Exeter College lifts the trophy for Engagement with Employers at prestigious Beacon Awards

Exeter College has won the much-coveted City & Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers at the Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards, the most prestigious awards in further education.

The AoC Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year. This award is supported by City & Guilds and seeks to recognise examples of colleges who are responsive to the needs of employers and their region, demonstrate a whole college approach and who demonstrate systematic networking and collaboration with other organisations.

The College and Great Western Railway (GWR) forged a relationship based on shared values and focus on their customers. The partnership between the College and Great Western Railway which originated in 2017, was ambitious from the outset. Adoption of a commercial mind set by the College and significant investment on both sides has enabled both GWR and College to support each other’s aims and ambitions. There is a shared clear long-term vision, enabling the development of a vibrant learning community of both Apprentices and College staff with a mutual passion for professional development and thirst for knowledge. Shared values of ambition, collaboration and enthusiasm have driven Apprenticeship growth in GWR.

This Partnership has succeeded in developing exceptional Apprenticeship programmes, not only driving knowledge, skills, and behaviours, but also building confidence, Apprentice voice and giving economic opportunity to a diverse group of learners across a geographically dispersed area.

Rob Bosworth, Jenny Vince, Mike Blakely and Lucinda Sanders with the Beacon Award

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

“We celebrate the engagement and partnership of over 1050 employers here at Exeter College. They are a vibrant element of our organisation and help us shape our skills offer and support 1000’s of our students with employment and progression opportunities. The Association of Colleges Beacon Award for engagement with employers is hotly contested every year. To be shortlisted was an honour and after an arduous judging visit, we are delighted to have been recognised as the top college in the country for our endeavours.”

He added, “The focus of our submission was our extensive partnership with GWR. It is a truly unique collaboration that supports hundreds of Apprentices across the rail network. The award recognises the outstanding work of both GWR and Exeter College staff who all work tirelessly to support our Apprentices and I want to thank them all for their outstanding contribution to our learning community and partnership.”

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy CBE, said:

“Our aim is to work with employers, not as provider, but as a true partner which makes a difference to their business. This National Award, is the highest accolade available in the Further Education Sector, related to working with employers.

“To have won this prestigious award for our extensive partnership with GWR is a fantastic achievement for the College, our staff, our apprentices and our wider employer partners – I would like to thank and congratulate everyone involved.”

Mark White, Chair of AoC’s Charitable Trust, said:

“The AoC Beacon Awards showcase exactly why colleges are so important to every community and why people value them. This award recognises examples of excellent practical teaching and learning. The work of the winning college shows how important colleges are in providing students with the necessary skills for the real world.”

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.”

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.

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.