Another gong for Exeter College
Exeter College has been named as the number one further education college in the South West for its Apprenticeship programme for 2016.
The Skills Funding Agency also placed the college within the top ten of Further Education College’s in the UK, with record breaking success rates of 86% propelling them to the top of the regional table. It comes as the college recently welcomed the next generation of Apprentices who have started on the college’s award-winning Apprenticeship programme.
And the college has recently worked with a number of Apprentices to spearhead a city-wide campaign on busses to raise the profile of the benefits Apprenticeships.
Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeship and Employer Engagement, who oversees the Apprenticeship provision at the college, said: “This announcement reflects a time of significant success for Exeter College and reflects the impact of all our employer partnerships and Apprentices who are the real successes of our programme. There has never been a better time to be an Apprentice.
“These type of announcements make us the first port of call for those deciding on what to do next. We offer support and guidance to those young people reviewing their next steps if they are considering an Apprenticeship. We have some outstanding options available for those wanting to do Apprenticeships and exam results are certainly not a barrier.”
The college has seen significant growth over the last twelve months and recognises that young people, parents and employers see the benefits in Apprenticeships.
The college has recently worked with a number of Apprentices themselves to spearhead a city-wide campaign on busses.
Apprentices Ella Fielding, from Ottery St Mary, Mickala Tuvey, from Exeter, Hymani Martinez, from Exmouth, Chey-Anne Jackson, from Uplyme, William Richardson from Seaton and Jamie Spencer are featured in the campaign.
Jamie Spencer, from Exmouth, who has recently completed his Apprenticeship and is heading off to continue his Activity Leadership career in Canada said: “It’s really strange when you first see your face on the side of a bus – but I’m incredibly proud. I was happy to help. Having an Apprenticeship has done so much for me.”
The news and campaign comes during an exceptional time for the college’s apprenticeship team which has gone from strength to strength in recent years and last year saw significant increases in terms of both new apprentices and success rates.
It comes off the back of the college winning the TES FE award for Apprenticeship programme, being named the 2015 Apprenticeships 4 England Gold award winner and national recognition by OFSTED. OFSTED selected Exeter as the only college in the country to feature in its short films highlighting the quality and commitment to its employers.
Mike Blakeley added: “We receive calls from young people and parents on a daily basis enquiring about our Apprenticeship options and we are committed to providing an excellent service. We have a dedicated team who support employers and Apprentices alike to start their apprenticeship journey.
“We pride ourselves on helping our apprentices find a job and work hard at delivering the training they individually need to be able to celebrate success when they reach the end of their journey.
“Through our employer network we have fantastic opportunities in accountancy, business, care and education, construction, engineering, hairdressing, hospitality, logistics, motor vehicle and sport and would welcome those interested to get in touch.”
Are you interested in becoming an Apprentice?
Please call our Apprenticeship Hotline on: 01392 400800 or email apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk
