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Coveted Green Gown Award for Exeter College Student

Exeter College student Scott Stephens has been awarded a prestigious Green Gown Award – the second year running an Exeter College university level student has received the sustainability award.  

Scott has been named the winner of the Green Gown Award for Student Research with Impact, following in the footsteps of 2018 winner Alex Dixon.  

The Green Gown Awards aim to put a spotlight on the innovative and inspiring sustainability work taking place in universities and colleges to create a brighter future for students and the environment.  

“My work with Sibelco is not only saving the company money… but it’s also helping save the planet,”

Scott Stephens, Green Gown Award Winner 2019

Scott, 39, is currently studying for his Higher National Certificate in Electrical Engineering at Exeter College, while working in the industry with material solutions company Sibelco. His innovative, environmentally friendly work with Sibelco is what has seen him awarded this prestigious award.  

Scott’s innovation for Sibelco involved him developing a filtration system to allow existing onsite water to be used for the site flocculent make down system. Previously, the company had bought in fresh water at the cost of over £25,000 a year, as completely clean water is needed for the process. Scott’s filter meant the company could use the onsite water and cut their costs dramatically, while also making a positive influence on the environment; saving fresh water and transportation time. 

Speaking after receiving his award, Scott said, “I’ve never won anything, and certainly not anything like this, so I’m obviously really delighted. 

“I couldn’t attend the awards ceremony because my partner was heavily pregnant but when I found out I had won I was over the moon and couldn’t really believe it. 

“My work with Sibelco is not only saving the company money every year by not having to buy in fresh water, but it’s also helping save the planet.” 

The role of Exeter College

Scott also wanted to pay tribute to the staff at Exeter College who have helped him during his academic journey as a mature student. He said, “The project I did for the Green Gown Award at Sibelco was a part of one of the modules on my course at Exeter College.  

“The lecturers have been great in encouraging me to go for it and the teaching style is really enthusiastic which really helps you engage in the subject.” 

Exeter College’s Programme Leader for Aerospace and Sustainability, Richard Masters, said, “We’re all over the moon for Scott’s achievements. It’s fantastic for him to be recognised with a national award regarding one of the most pressing issues in global society today. He has made a fantastic contribution to his workplace and we can’t wait to see what he does next. 

“I’m also immensely proud that students from Exeter College have won this specific award two years running. This is vindication that our student first, industry led, mentality to university level teaching is creating independent and free thinking students who can be a positive force for change in industry.” 

A word from the organisers…

The awards were organised by EAUC – the Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education, and inspirational students, universities and colleges were recognised with awards across a range of categories relating to creating a more sustainable world. An awards ceremony was held at Glasgow Science Centre to celebrate the achievements of all the winners.  

Iain Patton, CEO at EAUC and co-host of the Green Gown Awards ceremony, said: “Now in its 15th year, the Green Gown Awards celebrate the very pinnacle of best practice in a sector that is well ahead of the curve on the sustainability agenda. The submissions this year were of an incredibly high calibre, tackling a huge array of sustainable development areas. It was a hard process to pick the winners, and it involved over 90 national and international judges.” 

Check out our university level Engineering courses on our course search.  

Interested in studying with Exeter College? Register now for the Exeter College Showcase – the one-stop-shop for every course we have to offer under one roof.  

Cain Spiller: Don’t Dream It, Be It

As part of Exeter College celebrating 50 years as the UK’s first ever tertiary college, we’re talking to some of the inspirational students, staff and alumni who have helped make us the Ofsted Outstanding education provider we are today. 

Completing his studies at Exeter College in 2019, Cain Spiller is one of our more recent alumni. Yet, he is already firmly on his way to achieving his dream of working in law enforcement.  

The former student from Honiton achieved a fantastic D*D*D* in his Level 3 BTEC in Public Services. Since, he has been accepted to be a Student Constable and is currently training with the police. 

Reflecting on his time at college, Cain was thankful for the teachers and opportunities which helped to influence his ability to get where he is now. 

