Exeter College buildings and services will be closed for the Christmas holidays from noon on Friday 20 December 2024 until Monday 6 January 2025. If you require any support or help during this time there are a number of resources available to you, for more information click here for useful links (students can access this via the Student Hub). Further details about our dedicated safeguarding team, information and our policies can also be found here.
If you are worried about your own or about someone else’s safety; please contact the MASH Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub on 0345 155 1071 or complete an online referral form or in an emergency contact the appropriate emergency service.
If you need support over the Christmas holiday, please contact one of the organisations below who are available to help.
Exeter College approved to deliver the Civil Aviation Authority Part 66 Licence
Exeter College has been delivering higher level courses in aircraft engineering since the early 2000s, with new partnerships and opportunities in the sector reflected in the changes in its offer over time.
This year the College became one of only three in England approved to sign off engineers for the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 66 Licence (issued under the CAA’s Part 147 regulation). This certification covers a specific practical element of the Licence which is essential in signing off for operation any aircraft registered in the UK.
The Licence is delivered as part of the College’s Foundation Degree (FdA) in Aircraft Engineering which is awarded by Kingston University London and approved by the CAA. Most people who train for this accreditation will do it directly with an airline, so this is a unique offer for any college. Students on the FdA programme need to complete 2400 learning hours across two years (with a combination of time in the classroom and in the hangar). Students benefit from the use of facilities at Exeter Aerospace (EA) throughout their training. The support from EA in providing access to their modern, purpose-built hangars and workshops is invaluable to the quality and breadth of experience students receive, giving them access to a UK CAA Part 145 environment, an essential criterion for Licence approval by the Authority itself.
Andy Wells, Head of Faculty for Engineering, Aerospace and Automotive, said;
“This programme is a vital cog in providing the skills required across maintenance repair organisations across the whole of the South West. Students enrol from across the region, which enables us to successfully set up apprenticeship opportunities and careers development with employers in their areas. We are proud to be one of only a few Part 147 organisations delivering this vital training.”
Students completing their Foundation Degree receive their Part 66 Licence certificate, an essential steppingstone in gaining full accreditation. Once graduates are issued their certificate it allows them to apply for their full Licence after only two years in industry, rather than the normal five: the certificate significantly reducing the time it would take these engineers to fully qualify.
We are seeing many opportunities in the aviation industry right now. Of the recent FdA cohort, all ten graduates were offered jobs at Exeter Aerospace, with nine accepting and one continuing to Kingston University to study the top-up degree.
Pictured is Foundation Degree student, Charlie Putt, receiving his Part 66 Licence certification from Mike Robinson, Programme Lead in Aeronautical Engineering, earlier this month.
“In our experience students in the main want to stay local and we are fortunate that there are opportunities like those at Exeter Aerospace right on our doorstep.” says Mike Robinson, Programme Lead in Aeronautical Engineering.
This is an exciting time for graduates intent on moving into the aviation sector. At both national and international level, the aviation industry is facing a significant shortage of suitably certificated engineers, and the College is now receiving enquiries directly from airlines looking for qualified staff. For those students who do wish to go further afield there is a multitude of avenues open to them. Better still, aircraft engineers can hope to earn anything between £40k-£50k within three to five years of qualifying, nearly £10k above the average UK annual salary (according to the latest earnings report by the ONS).
The College currently offers a range of courses and training opportunities in aeronautical engineering at varying levels, including a full time Level 3 BTEC in Aeronautical Engineering, and progression pathways including the Level 5 Foundation Degree in Aeronautical Engineering and an Apprenticeship in Aircraft Maintenance. Building on the success of its Skills Bootcamps (funded short-term, part-time practical courses), Exeter College now also delivers a Skills Bootcamp in Aviation in partnership with Exeter Aerospace.
Exeter College’s Festival of Carols Lights Up the Cathedral with Music and Community Spirit
Exeter College proudly hosted its annual Festival of Carols on Thursday evening, uniting students, parents, and the broader Exeter community in a celebration of the festive season and a reflective conclusion to the year. The event took place in the magnificent setting of Exeter Cathedral.
