Businesses rate Exeter College top in the South West for FE apprenticeship employer satisfaction for second year running

The Department of Education has released results of its annual survey that ranks Apprenticeship providers based on business feedback and Exeter College has topped the South West table for further education colleges once again.  

This is the second year running Exeter College received the highest rating from employers across the region, within the four counties of the South West, and the third year in a row it has scored above 97.5%.  

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “The feedback from our employers is vitally important to us.  Our aim is to be a partner to employers that makes a tangible difference to their business, which goes far beyond being a provider of training.  These stellar results show that our approach is working.  I would like to thank our employer network for their feedback. Our industry partnership approach means that our students get the very best out of their experience, while employers also gain access to a dynamic and creative workforce.” 

In the published responses the University of Exeter answered: “Exeter College are an outstanding training provider who work with their employers in partnership. They are professional and attentive to employers’ needs and provide excellent quality training and assessment.”  

A company representative from Newton Abbot-based engineering firm MB Aerospace stated: “I am extremely pleased and consistently impressed with the commitment and focus Exeter College gives to Apprentices. The welfare, quality of learning and the 360-educational experience is considered, thought through and supportive.” 

Exeter College’s exceptional customer service has also been recognised by the Association of Colleges in their coveted Beacon Awards, having been shortlisted and undergoing judging for the next phase of the College Engagement with Employers category. These awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among the UK's further education colleges and reaching the shortlist alone is a huge honour. 

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement explained: “I am delighted that employers feel they are receiving a consistently good experience. I have read the fantastic comments left by all of the companies surveyed, as well as taking on board feedback so that our Apprenticeship Team can continue to improve its service and strive for excellence.”   

The exceptional achievement is also reflected in the popularity of Exeter College Apprenticeships, with record recruitment numbers of 1150 for the 2018/2019 academic year. The figures are even more impressive set against a backdrop of national decline in numbers entering both Further Education and starting an Apprenticeship.  

The dedicated Apprenticeship Team at the College has continued to grow its provision year on year, offering over 90 programmes across a variety of sectors and roles, giving more choice for individuals looking for support in their chosen career pathway. 

There has never been a better time to think Apprenticeships. Are you an employer looking to work with an exceptional Apprenticeship provider? Call Exeter College's Apprenticeship Hotline on 01392 400800 today.