“All my lecturers had previously taken part in the public services, which meant that they were able to answer any questions with confidence and give us the best possible guidance,” he explained. 

“The tutors took a genuine interest in all of the students’ career ideas and did everything they could to make it happen. For me, it was – and always had been – joining the police service. If there was a recruitment campaign or a police training event, they made sure I knew about it. Some of the activities that we were involved in gave me added experience to include in my CV, and skills which I can use towards my career.” 

Reminiscing on some of the opportunities he was offered at Exeter College, Cain highlighted the Public Services practical day. 

“We were given a chance to take part as a Gold Commander, Silver Commander and Police Officer for a major incident.” 

“This gave me the chance to perform a stop and search on a person with input from Police Officers. As much as this was amazing to take part in, it also completed a great number of criteria needed for multiple assignments,” explained Cain.  

It was activities such as this which provided Cain with a clear route into achieving his dream of policing. 

Since being accepted into the police family as a Student Constable, Cain has completed an extensive 19-week E-Learning training course, where he recently passed his final exam.   

The start of 2020 marks the beginning of Cain’s practical training where he puts all he has learnt into operation with practical scenarios, safety training and much more.  

Cain’s aspirations don’t stop here; he hopes that he’ll be able to build upon his position, becoming a full-time police constable.   

For anyone thinking about following in Cain’s footsteps, he said, “Keep ahead of work where possible and keep persevering where you can’t. Remember, you can do anything you set your mind to, but it takes action, perseverance, and facing your fears.” 

Exeter College is celebrating 50 years since being named as the UK’s first tertiary college. Although our roots date back to the 1800s, our status as a tertiary college marked a revolution in further education and 2020 marks our 50 years of excellence since that landmark. If you have a memory of Exeter College through the years that you’d like to share then contact marketing@exe-coll.ac.uk or get involved on social media using #ExeColl50 

How to Apply to Study with Exeter College

Choosing to apply to study with an Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College is an exciting step for any potential student. However, the process of getting that application in can feel much more daunting than it needs to be, and we’re here to help. Here are our top tips to help you get your application in early and take any worries off your mind.  

Find the right course for you 

Exeter College has loads of study options for different types of learners. Courses are available from Level 1 all the way through to degree level study. Students who are considering options following school can choose to study A Levels, BTECs, Apprenticeships and, from 2020, the government’s brand new T Levels; a technical-based qualification that prepares students for industry with practical skills and knowledge.  

Requesting a School Leavers’ Course Guide is a great way to find out about the full range of courses we offer and our complete course search can help you find more details online.  

Register for an Open Event 

Our all college Open Events are a great chance to discover what life is like studying at Exeter College. You can find out about the courses you’re interested in, meet lecturers and discover the extra-curricular activities on offer. Register for your place now and make sure to read up on what to expect at an Open Event.  

Submit your application form 

Once you’ve decided that Exeter College is the right place for you and you know which course(s) you’d like to study, it’s time to submit your application.  

You can apply online directly and receive an immediate acknowledgement of your application. You can also download and complete a form before returning it to the college to look over.  

Applying early means you’re more likely to get an early interview and secure your place at Exeter College before you focus on your exams.  

Attend an interview 

Once you have applied we will invite you for an interview to discuss your chosen course(s) or Apprenticeship and discuss any additional support you may require. Your interview isn’t anything to stress about and will provide you with a chance to go over any questions you might have regarding your application.  

After your interview you will be offered a conditional place at college which could depend on your GCSE or other exam results, or whether you find an employer if you’re looking for an Apprenticeship.  

Changed your mind?

If you change your mind about your course choices following interview then don’t worry. You can make changes by emailing info@exe-coll.ac.uk or talk to our College Advice Team for guidance on 01392 400600 or cat@exe-coll.ac.uk.  

Take your first steps now 

Remember to apply as soon as possible to ensure you get an early interview and start your journey to studying with us.

Exceptional Students Celebrated at Golden Exeter College Awards

The exceptional learners of Exeter College have been celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony held in the stunning location of Exeter Cathedral.  