The service was led by Reverend Matt Clayton, Leader of Unlimited Church and UNLTD Coffee, and Reverend Canon Chris Palmer, Canon Treasurer at Exeter Cathedral.
The evening began with welcome speeches from Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy CBE and Reverend Canon Chris Palmer. Students then marked the opening with a candlelit procession down the nave, singing ‘Betelehemu’, a Nigerian Christmas carol.
John Laramy CBE, Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College, expressed his admiration, saying:
“I am continually amazed by the incredible talent of our students— whether they’ve sung, performed, played in the orchestra, or delivered a heartfelt reading. This year’s display of talent was truly exceptional. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all the students and staff who made this event such a resounding success.
“The Festival of Carols offers a wonderful opportunity to mark the start of the festive season. It also creates a magical moment for us to thank our community whose partnership and support are vital to the College’s success.”
A full cathedral audience was captivated by performances from the College’s diverse array of musical groups, including the Exeter College Student Choir, Exeter College Orchestra, Performing Arts Cathedral Choir, Exeter College Big Band, The HILL Choir, and The Exeter College Festival Ensemble.
Guests were treated to well-loved classics such as ‘It Came Upon the Midnight Clear’, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, and ‘The First Nowell’.
Several learners also did readings amongst many other student performances, including Lucy Beane (pictured above). Lucy is studying A Levels in Sociology, Politics and Early Modern History. Speaking about why she auditioned to read at the festival, she said;
“The historic element of being in the cathedral setting knowing that for hundreds and hundreds of years people have performed and read these verses is magical, and it’s quite remarkable to say that you’ve done something like that. It’s nice to do something festive, do something a bit Christmassy and it’s important to remember the true meaning of Christmas in this busy world that we all live in.”
Rose Gordon Clark (pictured above) also performed a reading. Rose is studying A Levels in Drama, English Literature, Sociology and Geography and hopes to pursue her love of Drama when she finishes at college. She said;
“It’s wonderful to feel part of the community. It’s so much fun, and you get to meet all these amazing people.”
This charitable event, while free to attend, raises funds for a different nominated charity each year. This time Exeter College chose to support Pets As Therapy (PAT). Pets As Therapy is a national charity that enhances the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in communities across the UK. They strive to ensure that everyone, no matter their circumstances, has access to the companionship of an animal. The College is very lucky to work regularly with Pets as Therapy to provide support to students.
Thank you to Mia Tang for the beautiful artwork used for the Festival of Carols Programme. Mia is studying the Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice; Art, Design and Communication.
Boost for UK’s Green Skills with appointment of former Skills Minister as Honorary Chair of new national initiative
The Green Construction Advisory Panel (GCAP), which was originally established by Exeter College as a South West England based membership group and then rolled out internationally earlier this year, is widening its scope in its aim to address the green skills gap in the UK more broadly.
The newly re-named Green Skills Advisory Panel (GSAP) is on a mission to close the green skills gap and provide entry routes into green careers by establishing a UK-wide framework. It aims to upskill the current workforce and educate new entrants to adopt emerging technologies, consider the environmental impact of construction and other activity, and identify how industry can help meet Net Zero targets.
A nine strong National Partnership Board has now been appointed to direct and engage in the work of GSAP by representing members’ interests at a national level in government, industry forums and public discussions; commissioning researching and publishing reports which inform members and stakeholders; promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of the green skills sector; enhancing the role of employers in designing the new curriculum; and informing and influencing industry training standards and best practice.
Former Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon has been elected as Honorary Chair of the GSAP Board with Mike Blakeley of Exeter College as Chair and Graham Hasting-Evans of NOCN Group and BACH, Nick Miles of EWI Pro, Charlene Wall of The Wood Manor Group, Paul Brown of SWIFIX Ltd, Giles Bradford of Bradfords Building Supplies, and Natalie King of AccXel, as Board Members. They are seeking the support of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the Department for Education (DfE) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
Robert Halfon commented:
“The Green Skills Advisory Panel (GSAP) represents a crucial step in our journey towards the new skills of the 21st Century. GSAP is not just building houses but helping to construct the very foundation of our green economy. This transformation embodies the essence of my Ladder of Opportunity – providing clear pathways for young people and adults to climb into secure, well-paid green jobs while addressing our nation’s critical skills shortages. We are not just about closing the green skills gap; we’re opening doors to all – for a brighter, cleaner future on the green skills ladder of opportunity.”
Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Future Skills & Apprenticeships at Exeter College and Chair of the GSAP National Partnership Board, added:
“Partnership and collaboration is at the heart of delivering exceptional outcomes for industry and learners alike. GSAP embodies all that is brilliant with regards to industry and education coming together for the common good. The absolute focus of making a difference and maximising impact from our joint endeavours will have a substantial effect. With our quest for Net Zero so high on the agenda I am excited about what we as a nationwide and international partnership will achieve.”
Graham Hasting-Evans, President of BACH, Chief Executive of green skills solutions provider NOCN Group, and GSAP Board member, said:
“If the UK is going to make the step change needed to achieve Net Zero we must harness the power and commitment of our local companies and communities as well as investing in the mega projects such as off-shore wind and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). GSAP has proven in the South West of England that you can do just that. This is why NOCN Group is delighted to be able to support the national roll-out of this important initiative. It will help us to make major improvements in areas such as social housing and social mobility which are key agendas for us as a skills charity.”
Luke Moss, Project Manager at Exeter College and GSAP, added:
“Since its launch as GCAP in the South West in 2022, GSAP has expanded to 20 centres across the UK and forged connections with international partners in Malawi and Nepal. GSAP Centres unite key regional stakeholders. This includes 30 committed training providers, employers, building services companies, housing associations, construction firms, manufacturers, local authorities, government agencies, and charities with the aim to identify opportunities and collaboratively develop pathways into green careers. These centres provide a comprehensive view of the green skills landscape in their regions, driving coordinated efforts toward actionable outcomes.”
To become a GSAP member or to find your local centre, read more.
Exeter College Hosts Inaugural Business and Trade Select Committee
On the morning of Tuesday 3rd December, Exeter College hosted the Business and Trade Select Committee, made up of 11 MPs, who met with 30 local businesses. The event provided an opportunity for the College’s valued partners in the South West to discuss and feedback directly to the Committee, their challenges and opportunities in the current economic climate.
This event formed part of the Business and Trade Select Committee’s series of six regional roadshows. This wider engagement exercise hopes to hear from businesses and workers, investors and consumers to help shape the Committee’s work plan for the months and years ahead. Exeter College Humanities students had the opportunity to listen in on these important discussions.
The Business and Trade Select Committee with Richard Church, Chief Operating Officer and Jade Otty, Deputy CEO.
Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Business and Trade Committee, said;
“This is the first of our national engagement events. The Business and Trade Committee is travelling the country listening to the voice of business and trade unions and consumer groups about what they would like us as a committee to focus on for the next five years.
“I really wanted to start at Exeter College. I’ve known the college for many years, it’s always been famous for having outstanding networks of relationships with the business community. I knew that if we wanted to hear from as many businesses as possible, as fast as possible, Exeter College was the place to kick the tour off.
“What we got today was exactly what I hoped for. We received a real diversity of views from business and very clear messages about how the cost of business has gone up and they have real ambition to plough through that. There were some clear asks of government such as investment in infrastructure, investment in skills, more available housing, and better access to finance.
“For us, as a committee, we’ve got some clear marching orders from today that will help us shape our enquiries for the course of this Parliament.”
Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Apprenticeships and Partnerships said;
“Liam engaged with Exeter College around 10 years ago and knew how exceptional we were as an organisation, and how well linked we were with business. When the gauntlet was thrown down to host the inaugural business select committee, it turned to Exeter to be able to bring this together.
“We are delighted to pull together from our employer and stakeholder network to find some brilliant business voices to share their experiences with the Business Select Committee and hopefully make some positive change. Our businesses and stakeholders support the college brilliantly, so it was great to get them involved in this unique event.”
Bindu Arjoon, Exeter City Council’s Chief Executive, was among those who attended the meeting.
Bindu said: “This was a great opportunity for business leaders in Exeter and across Devon to share their experiences and provide feedback directly to the Business and Trade Select Committee on the opportunities and challenges facing the region to help inform government’s thinking on business and investment, as well as feeding back on the impact of the autumn budget.
