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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 at Teignbridge 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/  

To find your nearest T Level you can look here: Find your nearest T Level  

  • 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).  

You can also find out more about upcoming Open Events at Exeter College. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Galliford Try Partnerships First to Benefit from Employer Fund for T Levels

Leading regeneration specialist Galliford Try Partnerships is the first to benefit from a government-backed initiative to encourage employers to provide valuable industry placements to T Level students.  

The FTSE 250 business has partnered with Exeter College to provide industry placements to T Level construction students studying with the College from 2020. 

T Levels mark a revolution in the provision of technical education for the UK and Exeter College have been selected as an ‘early adopter’ of the new qualifications. The aim is to provide students with the technical skills required to move in to employment, providing a true insight into life in the industry, while still providing UCAS points to support an application to study at university. 

Exeter College is the only provider in Devon selected to deliver T Levels for 2020 entry, with full-time, two year courses available in Construction, Digital and Education and Childcare. By signing up to take on T Level students, Galliford Try Partnerships have agreed to provide industry placements for construction students for 45 days over a two-year period and will receive a £750 grant per student from the government to help facilitate the placements. 

Galliford Try Partnerships have previously worked with Exeter College offering work experience placements and are looking forward to a more formal arrangement thanks to the new T Level qualifications.  

Charlotte Olver, Development and Communities Manager commented; “We are eager to work with colleges to deliver T Levels for the learners of today, it gives us the opportunity to build, shape and mould young people and prepare them for work in the industry. 

“T Levels promote the variety of careers available within construction and break down stereotypes of the onsite world and we can set aside time and space to help students grow while also getting them working in an industry they’re interested in. 

“Our partnership with Exeter College provides the perfect platform to address the industry skills shortage and encourage students to enter the industry. 

“We’ve been delighted with the calibre of students that have joined us in the past, and what’s exciting for me is that you get access to people who are eager to learn and can genuinely provide a great resource to businesses. 

“The funding from the government will ensure that we can put in place excellent resources to help the students with us make the most out of their experience.”  

T Levels are being launched at selected providers like Exeter College in 2020 before a national rollout the following year, when Exeter College will be offering a wide variety of courses with a view of providing students a direct line of sight to industry following their studies. 

Exeter College Assistant Principal Sam Hillman, who is leading on the college’s T Level delivery, was delighted Galliford Try Partnerships volunteered to take on students studying the Construction T Level and be the first to access the money available to employers who provide industry placements. 

“It’s great that our students will have access to such a proactive and forward-thinking construction company like Galliford Try Partnerships,” said Sam.  

“It’s vitally important for us to be able to offer students valuable industry placements that are meaningful, worthwhile and full of learning opportunities. I’m certain that’s exactly what our students at Galliford Try Partnerships will get and I can’t wait to see the progress they make in the construction business. 

“I firmly believe the experience will be a positive one, not just for students, but for businesses themselves that want to be involved with T Levels. Businesses will get access to enthusiastic students who genuinely want to progress in the industry and learn as much as they can as well as provide a tangible contribution to the company.” 

Adam McIntyre did a work placement with Galliford Try Partnerships during his Level 3 course Construction and the Built Environment, immersing himself in different areas of the business to learn which part of the construction industry he was most interested in.  

Adam said, “It has definitely been a great experience for me. The staff at Galliford Try Partnerships have helped me out a lot, not just with industry experience but also with my coursework and assignments at college. 

“I did some work in the office learning about the pre-build processes that take place at a company like this. I then went and did some on-site work, learning more on how a professional construction site works and getting a feel for the industry. 

“I knew I was interested in the health and safety side of things but my placement with Galliford Try Partnerships has really helped to confirm that I want to go that way in terms of my career. I went around sites with an expert and learnt about what they look out for when it comes to the safety aspects of a construction site.” 

Adam is set to build on his expertise as he enters his second year at Exeter College, as he gears up to undertake 300 hours of an industry placement with Galliford Try Partnerships in the current academic year.  

Exeter College is actively seeking employers willing to provide industry placements to T Level Students on Construction, Digital and Education and Childcare courses. Those interested should contact Alison Brown on alisonbrown@exe-coll.ac.uk.  

Secretary of State Visits Exeter College to Talk T Levels

The Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson MP visited Exeter College to learn more about the impact new T Level qualifications will have on the region’s learners.  

As a government-selected ‘early adopter’ of the new technical-based qualification, Exeter College is the only provider in Devon offering T Levels for 2020 delivery, with courses initially available in Construction, Digital and Education and Childcare. Further T Level courses will launch from 2021 as part of a national roll out.  

T Levels mark a revolution in technical education in the UK as the qualification, which is the equivalent of three A Levels, provides learners with a clear line of sight to industry thanks to technical skill acquisition both in the classroom and as part of an industry placement undertaken during studies.  

(L-R) Rob Bosworth (Exeter College Vice Principal), Janice Kay (University of Exeter Provost), Gavin Williamson MP (Education Secretary), John Laramy (Exeter College Principal) and Sam Hillman (Exeter College Assistant Principal).

Secretary of State Gavin Williamson spent time at Exeter College talking to college leaders on how preparations were going for the launch of T Levels and how the new qualification would address the changing needs of industry. 

“It was an absolute pleasure to visit Exeter College. They are doing brilliant work helping thousands of young people across the region to get the skills they need to thrive,” said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.  

“Our new T Level qualifications are a game changer – a once in a generation opportunity to revolutionise technical education in this country and put it on a par with top performing countries like Germany. 

“It was great to hear first-hand how they will help even more young people to get a head start in their careers, and ensure industry can tap into the pipeline of talent they need for the future. 

“I was really impressed with the passion and enthusiasm of the students, staff and senior leaders and I wish them all the best for the future.” 

Secretary of State Gavin Williamson spoke to college leaders and students about how T Levels would impact education.

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy was delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to the college.  He said, “It was a real pleasure to host a visit from the Secretary of State so that he could see first-hand the impact of the college and the clarity of the educational eco-system in Exeter. 

“We spoke about our college’s enthusiasm for T Levels and how we see these integrating with a wider academic and technical offer. The college was able to share its strategy for delivering an exceptional student experience, through enrichment, excellent teaching and a clear line of sight to industry.” 

In addition to the acquisition of technical skills, a T Level qualification can also be used to support an application for degree level study, with the qualification recognised by UCAS to provide points to apply to study at university.  

Applications are open now to study T Levels at Exeter College in 2020. Find out more about T Levels on our course search.  

Find out if T Levels are the right course for you.  

Book in for an Open Event to find out more about life at Exeter College and explore our course options.

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