The Exeter College Awards 2020, supported by headline sponsors Foot Anstey and Willmott Dixon, aim to shine a light on inspirational achievements of students throughout the previous academic year, with 20 awards handed out to students throughout the night as learners were recognised for achievements in higher education, further education and personal triumph over adversity.  

“To see our students again and hear their achievements and what they are up to now is incredibly inspiring,”

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive
20 students were recognised with awards for academic, vocational, apprenticeship or personal excellence

This year’s awards were especially poignant as the college reflected on 50 years since being named as the UK’s first ever tertiary college in 1970. Guests were treated to a two-course meal as the community joined together to celebrate students, alumni, staff and partners that have contributed to the success of Exeter College today.  

Students from across the South West travelled to the event, highlighting the far-reaching appeal of Exeter College to learners as the ‘Class of 2019’ was formally celebrated at this showpiece event.  

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said, “It has been a real privilege to celebrate the accomplishments of some of our high performing, exceptional learners at this terrific awards event.  This year, as an innovation, every student that was nominated for an award will be given a highly commended certificate, which is our way of recognising that we have a large and growing number of simply amazing students! 

“To see our students again and hear their achievements and what they are up to now is incredibly inspiring, not just for those of us at the awards but also for those students who are thinking of joining the college.” 

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy

The latest academic year has certainly given those at the college reason to celebrate, as FE Week’s NICDEX once again ranked Exeter College as one of the top further education providers in the country, alongside remarkable results in a host of academic, vocational and professional courses.  

John continued: “Students and staff, yet again, made 2018/19 an exceptional year.  To give one example, students achieved record results in our International Baccalaureate; the best in our 20 year history of delivering this demanding international qualification. In relation to staff, we were delighted that our staff ranked the college as a Sunday Times ‘Best Companies’ Top 100 Employer. We recognise that to be successful we need fantastic students and great staff; it is this combination that creates a magic formula. 

“Our Student Awards evening is always a highlight of the year but this event has been especially momentous as we looked back on our first 50 years since becoming the UK’s first tertiary college.  I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone; students, alumni, staff, former staff, employers and partners for supporting us over the years.  The event was epic and a spectacular way to start the next 50 years!” 

Exeter College would like to thank all the generous sponsors who supported this year’s event. They were: Arconic Engines, Bishop Fleming, Devon County Council, Devon Live, Exeter Airport, Exeter Chamber of Commerce, Exeter City Community Trust, Exeter Live Better, Flybe, Foot Anstey, Great Western Railway, InExeter, Kislingbury Property Consultants, Mi-Space and Midas, Peninsula Project Consulting, Pollards Print, Santander, Stagecoach, SW Comms and Willmott Dixon.

Head over to our Facebook and Instagram pages to catch the best photos from the event.

Full list of student award winners

Name Award Sponsor 
Joseph Price Academic Excellence Award Foot Anstey 
Deanna Gillings Academic Excellence Award Santander 
Alice Tomkins Academic Excellence Award Great Western Railway 
Sophie Florides Academic Excellence Award Bishop Fleming 
Harry Colgrave Advanced Apprentice Award Mi-Space/ Midas 
Georgia Mavin Apprentice Award Exeter Live Better 
Sarah Woodison Creative and Performing Arts Academy Award Pollards Print 
Eleanor Harvey Flybe Academy Award Flybe 
Leah Pethick Higher Apprentice Award Arconic Engines 
Rosie Nevill Michael Caines Academy Award Exeter Chamber of Commerce 
Rachael Davis Professional Learner Award Exeter Airport 
Jonah Gibbon Reach Academy Award Kislingbury Property Consultants 
Emma Booth School of Art Award InExeter 
Alex Silis Skills for Life Award Peninsula Project Consulting 
Merryn Doidge Sports Academy Award SW Comms 
William Thomas The #ExeCollProud Award Devon County Council 
Luke Bearpark Vocational Excellence Award Willmott Dixon 
Luke Hawkes Vocational Excellence Award Devon Live 
James Duffy Vocational Excellence Award Exeter City Community Trust 
Millie Reynolds Vocational Excellence Award Stagecoach 

Want to continue your education journey with Exeter College? Register now for our Showcase on April 23rd with every course Exeter College has to offer under one roof.

