Exeter College launch NHS Hidden Careers Day 

Exeter College has taken the lead in supporting the NHS in providing a future workforce. The College were delighted to host the first ‘NHS Hidden Careers Day’ on Friday 25^th March 2022, organised in partnership with the NHS. 

The second in a series of ‘Hidden Career’ days to be held at Exeter College, this event was designed to support student progression into employment whilst highlighting the critical roles within the NHS that can be overlooked. 

It followed the success of ‘Rail Day’ held in November 2021 which shined a spotlight on “hidden” roles within the rail industry, organised in partnership with Great Western Railway.  

A diverse and ambitious programme of events saw guests from NHS Improvement, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Trust and the South Western Ambulance Service delivering meaningful workshops to Exeter College students about a variety of career pathways in the NHS, including Engineering, Catering & Nutrition, Therapy & Cardiac Services, IT and Business.  

Phillip Shelley, Chair of the NHS Food Review, attended the day, delivering an engaging talk to Sport & Fitness and Hospitality students on the importance of food within healthcare and the link between food and recovery. 

“Having the ability to share the opportunities and challenges of nutrition and hydration within healthcare is vital if we are to raise awareness within our regions and across the country. Strengthening our links with our young people helps to identify topics, career prospects and development within the NHS. 

Hospitals aim to be a beacon within their community, whether this is for patient care, workforce or skill enhancement – I hope that the Exeter College students identified a glimpse of passion from us today, which could draw them into a significant health service career.” 

Phillip Shelley  

 In addition, Exeter College students were delighted to receive inspiring words from Great British Bake Off’s Prue Leith about the benefits of pursuing a catering career in the NHS.  

In total, over 500 students participated in the event across 4 Exeter College locations. Sessions not only identified routes into the NHS and showcased the training and progression opportunities available, but also gave students the opportunity to speak directly to NHS professionals.  

This event is a strong example of how Exeter College strives to deliver excellent career guidance through regular engagement with employers. The combined partnership between Exeter College and local NHS Trusts has seen exceptional success, with over 400 Apprentices enrolled and 98% of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Trust learners undertaking the CMI Team Lead Apprenticeship achieving a distinction. This partnership has enabled people across the South West to enter the sector, develop in their current role and progress onto meaningful careers within Health. 

 “Employer partnerships are incredibly important to the College and the NHS is not only a great partner, but a key part of the Exeter eco-system, which touches all of our lives in some way.  This event has been a real success with students leaving better equipped and  more informed about their next steps and the variety of  careers, opportunities and choices within the NHS. This is just the start of what we hope will be a regular event. 

I would like to thank all of the NHS staff involved for giving up their valuable time to educate and inspire those who could become the next generation of NHS professionals” 

John Laramy 

After the success of this event, the Exeter College ‘Hidden Careers’ series is set to continue, with a local authority careers day next on the agenda.  If you would like to find out more about careers in the NHS or ‘Hidden Careers’ events, please email apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk. 

Exeter College and Radio Exe celebrate Devon’s Outstanding Apprentice Employers

In partnership with Radio Exe, Exeter College hosted a celebratory lunch at their student-run restaurant @thirty-four for the winners of the Employer Apprenticeship Awards 2021.

The awards, held in November 2021, celebrated Devon’s exemplar Apprenticeship employers, highlighting the businesses that go above and beyond in helping their Apprentices succeed.

Five awards were open to entries, including Devon’s Outstanding Tutor, Devon’s Apprentice Champion, and Small, Medium and Large Business Employer.

A panel of judges including representatives from Radio Exe shortlisted 3 finalists, with overall winners voted for by the public and Radio Exe listeners.

Exeter College work with over 950 businesses across the South West, so it is no small feat to be a winner in the Employer Apprenticeship Awards.
Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Future Skills

The winners were announced on air during Radio Exe’s Matt Roger’s Breakfast show on Thursday 4^th November, during which Matt called Devon’s Outstanding Tutor, Gill McGill, live to deliver the good news.

The winners were:

Devon’s Outstanding Tutor: Gill McGill, Exeter College

Apprentice Champion: Caroline Milner, Combe Pafford School

Large Business: Devon County Council

Medium Business: Simpkins Edwards LLP

Small Business: The Mortgage Quarter

Apprentice Champion 1 – Caroline Milner, John Laramy

Apprentice Champion 2 – Caroline Milner, Sam Swann

Large Business winner 4 – Devon County Council – Hayden Boatman, Kimberley Lewis, Amy Kyme

Meduim Business winner 1 – Simpkin Edwards LLP

Meduim Business winner 2 – Simpkin Edwards LLP

Outstanding Tutor 1 – Gill McGill, John Laramy

Small Business winner 2 – The Mortagage Quarter – Richard Gigg, Charlie Hart, Ellie Hensley-Jones

Small Business winner 3 – The Mortagage Quarter – Richard Gigg, Charlie Hart, Ellie Hensley-Jones

All winners and guests were invited to attend Exeter College’s @thirty-four restaurant for a celebratory lunch on Wednesday 16^th March 2022. @thirty-four is run by young chefs and waiting staff who are all students studying Hospitality & Catering at Exeter College.

