Case Studies

Joshua Everett (IT)

"Getting hands-on experience in the workplace was very valuable and the idea of earning an income whilst learning sounded great.  The University was right for me as there is a great variety of tasks and there is always something interesting happening due to it being such a large organisation."

Level 3, IT, Software, Web and Telecoms Professionals

Georgie Rand (Plumbing and Heating)

"The University apprenticeship for commercial gas is probably one of the most unique in the country, just with the sheer scope of applications, the fact that we’ve run our own £10 million gas network, we support and manage fixed gas systems for research buildings, gas safety systems, pneumatics, etc. I’m confident that there’s not another job in the country that can offer such a broad scope as Exeter does.

I mostly enjoy working with such friendly and experienced people that are always happy to share their knowledge with me."

Level 2, Domestic Heating

John Ireland (Plumbing and Heating)

"The work we’ve had to undertake is above and beyond where we should be in our syllabus and skill set – it’s what you would expect of senior craftsmen.

It's a really nice place to work and it’s been a pleasure to come in.  I feel more confident in myself and it’s really helped me find career satisfaction."

Level 2, Domestic Heating

Amelia Ware (Business Admin)

"I was a bit nervous on my first day (who isn’t on the first day) but everyone gave me a warm welcome. I was welcomed by my team leader who I had been talking to since I got the job, and if I had any questions before I started, I had that point of contact. With that, I felt like I knew someone before I had even started, which made me more relaxed coming into a new team."

Level 3, Business Administrator 

Ellie Pickering (Leadership & Management)

“Participating in the CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Level 5 Diploma Course in Leadership and Management as an apprentice was transformative for me because I developed a positive and inclusive mindset along with a strong commitment to professional and personal development for myself and my team; the skills and knowledge I learned (and continue to learn) through CMI have had a tremendous impact on the work my team and I do.”

Ellie won CMI’s Outstanding Student of the Year award 2023

Level 5, Operations/Departmental Manager with diploma in Management and Leadership

Dominic Brendell (Leadership & Management)

"Completing the Senior Leader Apprenticeship has been a transformative journey for me, both personally and professionally. ​

Career-wise, the apprenticeship has elevated my performance, allowing me to contribute significantly within my department and the wider organisation through the use of innovative approaches.

Overall, this apprenticeship has been a cornerstone in my growth, enhancing my leadership skills and positively impacting those around me."

Level 7, Senior Leaders Programme

Sam Bailey (Leadership & Management)

“I really wanted to grasp and understand the bigger picture when it comes to how businesses operate and how high-level decisions are made. I learnt a lot about people management, finance, business strategy, digital, project management and internationalisation. After learning about all these aspects, I now apply and use so many of the techniques which were taught in my everyday work. I also feel that I have progressed massively when it comes to leading and presenting at high-level meetings and have grown in confidence as a result of seeing my ideas and contributions being agreed upon.” 

Level 6, Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship

Claire Caffrey (Laboratory Apprenticeship)

“I choose an apprenticeship as I wanted to change career. I had become more interested in science and I felt an apprenticeship would allow me to learn more and get a foot in the door of a good institution.

I learnt a lot about health and safety, and awareness of chemicals. This was through my course and the legislation but also on the job.”

Level 3, Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship