Thousands attend Exeter College’s Expo as National Apprenticeship Week takes place

Exeter’s National Apprentice Week (9 February to 15 February) has highlighted how vocational routes are shaping the city’s future workforce. 

Hundreds attended the 2026 Apprenticeship Expo at Exeter College’s Sports Hall on 12 February, with more than 2,000 visitors recorded in the first hour alone.

Katy Rowe, Marketing Associate at Exeter College, said: “This is Exeter College’s 12th Apprenticeship Expo. This is an annual event that brings together employers from all over Devon and offers Apprenticeship pathways for students.

“It’s important that we celebrate National Apprentice Week as apprenticeships are a great pathway for people to further themselves and further their career.”

The event brought together employers from sectors including engineering, construction, health and social care, hospitality, digital and business, offering live vacancies, apprenticeship advice and interactive opportunities for students, parents and career changers.

Charlotte Wylie, Head of Apprenticeship Recruitment at Exeter College, said the college works closely with local schools to ensure students are prepared before applying.

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“We work closely with our local schools to ensure that students are ready and understand what apprenticeships are before they come to us,” she said. 

“We run a lot of job shops for those that have applied to us to become an apprentice just to make sure that they are ready.”

Among those benefiting from the pathway is Leyla Snell, a Level 3 Business Administration apprentice in her second year at Exeter College, completing her apprenticeship with Custom Insurance and Mortgage Solutions (CIMS).

“I’m still on an apprenticeship at CIMS, I did my A-levels and an apprenticeship was fantastic for me,” she said.

“My apprenticeship has helped me a lot with my confidence and time management as you are given projects to complete, so these are essential life skills I’ll bring with me to the workplace.”

In the rail sector, Great Western Railway says apprenticeships are key to building the future workforce.

Adam Holloway, Coach and Mentor at GWR Apprenticeship, told Exeter Today: “Apprenticeships are a great way to give young people the opportunity for a future career on the railway.

“Apprenticeships have a lot of opportunities for young people to earn money while also earning a qualification and learning those important life skills.”

Healthcare providers are equally committed. At Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, apprentices work alongside degree-trained staff.

Marina Goodwin, Theatre Nurse Practice Educator, said: “Choosing an apprenticeship over university, while at university you get a degree, you will still get the same treatment and training as an apprentice.”

Beyond the Expo, employers across the region are expanding their apprenticeship programmes. 

More than 50 young learners are now fully-fledged apprentices with major UK automotive service retailer Protyre Autocare, which welcomed a record intake of 30 apprentices in 2025, taking the total recruited since autumn 2023 to 54.

Apprentices are based at garages across England, Scotland and Wales, spending four days a week gaining practical experience and one day at college working towards Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications. 

Among them is 18-year-old Exeter resident Jack Bauer, who works at the Taunton branch while attending Exeter College for his study day.

Jake Lickorish, Apprenticeship Lead and Technical Trainer for Protyre Autocare, said: “Our apprenticeship scheme is growing year-on-year and is a great way for us to recruit young talent.

“We have an ageing workforce nationally and a real need to promote employment opportunities for young people. This scheme gives our apprentices the chance to learn from the best and to forge a career for themselves in the automotive industry.

“We don’t just employ an apprentice, leave them in a centre and hope for the best – we ensure they are fully supported, both personally and professionally, for the entirety of the apprenticeship.”

Jack said: “Five or six months ago, I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do, but I joined the Protyre Autocare apprenticeship scheme and everything has gone so well.

“It’s a great way forward for me. Having a hands-on approach is the way I learn best, and I’m surrounded by like-minded people here.”

Apprenticeships are also thriving in Exeter’s utilities sector. At South West Water’s Countess Wear laboratory, Claire King is supporting the next generation 37 years after starting her own career through an apprenticeship. 

The laboratory currently supports seven apprentices and former apprentices, many of whom have progressed into permanent roles.

The University of Exeter is marking ten years of degree apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week. 

Since launching with nine apprentices in 2016, the University now supports 4,200 apprentices across 24 programmes including healthcare, engineering, digital, finance and management, with achievement rates significantly above the national average.

Major employers with regional links are also investing in apprenticeships, including Amazon, Great Western Railway and Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, all promoting the route as a way to earn while gaining recognised qualifications.

Exeter College’s annual Expo, along with the wide range of employers taking part in this Apprentice Week, highlights how apprenticeships are becoming an integral part of Exeter’s education system and long-term economic growth.