“Exeter College plays a key role in working with businesses to ensure that as a city, we have the skilled workforce we need to continue to succeed and thrive in the future, so it provided the perfect setting for the committee to hear a wide range of views on how Government can best support the many great initiatives currently taking place in the region, particularly to boost skills, training, housing and infrastructure.”
The Committee wishes to hear views on the Government’s goals for the UK economy to have the fastest sustained economic growth in the G7; how it will deliver a pro-business, pro-worker’ agenda; develop closer trading relationships with others; and maintain the UK’s status as a global leader in protecting customers. The Committee will publish a report in the New Year listing who it has heard from and what the top priorities will be for its work.
Celebrating T Levels: Situ and Exeter College Working Together
At Situ – The Global Accommodation Agency – they are passionate about supporting young talent and fostering growth in the industry. Since 2008, they have been connecting businesses and organisations with tailored accommodation solutions in over 144 countries. Their mission is to make every stay perfect, whether it’s for one trip or an entire team’s plan.
This commitment to people is why collaborating with Exeter College for T Levels has been such an exciting journey. We spoke to the team at Situ, to find out more.
Discovering T Levels
When we first heard about T Levels, we saw an incredible opportunity to partner with local educational institutions and nurture young talent. After engaging with Exeter College’s enthusiastic team, we participated in a pitch and interview day. It was a smooth and inspiring process that led us to welcome Tom (pictured middle of back row), a Business T Level student, to Situ.
The Value of a T Level Placement
Having a T Level student has brought fresh perspectives and valuable support to our team. Tom’s eagerness to learn has enabled us to dive deeper into certain projects while maintaining our dedication to clients, suppliers, and guests. It’s a win-win: Tom gains hands-on experience in the corporate world, and we benefit from his skills and enthusiasm.
Tom’s Role at Situ
Tom has contributed to a variety of tasks across our Guest Care and Supply Chain departments, including administrative and data-led projects. He’s also shadowed other teams to gain a comprehensive understanding of how our business operates.
Building Skills for the Future
One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience has been watching Tom develop professionally. By collaborating with different departments and experiencing the day-to-day rhythm of an office, he’s gained insights into teamwork and corporate goal-setting. His exceptional communication and writing skills, combined with his quick learning ability, make him stand out as a future star.
Why We Recommend T Level Placements
Hosting a T Level student has been a fantastic experience for Situ. It’s an opportunity to give back to the local community, support young people as they start their careers, and create a pipeline of future talent. Our advice to other employers? Don’t underestimate these students’ potential! Give them diverse opportunities, and you’ll be amazed at how they rise to the occasion.
What’s Next?
Would we host another T Level student? Supporting local students aligns perfectly with our goals of nurturing talent and fostering collaboration so we hope we can continue this in the future.
If you’re a student interested in joining us at Situ, we’d love to hear from you!
To find out more about T Levels at Exeter College, visit us at an open event.
How lifelong learning can help combat isolation and anxiety
We all know the benefits of lifelong learning; how it’s good for our brains, our mental health, our physical health. There are unexpected benefits too, some that come with growing a community of like-minded people and sharing something special.
One Exeter College learner, Si Egan, has been on quite a journey since he first stepped into an adult learner Creative Writing class delivered by college tutor Sam Watson, through the Devon Recovery Learning Community. Here they talk a little about that journey together.
Si explains, “The first course I did was the Devon Recovery Learning Community one at St Sidwell’s and that was not long after the end of lockdown. I had already been off work with anxiety for about a year, I had left that job and realised I needed to get out and start doing something.
“I conveniently live just above St Sidwell’s Community Centre, so it was just downstairs, which meant I could risk going down. I snuck in and sat as near to the door as possible in case it was too overwhelming. It was like an escape if I found it too much, but it wasn’t, it was great. It was a good group – there was no pressure, you didn’t have to share stuff if you didn’t want to.”