Share your memories of Exeter College over the last 50 years using #ExeColl50 on social media

January 1989: Exeter College wins the Longmans Award for Innovation in Teaching and Learning

As part of Exeter College celebrating 50 years as the UK’s first ever tertiary college, we’re talking to some of the inspirational students, staff and alumni who have helped make us the Ofsted Outstanding education provider we are today.

Express and Echo, January 1989

This month 31 years ago, Exeter College celebrated being given the esteemed Longmans Award for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, gaining recognition for the quality of education the School of Business Services had provided for its secretarial students. 

The award was presented by the Minister for the Environment Virginia Bottomley to Doreen Askew, Secretarial course co-ordinator and Frances Petersen, Head of the School of Business Services. They were given a trophy and a cheque for £500 at the reform club, Pall Mall. 

Principal at the time Dr John Capey was thrilled that the staff’s work had been rewarded. 

Today, the staff at Exeter College are still being recognised for all of their hard work and for shaping courses to meet employer needs. 

Our Business School remains to offer a variety of relevant qualifications for both adults learners and school leavers, from A Levels to Apprenticeships to University Level courses. 

Exeter College is celebrating 50 years since being named as the UK’s first tertiary college. Although our roots date back to the 1800s, our status as a tertiary college marked a revolution in further education and 2020 marks our 50 years of excellence since that landmark. If you have a memory of Exeter College through the years that you’d like to share then contact marketing@exe-coll.ac.uk or get involved on social media using #ExeColl50

Two Years On: Alex Dixon, Green Gown Award Winner 2018

As part of Exeter College celebrating 50 years as the UK’s first ever tertiary college, we’re talking to some of the inspirational students, staff and alumni who have helped make us the Ofsted Outstanding education provider we are today.

Exeter College student Alex Dixon made headlines in 2018 when he was announced as the Green Gown Award winner for Student Research with Impact, celebrating his achievements around sustainability as part of his electrical engineering course at college and in the workplace.  

“I’m so proud to have won the award, not just for me personally but also for the college and the lecturers who helped me get there,”

Alex Dixon, Green Gown Award Winner, 2018

Two years on from his inspirational achievement, we caught up with Alex to talk through what he’s up to now and how winning the sustainability award has helped him develop his career, as well as play a small part in helping the environment.  

The Green Gown Awards were created in 2004 to recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges. Alex’s name joined the list of award winners in 2018 thanks to his sustainable, and money saving, circuit board redesign at his place of work during his studies, Fraser Anti Static.

Alex Dixon, pictured with his Green Gown Award in the Exeter College Technology Centre

Alex, now 27, was studying for his Higher National Certificate in Electrical Engineering with Exeter College when he found out that his work at Fraser Anti Static had been recognised with a coveted Green Gown Award.  

“I was really pleased when I found out I was going to be getting the award,” said Alex, who is now studying for his Higher National Diploma in Electrical Engineering with Exeter College.  

“I’m so proud to have won the award, not just for me personally but also for the college and the lecturers who helped me get there.” 

“Since winning, I have definitely been given a boost in my career and it’s great to have made a positive and lasting impact on the way Fraser Anti Static was working.” 

Alex’s innovation that won him the Green Gown Award was to redesign the Fraser Anti Static printed circuit board manufacturing methods, enabling the elimination of many environmentally damaging processes, including the lengthy transportation of materials. This redesign not only helped revolutionise the environmental footprint of the circuit board creation, but also saved the company in the region of £20,000 in 2018 alone thanks to the refined process.  

Alex continued: “It was great to have a real, genuine impact on the running of that business but also to know that what I had done had been another small step on the way to a more sustainable world. 

