Minister for Higher and Further Education visits Digital and Data Centre
Exeter College is delighted to welcome Minister of State for Higher and Further Education, Michelle Donelan, to their sector-leading Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre which helps to drive growth and widen opportunities in the digital industry.
The Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College focuses on providing employer-led education opportunities in the digital sector, including courses around data analytics, cyber security, software development, Esports and providing training for Apple’s app development.
Minister for Higher and Further Education Michelle Donelan, was given a tour of the centre and spoke to adult learners and apprentices studying digital skills at the college about their course and future career aspirations. She said:
“It was my pleasure to visit Exeter College today, a key partner in the South West Institute of Technology (SWIoT), to see first-hand why they rightly deserve their outstanding Ofsted ranking.
“Institutes of Technology are a game changer in technical education, and SWIoT is leading the country in delivering world-class degree apprenticeships in cutting edge industries such as technology, and digital skills.
“From their world-class Data Science Degree Apprenticeship to offering exciting opportunities in marine engineering, South West IoT shows what is possible when local education institutions and businesses join forces.”
John Laramy CBE, Exeter College’s Principal and Chief Executive, said:
“It was an absolute privilege to host the Minister for Higher and Further Education, Michelle Donelan, today. The city of Exeter is a great example of a place whereby the education eco-system works collaboratively with other training providers, employers and stakeholders to make a difference to the communities we serve.
“The Minister toured our Digital Data Centre, which is part of the South West Institute of Technology (SWIoT), talking to students from an array of different programmes from Boot Camps to Data Analytics.
“The Exeter College part of the South West IoT, alongside the University of Exeter, aims to provide employers and students with a digital skills escalator to help equip both the city and region with the skills that it needs to grow and thrive”.
Technical Education Offers Students a Stepping Stone into Devon’s Growing Sectors
As Open Day season continues, students are being encouraged to explore technical education routes that can open the door to some of the region’s biggest job growth areas in Digital, IT and Healthcare.
Young people in Devon are being encouraged to consider the range of technical education routes on offer into some of the biggest growing sectors in the region. Apprenticeships, traineeships and the new T Levels are just some of the different education and training pathways being showcased this Open Day season, with clear routes into Devon’s growing industries.
This follows the launch of the government’s new ‘Get the Jump’ Skills for Life campaign, which launched on 24th January. The campaign brings together in one place all the training and education choices that are available for 14–19 year olds, so that young people can see how they compare and where they can lead, to help them take their next step.
“I chose the T Level as it is a course that represents a combined way of learning, blending classroom and practical training.“
Josh Dyer – Exeter College student studying a T Level in Digital Design, Production and Development
Digital, IT and healthcare are three of the region’s biggest job growth areas, with the number of jobs in the digital sector doubling since 2012 – and this trend is expected to continue.1 The healthcare sector is also steadily growing and accounts for around £1 billion annually to Devon’s economy.2 The demand for more nurses means there are also 810 projected new job openings between now and 2024.
Employers, schools and colleges in the region are offering a range of support to young people who are considering their next steps. Technical education routes, including the new T Levels, are a helpful source for local employers looking to find, nurture and secure young talent.
“The placement has offered us a new perspective on what we learn at college and helped us put our skills into practice.“
Meg Wall – Exeter College student studying a T Level in Health
One student, Josh Dyer from Kingsteignton, is studying a T Level in Digital Design, Production and Development at Exeter College and is currently completing a work placement with Teignbridge Propellors.
Josh commented, “I chose the T Level as it is a course that represents a combined way of learning, blending classroom and practical training. I have dyslexia so prefer this style of learning. The course is amazing – there have been so many opportunities and projects to get involved in.
“The placement atTeignbridge Propellers has been really great. It has improved my team skills and given me good insight into how a software development team fits into a business and has reinforced what we’ve been studying at college. When I complete my T Level, I will be working at Teignbridge Propellers as they have offered me a graduate job, following on from my work placement with them.”
Another student, Meg Wall from North Devon, is studying for a T Level in Health at Exeter College and has been doing her work placement with the Devon Partnership NHS Trust.
Meg commented, “I chose a T Level because it offered new opportunities for my learning and the chance to complete an industry placement. I have found the course so interesting and enjoyable, and I am looking forward to future learning. The placement has offered us a new perspective on what we learn at college and helped us put our skills into practice. In the future I hope to go to university to study Midwifery.”