Sam remembers this clearly, adding;
“He came and sat in a chair by the door the first week. It wasn’t a big room. There were a few empty chairs around the room, but he specifically sat by the door and I thought ‘I’ve noticed that. I’ve seen you’ and I wondered whether at break he might just quietly leave and not come back. He did come back, and I noticed each week he sat on a different chair and came further into the room. It was one of the best things.”
Putting that tentative foot through the door opened new opportunities for Si, connecting him with new people across the city. He has since done several writing courses with Exeter College through the Devon Recovery Learning Community and the Urban Learning Academy.
“It was good to listen to other people and see what came out of that. That made me get as far as outside St Sidwell’s to the library. And then to here, all the way to the Community Centre on St Davids Hill, which, when you have been very isolated, is like the other side of the world really.”
Si credits his regular return to these classes with the need we have to listen and learn from others, saying;
“I think for me, it’s about the social aspect of it. I get a lot of ideas from other people. You get to know about other people and their lives and the way they view the world. It can be very different from where you are. We all need some interaction. Something I’ve started is my own creative writing class on a Friday afternoon. The main thing that I try and focus on is I’m not really trying to teach creative writing; I’m trying to get people to listen to each other and be heard in that space. It’s amazing how some people don’t get that. They’ve got no one to listen to them and that is hugely important.”
Sidwell Scribblers, as it is now called, came about after a workshop making chutney, in which Si realised it wasn’t about learning to make chutney, but the desire to help others.
“It was just hilarious because I wasn’t paying attention to what we were doing. We were trying to measure things out and put them into the blender, the whole room was laughing their heads off and I realised, I want to do something like volunteering because the chopping up was quite therapeutic!”
Through working with St Sidwells, Si was then successful at securing funding from Recovery Devon and Devon County Council, enabling the Sidwell Scribblers a regular spot.
“I’d say some of the people who come are more serious writers than others, but I’m just trying to get people to come and interact really. I think it’s good for your mental health, that sort of interaction and acceptance.”
Sam describes Si as having an innate feeling for other people. “When we get new learners into classes, they don’t know anybody else, and you can pick up that they have some anxiety, or they have some issues, and Si doesn’t even say anything specific but there is just a feeling that it’s going to be okay. You might be quite chatty, but some weeks it’s enough to step out of your door and get into a different space for a couple of hours. Have a cup of tea. Maybe just sit back and just allow the chats to go on around you but you have a different space and he is really good at that.”
Si’s connection with people certainly seems to be getting noticed as he recently facilitated an activity for Recovery Devon for their annual reports day. Choosing to write a collaborative poem, ending up with three amazing sheets of writing. He also gave a powerful talk about how he supported his recovery journey through Creative Writing, citing the courses as a support structure to write and to learn to listen.
Si is also soon to be published in Lumpen magazine, writing what he describes as “quite a miserable piece about going to get some electric from the co-op and coming back.”
“There was a sinkhole outside St Sidwell’s, which I was fascinated by as an idea, and I culminate with the idea that the entire place will just collapse in on its own. This sinkhole is like metaphor for society just saying we want all these troubles to go away – we don’t want there to be poor people and we don’t want to see them.”
Earlier in the year, Si was also awarded the Exeter College Award for Community Learning at the end of year celebration where he was applauded by his fellow learners. Sam says,
“To see that journey from sitting by the door, to having your work on display at the cathedral, to running your own group, to being successful and applying for funding for these things. It’s just a phenomenal thing to see. Si is funny, charming, and knowledgeable and is always aware of those learners in class who might be feeling a little bit anxious. As a teacher, it’s a lovely thing to witness such collective support amongst learners for each other.”
If you would like to know more about Adult Learning with Exeter College, please call our friendly team on 01392 400170 or visit us at an Open Event.
Available Now: Exeter College School Leavers’ Course Guide 2025-26
Our brand new School Leavers’ Course Guide for students interested in joining Exeter College in September 2025 is now available!
You can view the guide online, download it, or request a printed copy to be posted to you. It’s designed to be user-friendly and is filled with essential information.
How to use the guide
To help you navigate easily, the guide is divided into clear sections:
Your Choice This section provides details on our course offerings, how to select the right course for you, and what level of study might be best.
Your College Here, you’ll find information about the campus, including a site map and transport links. This section also covers timetables, EXtra opportunities, and support available.