This exciting event brought together representatives from the winning organisations, Exeter College and Radio Exe. Trophies were presented by Exeter College Principal and CEO John Laramy.

“Exeter College work with over 950 businesses across the South West, so it is no small feat to be a winner in the Employer Apprenticeship Awards. Each winner is well worthy of this outstanding recognition.

Testament to this is that the businesses chose to bring their current Apprentices to the lunch, truly putting young people at the heart of the celebration.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners.”

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Future Skills

Exeter College are excited to announce that their annual Apprentice and Employer Awards will be returning this summer for their fifth year. For more information about these awards or for details about Apprenticeship schemes, please contact apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk or 01392 400 800.

Exeter College Scoops Top Award at the AAC Apprenticeship Awards

Nominees for the Annual Apprenticeship Conference (AAC) Awards recently gathered to celebrate excellence in apprenticeship delivery. With a record-breaking number of entries, the bar was set high.

Exeter College is delighted to have scooped the award for Legal, Finance and Accounting Apprenticeship Provider of the Year.

Sarah Mandeno, Head of Faculty for Professional Adult Learning at Exeter College said:

“We are delighted to have won the Legal, Finance and Accounting Apprenticeship Provider of the Year Award at the AAC Apprenticeship Awards. We have a passionate and committed team and an ambitious curriculum that develops highly skilled, confident and ethical accountants who add value to the finance sector and the local community.

“The growth and development of the provision over the last few years and a new professional space at the Future Skills Centre, has hugely enhanced the experience for our apprentices.”

The College supports 120 finance sector employer partners from Paddington to Penzance – including key players like GWR and Simpkin Edwards.

The qualifications and values of awarding body, AAT, are embedded in the heart of the College’s provision and influence engagement strategies. Employer focus groups allow the College to understand business needs, populating their calendar of events with employer conferences, webinars and networking opportunities for employers and Apprentices alike.

Samantha Wilson, Head of Apprenticeships at Exeter College said;

“This award represents the hard work and relentless commitment of so many amazing curriculum teams and employer collaborations, making remarkable things happen here at the College.”

AAT Regional Account Manager Amy Ammar said:

“Exeter College’s Apprenticeship programmes provide great progression pathways for Accounting Apprentices giving them the valuable employability and professional skills to progress along their career path.”

Find out more about Apprenticeships at the next Exeter College Open Event.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community helps in DIY SOS-style renovation

Exeter College Apprenticeship Bricklaying Skills Officer, Steve Harcus and a band of volunteers have been working on a DIY SOS-style house renovation for a much-loved member of the Exmouth community.

Derek Marsh, owner of Spraypoint Bodyworks, was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in February which has sadly left him paralysed for life, from the upper chest down.

Following the accident, a call was put out on an Exmouth Facebook group for tradesmen requesting help to convert Derek’s home for wheelchair accessibility. Since, there has been an overwhelming response from people wanting to support Derek and his return home. Until recently, Derek had been staying at Oddstock’s Spinal Rehabilitation Unit, but has since moved to Exeter’s Mardon Neuro Rehabilitation Centre where he hopes to stay before returning home.

Volunteers and companies across the community have come together. Exmouth-based Vinnarry Property Design Solutions have kindly drawn up the plans to make Derek’s home liveable for him again, free-of-charge. Work on the site is being led by Cockman Builders.

Having known Derek for over twenty years, Steve wanted to do all he could to make plans a reality and has used his annual leave from Exeter College to join the team on site.

Steve said, “Derek has worked on several of my vehicles over the years. We also have a shared interest in motorbikes, so he would always make time to stop and chat.

“When the post was put out on Facebook asking for help, I immediately contacted Dave Cockman to see if I could be of any use.

“I realised I had holiday left to use and it was agreed I could work for a couple of days (Thursday & Friday) to build an extension to floor level, in preparation for a couple of bricklayers to continue over the weekend. I would also see what else I could do whilst there as I am multi-skilled in construction.”

With current restrictions in place, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the number of people who can work on-site at one time has been limited. This made Steve’s wide range of expertise very beneficial.

Steve continued, “I helped with the demolition of internal walls, built a pier and set padstones on Thursday so we could fit steel beams on the Friday.

“Then I helped position the beams and completed the blockwork on the extension to floor level. I did this with the help of another bricklayer, who I have known since school.

“The atmosphere on site is excellent. As one said, ‘I’ve never had so much fun on-site, and I’m not even being paid!’ It was great to be a part of the team.”

Since volunteering, Steve has returned to the site and has been happy to see more people helping with the build.

Although there has been a wonderful response from community volunteers, Derek’s wife Emma has launched a Crowdfunder to help pay for the materials.

Any money left over will be donated to the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, who helped get Derek to hospital after the accident.

If you would like to donate, you can access the Crowdfunding page here.

Exeter College bucks national trend for Apprenticeship starts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Apprentice Journey – Emily Stutt

Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And for anyone who may be wondering…

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

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

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

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

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

FIND OUT ABOUT COURSES

Exeter College is bursting with opportunities for adult learners.