Meg Wall is studying for a T Level in Health at Exeter College
Technical education routes being spotlighted in the area include:
New T Level qualifications. T Levels are designed with employers and include practical on-the-job training. They can help you find your way into a job, higher apprenticeship or university. There is a whole range of T Levels available to study at Exeter College – you can find out more about the different courses here: https://exe-coll.ac.uk/school-leavers/t-levels/
Apprenticeships. You don’t have to choose between getting paid and gaining skills. With an apprenticeship, you can do both. Apprenticeships help you develop skills, knowledge and behaviours in preparation for progression into further training or work. There is a whole range of apprenticeships on offer in the area. Data & Science, Education & Early Years, and Digital & Technology are just some of the apprenticeships available at Exeter College. To find and apply for an apprenticeship in your local area, search here.
Traineeships. A traineeship gives you the support and skills to find your way into an apprenticeship or work. Traineeships can boost your skills and confidence, which can help you get into an apprenticeship or a job. To find and apply for a traineeship visit: Find your nearest traineeship or find a local training provider.
Kickstart Scheme Jobs. These are open to 16–24 year olds claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. Thousands of Kickstart Scheme jobs are available right now in a wide range of sectors. Talk to your Work Coach to find out how to apply or read more on the JobHelp website.
Devon Partnership NHS Trust is offering a number of T Level students industry placements. Jo Horne, Apprenticeship Development Manager at the Trust, said: “T Levels form an important part of Devon Partnership NHS Trust’s plan to develop additional career pathways and progression routes into the NHS. These new qualifications provide an excellent opportunity for young people to explore careers in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities. It’s crucial that we start a relationship with young people who will become our nursing workforce in the next five years.”
Jo Horne, Apprenticeship Development Manager at Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Commenting, Sam Hillman, Assistant Principal for Curriculum at Exeter College said: “It’s more important than ever for young people to get ahead and start thinking about their choices, whether they take a technical education pathway like a T Level, or choose to do A levels or BTECs.
“We’re encouraging all young people to explore all their options. Our courses offer a range of exciting routes for young people which will ensure they are well-equipped to maximise the wealth of opportunities out there and get a foot on the ladder in the region’s growth areas. The perfect way to do this is to attend one of our Open Events where you can learn more about our whole offer, including the fantastic new T Levels.”
Kat Woodman, a careers adviser from the National Careers Service said, “Whether you know where you’re headed in the future or not, exploring the work and study choices available to you is a great place to start. Our friendly and professional advisers at the National Careers Service can help you better understand your next steps or talk you through all the choices to get you where you want to go.”
The ‘Get the Jump’ Skills for Life campaign has information and advice about all the choices on offer, so young people can choose the best path for them.
If you need help or advice about learning, training and work, to make informed decisions about your future, you can contact the National Careers Service via webchat or by calling 0800 100 900 (8am-8pm Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday).
How Being a Centre of Online Excellence Has Helped Our Students Achieve Their Goals
Following the Government’s lockdown of all schools and
colleges from mid-March, education faced a huge, unprecedented shift to online
teaching and learning.
For many, this leap to digital education was an immense
learning curve. However, thanks to our longstanding commitment to digital
transformation, we at Exeter College were remarkably well-placed for the
transition.
From the very beginning, we made it our priority that all
our students and Apprentices continued to receive the outstanding education
they joined us for. Our online learning portals became a key tool in providing
students with expert online tuition through recorded lectures, live interactive
seminars, and independent study sessions.
Our readiness for using digital learning to its full potential
was aided through our long-term digital strategy. Due to this, our students and
staff were able to quickly become fully-fledged digital citizens and were able
to utilise online learning and unlock its full potential. Although the shift to
digital learning came much quicker than anyone could have expected, our digital
strategy meant that we already had the building blocks in place to ensure the
process would be a success.
Microsoft Showcase College
We’re proud to be one of only a handful of further education
providers in the country to be named as a ‘Microsoft Showcase College,’reflecting
our commitment to providing outstanding online learning opportunities. During
the lockdown, our Microsoft Showcase status helped to enable both our staff and
students to confidently move to online learning, with great results.
Students studying subjects from Barbering to Maths, and
everything in between, were able to receive tuition purely online. Sam
Pestridge, A Level student studying Spanish, Politics and History has been very
impressed with the transition to digital learning during the lockdown.