Your Application This section outlines the six straightforward steps from school to College and provides additional details about the application process.
Look out for…
Apprenticeships – Highlighted in pink throughout the guide.
T Levels – with many new T Levels in subjects such as Marketing now available.
EXtra – Discover all the exciting Extra opportunities beyond the core curriculum.
What’s inside the guide?
The guide includes information on all the courses and Apprenticeships offered to School Leavers at Exeter College. With a broad range of study options, including A Levels, Apprenticeships, and vocational courses like T Levels, you’ll find something that suits you. For a more detailed look, use the course search feature.
Find out more
To explore everything Exeter College has to offer, attend one of our Open Events. We host three Open Events annually. Click here to register:
Our College Advice Team is here to help you find the right course. Contact them to arrange a visit or a chat. Call 01392 400500 or email cat@exe-coll.ac.uk.
Exeter College Launches New Level 5 Assistant Practitioner (Health) Apprenticeship
Start Date: 1st October 2024
Exeter College, in collaboration with Plymouth Marjon University, is excited to announce the launch of the new Level 5 Assistant Practitioner (Health) Apprenticeship, starting on the 1st of October 2024. This program, aligned with the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, is designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled health and social care professionals.
This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity for experienced individuals in support roles to enhance their clinical expertise while working alongside registered healthcare professionals. Upon completion, apprentices will be well-equipped to deliver, supervise, and coordinate compassionate care for diverse patient groups across a variety of health and social care settings.
Employers across the healthcare sector have already recognised the essential role of Assistant Practitioners in improving patient outcomes. “Our Assistant Practitioner has helped tremendously on the ward, bridging the gap between our HCAs and our Band 5 nurses. She is the first line of defence in patient care and is a highly skilled member of the team, due to both her educational and clinical training,” said Rhi Humphreys, NHS Midwife.
The apprenticeship offers 12 comprehensive modules, including:
Providing high quality, evidence-based clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic care
Foundations of professional practice
Anatomy and Physiology
Communicating effectively
Communication and working in teams
Quality improvement, audit and research activities
Leading and Integrating Care
The programme is carefully designed in partnership with healthcare employers and service users, ensuring that students are equipped to meet real-world demands.
“The course is intended to prepare students to become independent practitioners specialising in their chosen pathway. The programme has been designed in collaboration with employers and service users, combining study that is university-based alongside learning in the workplace. A high level of evidence-based clinical training, embedded with new knowledge attained from the programme, is a vital component and makes Assistant Practitioners a valued member of the nursing team.” – Donna Lucas PgCert Clinical Education, Programme Leader Assistant Practitioner and T Level Adult Nursing
The program is designed with extensive support and learning resources, including access to a state-of-the-art simulation suite, replicating hospital, GP, and community care settings.
Entry Requirements:
A Level 3 BTEC or QCF in Health and Social Care (or equivalent)
T Level P (C+ in core elements)
Three A-levels at grades DDD or higher
Level 2 GCSEs (grade C or above in English and maths) or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills
This apprenticeship is an excellent pathway for those looking to develop their careers in health and social care while contributing to the future workforce. Exeter College is committed to ensuring apprentices have access to all the necessary resources, including our Learning Resource Centre (LRC), with additional recommended readings available for those wishing to explore further.
For more information and how to apply, please contact us on 01392 400800.
Exeter College Travel Support Scheme for 16-18 Full Time Learners 2025/26
We don’t want the cost of travel to be a barrier to you accessing an outstanding education. All full time 16-18 learners who live more than 3 miles from College can access subsidised travel passes for buses and/or trains regardless of household income. However, we know that the cost of living crisis is particularly impacting lower income families in Devon, so Exeter College has increased it’s investment in supporting travel costs for eligible students starting courses in September 2025. The new levels of support will now offer extra travel subsidies to households with an income below £50k per year. This means that travelling to Exeter College might cost much less than you think (and will be completely free of charge for some households). See below for how much a train or bus pass will cost in the next academic year: 2025/26.
If your household income is £50,000* or below, OR you are in care, a care leaver or living independently, you should apply to the bursary before applying for a travel pass.
