University of Exeter named finalist for major UK apprenticeship award

The University of Exeter has been shortlisted for Apprenticeship Provider of the Year at the 2026 Apprenticeship and Training Awards, placing the university among a number of providers recognised nationally for their work in skills development.

The FE Week and AELP Apprenticeship and Training Awards, held in association with City & Guilds, recognise training providers and employers across the UK. More than 700 nominations were received last year.

Exeter currently has more than 4,000 apprentices enrolled in degree apprenticeship programmes, the largest number of any Russell Group university. 

Central to this work is the university’s Centre for Degree Partnerships, which coordinates collaboration with over 400 local and national employers. 

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Since 2016, the centre has supported more than 3,000 apprentices, reporting a 90 per cent completion rate, which is well above the national average.

Rachael Johnstone, Director of the Centre for Degree Partnerships, said the shortlist reflects ongoing efforts to provide practical training routes into higher education. 

“The nomination recognises the work we do with employers and apprentices to deliver qualifications alongside hands-on experience,” she said.

Apprentices at the university highlighted the balance of study and work. One health-sector apprentice said the programme offered “a chance to gain qualifications without stepping out of employment.” 

Meanwhile, an engineering apprentice described combining workplace experience with study as making “the learning feel immediately relevant.”

Finalists will attend a parliamentary reception at the House of Lords on 9 February, with winners announced at the Apprenticeships and Training Conference in Liverpool on 3 March.