over 1000 of the world’s most talented Apprentices and students competing in over 50 different skills as they battle it out to be named the World Champion in their chosen skill.

Ben Blackledge, Deputy Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to Harry.”

“This is a life-changing moment for him. Harry has already excelled in the WorldSkills UK regional and national competitions – and now he is facing an even tougher test as he looks to secure his place to represent the UK on the world stage. He has already dedicated hundreds of hours improving his skills to get to this level – and has many months of hard work ahead of him with our training managers – enabling him to transform his career and life.”

Ben Stone, Work-based Tutor at Exeter College, said, “We’re all incredibly proud that Harry will be part of the team representing the UK at WorldSkills. This is a fantastic chance for him to test his skills at an international level with the very best talent across the globe in the construction industry.”

Harry will undertake an 18-month training programme with WorldSkills UK, supported by Exeter College, and will face the ultimate selection test in Spring 2021 when the team that will compete at WorldSkills Shanghai is finalised.

The previous WorldSkills competition was held in 2019 in Kazan, Russia, where Team UK was awarded 19 Medals. By competing in the competition, WorldSkills UK are able to identify global best practice, research and insight that will help the new UK government to deliver world class standards in technical education.

Following the completion of his studies with Exeter College, Harry has launched his own business, HC Joinery.

Find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College.

Find the right course for your future in our course search.

National Award Nomination for Exeter College Director

Exeter College’s Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement Mike Blakeley has been shortlisted for a national award in the prestigious Tes FE Awards 2020.

The awards ceremony is a landmark event in the further education sector as exceptional teachers, learners and providers join together to celebrate innovation and excellence in the industry.

“I think this is simply a reflection on the terrific Exeter College teams, regional partners, employers and Apprentices we work with every day,”
Mike Blakeley, Exeter College Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement

Exeter College’s Mike Blakeley, who has been with the college since 2014, is shortlisted in the coveted FE Leader of the Year category following an incredible year of achievements for the Exeter College Apprenticeships Team, including a recent nomination in the Association of Colleges Beacon City & Guilds Award for Engagement with Employers.

A recent Department for Education survey also announced Exeter College as the top-rated further education college in the South West for employer satisfaction; the second year running they held this title.

This latest recognition for the Apprenticeships provision at Exeter College, alongside record levels of recruitment of Apprentices at Exeter College in the last academic year, represents the continuing success and outstanding reputation of the college locally and nationally.

Speaking after learning of his nomination, Mike said, “It’s a massive surprise and a huge honour to be nominated for this award. Although my name is on the nomination, I think this is simply a reflection on the terrific Exeter College teams, regional partners, employers and Apprentices we work with every day.

“As an Apprenticeships Team we have performed incredibly well against a challenging national picture and have consistently come out as one of the top Apprenticeships providers in the country. From here, we want to continue innovating, continue working with industry partners and develop further so that Apprentices and businesses can work together to meet the skills challenges of the future.

“I would like to wish all my fellow nominees the best of luck ahead of the ceremony.”

The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, on 20 March.

Speaking after the announcement of the full shortlist for the Tes FE Awards, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Congratulations to all of those who have made the shortlist for the Tes FE Awards. The awards are a great opportunity to celebrate and recognise the brilliant work being carried out every day around the country across the sector.

“You should all be very proud of the work you are doing to support people to develop the skills they need to transform their lives.”

Interested in finding out more about Apprenticeships? Register now to attend the Apprenticeships Expo held at Exeter College Sports Hall on Thursday, 6^th February.

Check out the full shortlist for all the categories on the Tes FE Awards story.

Inspiring the next generation of Apprentices

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

George, Management and Leadership Apprenticeship Programme

Great Western Railway

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

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

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

Find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College.

Zoe, Business Administration and HR Consultant Apprenticeship Programmes

Devon Norse

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

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

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

Find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College.

Max, Sporting Excellence Apprenticeship Programme

Exeter Chiefs

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

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

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

Find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College.

Andy, Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship Programme

HepcoMotion

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

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

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

Find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College.

Think Apprenticeships

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

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

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

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

Success for Exeter College Apprenticeships after WorldSkills UK Finals

Harry Colgrave, an advanced bench joinery Apprentice, impressed the judges with his woodwork abilities at this year’s WorldSkills UK in Birmingham. Competing against the best young joiners across the country, Harry managed to achieve a Bronze Award in the prestigious competition.

Our college was honoured not only to have Harry in the finals of this national skills contest, but also Reece Foster, who created outstanding work in the cabinet making category.

Exeter College’s Work-based Construction Tutor, Benjamin Stone, commented on the standard of the Apprentices, “Harry and Reece have continued their road to success from an early stage in their Apprenticeship.

“Both learners have produced amazingly high-quality joinery work for their employers on numerous occasions. They have also happily impressed the experienced joinery Lecturer Gil Taylor, who is very fond of them both,” said Benjamin.

The most exceptional Apprentices and young artisans from across the UK take part in the annual WorldSkills UK competition, all attempting to be the best in their chosen vocation. This competition accelerates young people’s careers; as they gain and improve on world-class skills that equip them for the workplace.

To compete in the WorldSkills UK finals, students must be nominated by the assessors or lecturers and then attend a regional competition.

Last June our Apprentices entered competitors for the painting and decorating, carpentry, joinery and cabinet making regional contests.

The remarkable skill our Apprentices demonstrated earnt them well deserved distinctions in the cabinet making and joinery classes. This meant that Harry and Reece achieved their places in the national skill build final at the Birmingham NEC.

Benjamin Stone concluded, “It was an honour for me to support and mentor these highly experienced tradesmen in action against the other seven competing regional finalists.”

“I’m very proud to be a part of their success, and humble that they have acknowledged and thanked all of the Exeter construction staff for their accolades to date.”

If you would like to share in the experiences Exeter College has to offer, applications are now open.

Exeter College Shortlisted for National Award for Employer Engagement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.