“Teachers have been calling us online, this is especially
useful for a subject like Spanish where it’s important that we keep practising
our speaking,” said Sam.
“Teachers have been doing PowerPoints and recording sessions
for us. I feel I’m supported in my learning and the teachers are always
available for us if we need them.”
As a College, we’ve received an exceptional amount of
positive student feedback, proving the success of our digital strategy. We aim
to continue using our digital prowess in future by helping other schools and
colleges make the most of remote learning opportunities, throughout the current
pandemic and beyond.
EdTech Demonstrator College
We were recently announced as an EdTech
Demonstrator College by the Department for Education. This means that we
will be using our digital expertise to help other education providers deliver exceptional
teaching and learning online.
The EdTech Demonstrator Programme, which is backed by the
Department for Education, The National Grid for Learning, The Education
Foundation and Sheffield Hallam University, provides a platform for
peer-to-peer support in education. We are very excited to now be tasked with providing
tailored support to other schools and colleges to upskill their staff,
technology and, ultimately, their online teaching.
Exeter College Assistant Principal Jenny Leach, who led our
offer of help on the Programme, said, “We wanted to get involved in this scheme
to help other schools and colleges in any way we can. We aim to deliver the
best possible online learning experience for their students.
“The EdTech Programme is in response to some of the
challenges schools have faced during the Coronavirus lockdown, but this will
also be an opportunity to make a lasting impact on how education works for a
lot of schools.
“The aim is obviously to help schools through the current
uncertain period, but online learning can be used to enhance teaching, learning
and assessment beyond this, and that’s one of the secondary aims of the programme.
We want this to have a lasting impact on schools and help enhance the learning
environment of their learners for many years to come.”
Exeter College – The College of the Future
Here at Exeter College, we have a reputation as an education
innovator, continually developing in line with the needs of our learners and
the local area. In addition to outstanding online learning resources ready for
the future, we are also evolving our education offer, helping individuals and
businesses to thrive for the economy of the future.
The construction of our new Digital and Data Centre is
currently underway, which is due to be completed by early 2021. The new Centre
forms part of a South West Institute of Technology plan to revolutionise
digital, engineering and manufacturing technology education across the region.
The bespoke digital facilities will provide skills training to create the
digital and data professionals needed for the economy of tomorrow.
Next Steps
We are currently preparing for enrolment for a
September 2020 start.
There is also still time to apply online to study with us. Once
all completed documents have been sent in and reviewed, students will be given
a conditional offer.
Ministers take part in virtual tour of Exeter College
Government Ministers attended a virtual tour of Exeter College as part of their plans to continue the gradual reopening of schools and colleges in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I was impressed and inspired by the passion and enthusiasm shown by their students who have continued to receive the best education and training possible during Covid-19,”
Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson MP
The Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson MP and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills Gillian Keegan MP joined the College’s students, staff and leaders to discuss how the College adapted to online teaching and learning during the lockdown, how the College has further opened to more students from the 15th June 2020 and how the College is looking forward to welcoming students in September.
The Ministers also heard directly from current College students and Apprentices about their experience and future plans.
Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson MP
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson MP said, “It was a pleasure to virtually visit Exeter College and meet their students and staff. It was great to see how by working in partnership with local schools, universities and employers, they are making sure young people get the skills and experience they need to have rewarding careers.
“I was impressed and inspired by the passion and enthusiasm shown by their students who have continued to receive the best education and training possible during Covid-19.
“Now, more than ever, it’s vital young people have access to high quality technical education. Exeter College offers our new T Levels as well as high quality Apprenticeships and by being a part of the wider South West Institute of Technology ensures students have the skills and support they need to succeed. I wish them all the best and look forward to hearing more about their brilliant work.”
The College also provided an update on the ongoing developments at the College, including the construction of a range of new facilities which will be ready for September to support the introduction of T Levels. In one group session the College shared its approach to partnerships and the delivery of Apprenticeships, which was recognised this year by being shortlisted in the coveted Beacon Awards.
Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan MP
Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan MP said, “It was a pleasure to virtually visit Exeter College and hear about the fantastic work they are doing to make sure more young people get the skills they need to reach their full potential.