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

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

HEAR FROM SUBJECT LECTURERS

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

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

ASK LIVE QUESTIONS

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

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

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

HEAR FROM ADULT ADVISERS

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

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

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

LEARN ABOUT FINANCIAL SUPPORT

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

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

Our advisors will guide you through how to finance courses through funding or other means, and the bursaries the college offers and how to access them.

If you would like to join us at our Adult Online Open Event, you can register your interest here.

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

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

Exeter College Runners Up in Coveted National Award for Employer Engagement

Exeter College has been recognised with a top four shortlisting for the Association of College’s award for Employer Engagement.

The Association of Colleges (AoC) celebrated top further education across the UK at its virtual Beacon Awards ceremony, and the College’s commitment to proactively working with employers for the mutual benefit of all saw them shortlisted for the coveted prize in Employer Engagement.

The Beacon Awards are regarded by many as the most prestigious awards within the education sector, given the rigour and robustness of the assessment.

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, said, “We are proud to be one of the four FE colleges shortlisted, in a really strong field made up of Fareham College, Bradford College and Hugh Baird College. Reaching the finals alone was a great achievement, and Fareham College, who won our category, were thoroughly deserving of the accolade.

“Today’s final was one of five we have been shortlisted for this year. Our amazing team provide exceptional support for all our stakeholders. It’s unprecedented to gain national recognition at this level. I want to thank them for their hard work and can-do attitude. They make me really proud and I appreciate each and every one of them.”

The College was judged on its submission titled ‘A City College with Region Wide Impact’, and a showcase day, with ‘partnership’ at its heart. Reaching the finals is a testament to the College’s commitment to working with employers and Apprentices to achieve the best possible outcomes for the local economy and learners.

John Laramy, Principal of Exeter College, said, “We pride ourselves on our partnership working within the city and wider region, and reaching the finals of the Beacon Awards is another national indicator of the quality of the impact of the College’s work with employers.

“Our success is down to the hard work of the team here at the College, the quality of the Apprentices and trainees that study with us and the commitment of 100s of employers across the South West. I would simply like to thank everyone who contributes to the magical formula that has created exceptional Apprenticeship provision at Exeter College.”

Mike Blakeley continued, “It’s great news that the College’s work with employers has been recognised nationally. We are proud to be part of the community we serve, and we have developed longstanding partnerships that are vital in delivering skills development and driving economic growth for the city and wider region.

“The College works with a network of over 1,000 organisations, with a reach that transcends regional borders – from Truro through to Reading. These include both national and regional players drawn from high profile organisations, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises and businesses. Some of our key partners include, Exeter Chamber of Commerce, NHS, GWR, Hepcomotion, Centrax, Devon County Council, University of Exeter, Exeter Chiefs, Met Office – I could go on.

Find out more about Apprenticeships with Exeter College.

If you’re an adult learning interested in an Apprenticeship, r egister now for our Adult Online Open Event where you can find out more in a specialist session dedicated to Apprenticeships. The online event takes place on Tuesday, 16^th June, 3-7pm.

Exeter College Finalists in AoC Virtual Beacon Award Ceremony

Exeter College are finalists in the prestigious Association of Colleges (AOC) Beacon Awards, in the City & Guilds Engagement with Employers category. The awards, now in their 25th year, will be delivered virtually for the very first time, with an online award ceremony on Thursday 4 June.

The event will celebrate finalists and winners from seven categories that collectively highlight and celebrate the best and most innovative practice amongst UK further education (FE) colleges nationwide.

Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, Mike Blakeley, says, “With partnerships and collaborative working at the heart of all that we do as a college, the team are particularly excited to participate in the finals for the Employer Engagement category.

“In February 2020 Exeter celebrated becoming the City of Apprenticeships, having shown exceptional growth in Apprenticeship starts compared to other cities in the UK. Even in these unprecedented times, our employer partners in the region have once again stepped up to the mark and are working in partnership with the College to support their Apprentice employees.

“Difficult circumstances have highlighted the strength of our employer network, and we have been working closer than ever to offer new opportunities and development through training. We have just announced the launch of a new academy for future skills with partners Devon County Council, which is testament to the City’s forward-thinking. The project will enable us to train the next generation, as well as individuals affected by the economic impact of Covid-19, for high-tech jobs in engineering, digital, construction and clean growth.

“Not only this, but we have been working with the community over the past few months, supporting our local NHS front line. This has included initiatives with businesses across the region to make vital PPE, providing kitchen space so meals can be made and delivered to key workers, as well as opening accommodation for NHS staff.”

The Employer Engagement award, supported by City and Guild, recognises exemplary practice in demonstrating an outstanding ability to work with and provide a direct service to employers – in particular, colleges that are effective in meeting employers’ skills needs and/or apprenticeship requirements.

To evidence its exemplary practice, Exeter College has undergone a rigorous judging process. This has included not one, but two written submissions, as well as a visit from an assessor who attended a showcase day with roundtable discussions, visits to Flybe and Exeter Chiefs, plus employer interviews.

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

To join in the celebrations and find out who the winners are, follow the AoC twitter feed on the day.

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

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