World-class Exeter College hospital training ward to expand healthcare career opportunities

Exeter College has secured £1.3m in funding to create a new, world-class healthcare training facility, opening up opportunities for hundreds of learners to develop vital skills in nursing and healthcare professions.

Funded through an Office for Students grant, the state-of-the-art facility will see a fully simulated hospital ward and two multi-purpose laboratories added to Exeter College’s Hele Road campus, right in the heart of Exeter City Centre.

Work to convert the existing Ted Wragg building, which will house both the ward and laboratories, is scheduled to start in January 2026 and is expected to be completed in March 2026. Once finished, it will provide access to important new courses and enhance clinical development opportunities through Assistant Practitioner programmes, Nursing Associate apprenticeships and access to Higher Education courses in Healthcare and Biochemistry.

The investment will expand regional healthcare training capacity, improve accessibility for adult learners and directly address healthcare workforce shortages across the South West. It will also support national priorities, including the NHS 10-Year Plan and the UK Industrial Strategy, ensuring the region is equipped to meet future healthcare demands.

Sam Hillman, Deputy Vice Principal at Exeter College, said: "We are thrilled to have secured Office for Students funding to build a cutting-edge healthcare training facility at Exeter College, including an amazing hospital ward and two state-of-the-art laboratories.

“This investment is timely, aligning with current government priorities and supporting our brilliant partnership work with the University of Exeter on the co-creation of a health skills escalator. These facilities will ensure our city and region continue to benefit from inclusive health skills curricula and opportunities that exceptional technical teaching and training enable.” 

Steve Race, Member of Parliament for Exeter, said: “Congratulations to Exeter College on their successful bid, which will make such a difference in our community.

“This Labour Government is delivering vital funding to help young people get the skills they need to confidently enter the world of work. This new healthcare training facility will provide world-class education for our next generation of medical professionals, boosting the workforce as we build an NHS fit for the future.

“This is national renewal right on our doorstep – unlocking opportunity for our young people and driving growth for our country.”

Nolan Smith, Director of Resources and Finance at the Office for Students, said: “This year’s funding allocation will help a broad range of universities and colleges to ensure their students can access the facilities and equipment they need to succeed.

“This was a very competitive funding round, and the projects we are supporting will make a tangible difference to current and future students. As well as expanding opportunities for students in strategically important subject areas, these projects will offer a boost to local and regional economies and promote national growth.”