Exeter College apprenticeship success 2025: Awards, finalists and national recognition

Exeter College reported a range of apprentice and student achievements during 2025, with learners receiving national recognition across hospitality, business administration and higher technical education.

In September, the college’s student-led restaurant, @Thirty-Four, was named AA College Restaurant of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards, held at Grosvenor House in London.

The award is the highest accolade available to further education college restaurants and recognises standards of training, consistency and service delivered by students as part of their studies.

Students from the college’s hospitality programmes were responsible for both kitchen and front-of-house operations during the judging process, supported by teaching staff. 

The award marked the second time in three years the restaurant has received the national title.

Two second-year students, Edie Long and Millie Wright, both studying through the Michael Caines Academy, took part in presentations to an industry judging panel earlier in the year as part of the assessment process. 

The pair focused on inclusion, equality and workplace culture within the hospitality sector.

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Millie said: “We talked about our own workplaces quite a lot. We included different people’s experiences from the college as well.” 

“Then we went to our employers and got an interview from them, so we got different perspectives from the industry.”

Edie added: “We talked about how we can stop toxic workplaces. We had our own experiences as well and we let that guide it quite a lot.”

“I think the judges liked that we weren’t just reading a script.”

Reflecting on the award outcome, Edie said it was “surreal” to win, while Millie said the experience allowed them to “advocate for what we felt in the industry” and feel that their views had been heard.

Separately, former Exeter College apprentice Roselle Wu was named a finalist in the Multicultural Apprentice Awards 2025 in the Retail, Hospitality and Tourism category. 

Roselle completed a Level 2 Commis Chef apprenticeship while working full time at the Royal Marines Training Centre in Lympstone.

Originally from Hong Kong, Roselle began her apprenticeship in 2023 after relocating to the UK. 

She said: “My story isn’t just about cooking – it’s about reimagining identity and purpose. Food has been my anchor, helping me connect with my cultural roots while finding a place in a new community.”

During her apprenticeship, Roselle supported large-scale catering operations and contributed to workplace systems, including developing visual recipe guides and training colleagues. 

She has since taken part in national competitions and industry events and completed her apprenticeship with a distinction in April 2025.

Another Exeter College apprentice, Lauren Flood, was nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the West Country Women Awards. 

Lauren is studying for a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship while working for Space Youth Services, a charity supporting young people across the region.

Lauren said she chose the apprenticeship route to gain practical experience alongside qualifications: “I wanted to gain skills in the workplace because I’m a practical learner.” 

“An apprenticeship gave me the best opportunity to put theory into practice, as well as gaining the benefits of being in employment.”

She added: “Going straight into a workplace helped me learn quickly and build skills I don’t think I would have gained in a classroom alone.”

“Being nominated for this award feels like I’ve been recognised for the efforts I’ve put into my apprenticeship so far.”

Lauren’s role has included administrative and HR-related work, policy updates and internal process development.

The college also held its annual higher education graduation ceremony at Exeter Cathedral in October, marking the completion of qualifications by more than 140 students across a range of sectors including engineering, health and social care, management and education.

Graduates included apprentices and adult learners studying alongside employment. 

Shirka Palakaden, who attained her Level 5 CELTA qualification, commented: “One of the best things about studying at College has been the flexibility of the course,” and that “it really has been an unforgettable experience.” 

Several reported progressing into full-time roles or further training following completion of their courses.