“By managing to dramatically reduce several environmentally damaging processes, including the transport of materials, we took a small step in the right direction to helping to protect the environment.” 

Today, Alex has moved to work with leading electrical manufacturer MK Test Systems near Taunton while he continues his studies with college. He believes the opportunities in his career has improved thanks to his Green Gown Award. 

“When I came to meet the team here they really wanted to talk about what I had done with Fraser Anti Static and how I achieved the Green Gown Award win,” said Alex.  

“I plan to finish my qualification with Exeter College in August 2021 and go on to complete a degree in electrical engineering.”

A change of heart at 20…

It could have been a very different tale for Alex as he reached a crossroad in his life when he turned 20.  

After completing his formal education from school and college, Alex found himself having to make a poignant decision in his life, as he was about to start a degree in business management.  

Alex said, “I think I was going through the motions a little bit and I knew deep down that I really didn’t want to be doing that degree. 

“I knew I had always been interested in engineering, but at that point in my life, moving into a career in it would have involved complete retraining from the ground up. Fortunately, I decided to go for it and started by getting a BTEC and worked up from there.” 

Alex took some time to reflect on the impact his lecturers at Exeter College have had on his rise in the electrical engineering industry. He said, “It has been a great experience learning with the college.” 

“The lecturers are really accommodating of all learners and understand the pressures that some adult learners have to deal with outside of the classroom. They’re incredibly supportive and Richard Masters [Programme Lead, Aerospace and Sustainability] was instrumental in me getting the Green Gown Award.”  

Find out more about university level study with Exeter College. 

Register now for the Exeter College Showcase – an event with everything Exeter College has to offer under one roof.

Exeter College helping the region’s mechanics with MOT testing qualification

Exeter College is helping keep the South West’s vehicles on the road thanks to their courses for professionals on MOT testing and MOT Test Centre Management.  

The college offers Level 2 and 3 Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) Award courses which give them skills and proficiencies to carry out professional MOT testing. On top of this, the MOT Test Centre Management qualification focusses on how to effectively ensure a safe, efficient and reputable MOT test centre.  

“Without a doubt, I see Exeter College as one of the leaders for MOT training for the South West.”

– Darren Smyth, MOT course leader.

Work-based Tutor Darren Smyth has been leading the courses for Exeter College since 2016. He has already overseen the progression of countless professionals from across the country. 

He explained, “This course enables fully qualified vehicle technicians to take the next step in their career to become fully licensed MOT testers. This, in turn, makes them more valuable to an employer.” 

Darren has been with Exeter College in some capacity for around ten years but has been MOT testing cars since 1988. 

“I became involved in this scheme as I was already a fully qualified MOT tester; it made sense for me to lead the course.” 

Darren is also on the MOT Council and works alongside the DVSA on the MOT Training Scheme itself. To add to this already impressive skill set, he also works as a consultant for MOT stations across Devon and Cornwall, as well as looking after all the MOT stations for Mercedes Benz in the county. Two years ago, he also attended the NEC in Birmingham as a guest of the IMI completing a talk to the industry as a guide to best practice. 

“In the last three years, I have worked with an excess of 200 garages, putting nearly 300 technicians through the qualification, and nearly 150 managers!” 

Photo by Darren Smyth, @MOTtrainer

The Level 2 IMI Award in MOT testing that Darren runs is available for Class 4 (standard cars, motor caravans, taxis and ambulances) and Class 7 (goods transport) vehicles and takes five days to complete. This course can help qualified vehicle technicians take the next step in their career, becoming fully licensed MOT testers. 

The Level 3 MOT management courses are for those who wish to run their own MOT stations. This two-day course focuses on the MOT testing scheme and compliance legalities.  

To be eligible to take these courses, you need to be a fully qualified as a vehicle technician. Yet, for people who aren’t, Exeter College also offers the ATA Light Vehicle inspection qualification, which is a fast track route to be accepted on to an MOT training course. 

Exeter College also offers ongoing annual MOT training and assessment. Every MOT tester must carry out three hours of training and sit an online exam to keep their MOT licences active. 

Darren continued, “Without a doubt, I see Exeter College as one of the leaders for MOT training for the South West, and the fact that all of this has happened so quickly is pretty amazing in my opinion.” 

To keep up to date on Darren’s MOT sessions, follow him on Twitter @MOTtrainer. 

Check out our MOT courses and our adult professional courses online.  

Exeter College Apprentice Selected for WorldSkills UK Squad

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

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

Harry Colgrave studied his Apprenticeship with Exeter College

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College.

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

Foot Anstey and Willmott Dixon announced as headline sponsors for Exeter College Awards

Exeter College is delighted to announce that Foot Anstey and Willmott Dixon will be the headline sponsors of the college’s landmark 50th anniversary Exeter College Awards.  

The support of two of the country’s most innovative and forward-thinking businesses provides huge backing to the awards ceremony that will celebrate inspirational Exeter College students, staff and alumni in a glittering event taking place in the stunning setting of Exeter Cathedral in January 2020.  

This year’s Exeter College Awards is also celebrating 50 years since the college was announced as the UK’s first tertiary college, although the origins of the college date back to the 1800s. The Exeter College Awards will launch a year of celebrations, reflecting on 50 years of excellence and looking forward as one of the country’s leading further education institutions.  

As headline sponsors of the awards, representatives from both Foot Anstey and Willmott Dixon will attend the event, present awards and join with Exeter College in celebrating the achievements of everyone at the college.  

Foot Anstey has long been associated with Exeter College, having provided legal advice and expertise on a range of projects over the years. Their contribution to the current national standing of the college has been instrumental and this latest sponsorship represents an ongoing commitment of collaboration between two leading institutions. 

Simon Gregory, who is in charge of Foot Anstey’s relationship with Exeter College, said: “Exeter College is an exceptional institution and a very valued client of Foot Anstey. We recognise their considerable achievements over the last 50 years and their pivotal role in Exeter and its region. We are proud to support this landmark event.” 

Willmott Dixon and Exeter College are currently collaborating on the building of a new Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre on the college’s Hele Road site. The new £10.3million building is part of a wider South West Institute of Technology plan to revolutionise digital, engineering and manufacturing technology education across the region. The new state-of-the-art building is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2021. 

Rob Woolcock, Director at Willmott Dixon said: “We are delighted to be a part of Exeter College’s celebration in their 50th year. It is so important to celebrate people’s achievements and I look forward to hearing the many stories behind the awards; I am certain that it will be a fantastic night.  

“We are proud to be working with such a forward-thinking college and are excited to be working on the new Digital and Data Centre, which will be a great asset to the college and the city of Exeter.” 

Around 300 friends, partners, students and alumni are expected to attend the event in Exeter Cathedral, with a two-course banquet provided by Exeter-based catering company Posh Nosh. 

The welcome Drinks Reception is being sponsored by Exeter Live Better, a city-wide partnership committed to showcasing everything Exeter has to offer. 

Councillor Phil Bialyk, Leader of Exeter City Council, which was central to the launch of Exeter Live Better, said: “I am delighted to support this prestigious event. Exeter College is a fantastic institution which is crucial to the success of the city and has been over the last 50 years. 

“The college is rightly regarded as one of the best in the UK and continues to give our children the skills they need, and the skills the city needs, to grow and prosper in the future. I would like to congratulate all the students and everyone involved in these awards – you are all winners.” 

The 2020 Exeter College Awards will be taking place on Friday, 24th January with invited guests, partners, students and staff attending. Sent any queries to events@exe-coll.ac.uk. 

Find out more about Exeter College’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Find out more about Foot Anstey, Willmott Dixon and Exeter Live Better.

National Award Nomination for Exeter College Director

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

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

“I think this is simply a reflection on the terrific Exeter College teams, regional partners, employers and Apprentices we work with every day,”

Mike Blakeley, Exeter College Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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