“It was great to talk to students and staff, and find out more about how the College is preparing to deliver our exciting T Levels from September, and their new state-of-the-art Digital and Data Centre which will help more young people learn a range of important skills.
“I wish them all the best and look forward to hearing more about their great work.”
College leaders also spoke on the ongoing construction of a new £10m Digital and Data Centre as part of the South West Institute of Technology, which will help to revolutionise digital and data training within Exeter, and engineering and manufacturing technology education across the wider region. The building is set to be completed in early 2021 and will play a core part in making the South West a leading area for technical education in the country.
Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said, “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the Ministers today, albeit virtually. The College was able to talk about its reaction to the challenges of the lockdown, but also able to share how brilliantly staff and students quickly adapted to working in a different way.
“We were able to outline our College’s contribution to the City of Exeter, as a key civic partner that works closely with the University of Exeter and schools to create a clear and successful education eco-system.”
The College was also able to share its ambitious plans for the future and outline how colleges, such as Exeter, can play a key part in economic recovery. In addition, the College spoke about the new Future Skills Centre, which is a new partnership with Devon County Council, to support SMART Aviation, technical education and adult retraining, based at Exeter International Airport.
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.
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 Celebrates Microsoft Innovative Educators
Exeter College and Microsoft joined forces to celebrate the digital innovators at the heart of the college’s Digital Transformation.
Leaders from Microsoft’s Education Team gathered alongside Exeter College staff to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Ofsted Outstanding college becoming a Microsoft Showcase College and award members of staff with their Microsoft Innovative Educator badges.
“Exeter is lucky to have such a strong and energetic college at its centre,”
Clare Riley, Microsoft Engagement Manager for Further and Higher Education in the UK
Anthony Martin, Digital Innovation and Engagement Manager at Exeter College, was delighted to celebrate the achievements of college staff who have embraced digital innovation in their work.
Anthony said, “Members of staff here have not only taken the time to learn and embrace new technologies in their work, but they have also embraced the Microsoft community and are helping others around the college to use technology in a way that is transforming everyone’s understanding of technology and learning.”
“Everything we do as part of this project is to try and upskill our staff so they can save time, become more efficient users of digital technology and spread that knowledge to our learners.”
Commenting on the Microsoft Educator Community, Anthony said, “I genuinely feel like this is a great partnership for us at the college. It’s not just a thing we have signed up to in order to get free badges and T-shirts; it’s about empowering our teams, and ultimately our students, to learn the digital skills they need for the future of work ahead of them.”
As part of the awards ceremony, almost 20 Exeter College staff were recognised for embracing Microsoft’s innovative technology in their work and Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy was pleased with how the partnership with Microsoft has influenced digital innovation across the college.
John Laramy said, “It’s great to be able to mark more formally the partnership we have with Microsoft. We’re a college that would rather take actions than just words and today is a really strong action in terms of our commitment to Microsoft and their commitment to us. This is just the start of an exciting journey as we continue our digital transformation.
“One of the big impacts we have already seen as part of this partnership is staff being more sustainable because they’re using IT more and paper less. That’s a win for staff, a win for students and a win for the environment.”
Clare Riley, Microsoft’s Engagement Manager for Further and Higher Education in the UK, had been impressed by Exeter College’s forward-thinking approach to embracing digital technologies.
“Exeter College has clearly worked hard to make sure that not only are students learning the right skills but staff can also develop and grow too,” said Clare.
“From my perspective, it’s a college full of passion, ambition and delight. What I’ve found is a real can-do attitude and that’s very much the same mentality we have at Microsoft. Exeter is lucky to have such a strong and energetic college at its centre.”
Clare was also keen to highlight how digital opportunities in the region can continue to grow thanks to the new South West Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College which will begin construction in the coming months.
“One of the things I’m most excited about going forward is the Institute of Technology. It’s going to be really exciting for Exeter to have this project driving innovation at its core. Microsoft loves to share what it does and we will certainly be sharing our innovations with the team at Exeter College as the Digital and Data Centre comes to fruition.”
Exeter College Vice Principal Rob Bosworth, who leads on the digital strategy at the college, said, “Our partnership with Microsoft plays an important role in our ambition to make every person, student and staff, an active digital citizen by 2025. We are embracing every opportunity to support staff and students to upskill and be comfortable with emerging technologies ensuring we are placed to be a college of the future.”
Want to find out more about Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College? Register now for our next Open Event.
