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

“I count it as a privilege to be a part of Exeter College for so many years,” – longest serving staff member on her time with the college

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.

1977 is a year when Abba’s Knowing Me, Knowing You, topped the singles chart, the original Star Wars hit the cinemas and Melinda Northcott first set foot in Exeter College as a member of staff. Now, almost 43 years later, Melinda is the longest serving member of staff at the college, having initially joined as a Biology Technician over four decades ago.

Reflecting on her time so far with Exeter College, Melinda – a former student at the college – revealed how she feels about her time with the institution. She said, “There are definitely things about the college that have changed dramatically over the years. But, for me, the core values have been completely consistent, and that’s down to the professionalism, care and skill of the people that I work with throughout the college.”

Move to the Maths and Science Centre

Melinda, 62, has certainly witnessed incredible change at Exeter College, with new buildings, revitalised workspaces and countless students coming and going through the years.

One of the biggest changes Melinda had to deal with was the move of her department from the college’s Tower building in to a new purpose-built Maths and Science Centre on Queen Street in 2015. It’s a move Melinda admitted she was wasn’t looking forward to.

The specialist Maths and Science Centre opened in 2015.

“I genuinely thought it would be awful moving to the Maths and Science Centre. I had spent so long in the Tower I just couldn’t imagine us ever leaving and I have to say I was really dreading moving my equipment over.

“However, we came over, set ourselves up and I have to say, it’s absolutely fantastic! It’s a million times better than the Tower was for us. It’s the simple things that have made my job better, not just the state-of-the-art facilities. For example, having connecting doors from the labs to my prep room means I’m on hand and available to anyone who needs my help. I used to spend half my time running up and down the corridors in the Tower to get to the laboratories! The Tower was good for us for a time, but as a department we had simply outgrown it.

“It’s not just better for me though, the students get more of an idea of a modern facility and it has all worked out for the benefit of the students.”

Some things never change…

While change appears to be a constant in Melinda’s time with Exeter College, she maintains that elements of her job, now titled as a Biological Sciences Technical Support Facilitator, are exactly the same as when she first started. Melinda’s role in the biology department is largely to organise and support lab-based practicals for students in aid of their studies, in addition to other duties in supporting teachers and students in the labs.

“Some aspects of the job have not changed one bit. The core work, in supporting students in their practical work is the same as it ever was,” said Melinda.

“Courses have changed, we have gone in different directions, and we will continue to do so as a progressive college. The college moves on but the core of what we do is the same, but better every time. Over the years, a lot has been learnt and I think we support students much more now than we did when I first joined.

“It’s a busy place to work and that’s what makes it great for me. Without being too cheesy, it’s very satisfying to feel that you’re a very small part in the process of students achieving and becoming mature, well-rounded people and moving on in the world.”

The ‘R’ Word…

At 62 years old, you could forgive Melinda for having half an eye on retirement, but she has no plans to hang up the lab coat just yet.

Melinda said, “I never would have thought when I first walked in as a member of staff that I’d still be here 43 years later but I just love it and I still get that same buzz when I find out about students’ results.

“I would like to keep going in the role as long as I feel I’m able to do it to the highest standard. No one has told me there’s a problem yet; so I think I’m doing alright! I haven’t got any plans on retiring – I’d simply miss it too much!”

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 or story of Exeter College through the years that you’d like to share then contact marketing@exe-coll.ac.uk.

Search #ExeColl50 on social media or visit our 50^th anniversary page to view the latest stories.

50th Anniversary Celebrations Kick Off for Exeter College

The new year represents a momentous occasion in the history of Exeter College, marking 50 years since we were named as the UK’s first tertiary college, although our roots date back to the 1800s.

Exeter College was established as a fully-fledged tertiary college in 1970, providing an education centrepiece for the community. Over the past 50 years the college has grown, developed and adapted but it still serves the wider Exeter community with a varied education offering that aims to meet the skills challenges of the future in a proactive way.

“It’s down to a collective effort from students, staff and partners that we have always remained true to our history of serving our city and wider region,”
John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive

To celebrate the occasion, Exeter College will be celebrating throughout 2020 with special events, celebrations and reflections on 50 years of excellence as a tertiary college.

The first landmark event for the 50th anniversary celebrations will be the college’s annual Exeter College Awards, which has been extended to celebrate past and present students to reflect on a legacy of success. The Awards, which take place in January, will be held in the spectacular setting of Exeter Cathedral with alumni, staff and students celebrated in a glittering 50th anniversary event. More details are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said, “I feel really privileged to be the person steering the ship as we celebrate our 50th year as a tertiary college. It’s no understatement to say that we wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for all the students, staff and friends who have helped us develop a reputation as one of the leading further education colleges in the country.

“It’s down to a collective effort from students, staff and partners that we have always remained true to our history of serving our city and wider region. However, our long traditions haven’t stopped us innovating and developing with the needs of our students as we continue to develop new partnerships and look to the future of what the education landscape will look like in the next 50 years.

“Throughout 2020 we want to celebrate everyone who has played a role in making us one of the leading colleges in the country as we continue to forge our path as an education innovator of the future.”

As part of celebrations, Exeter College will be sharing inspirational stories from the past 50 years of excellence and is actively seeking friends, partners and alumni to share their stories with the next generation of students. If you or someone you know would like to join in the celebrations, please contact marketing@exe-coll.ac.uk.

Search the hashtag #ExeColl50 on social media or visit our 50th anniversary page to view the latest stories.