Mike Blakeley
Executive Director of Partnerships, Apprenticeships & Future Skills,
Exeter College
Mike leads on the Partnership, Apprenticeship and Future Skills directorate for OFSTED Outstanding Exeter College. Apprenticeships play a significant role at Exeter with over 2300 in learning. During his time, he has seen Construction Apprenticeships grow from under 100 to 650 across multiple disciplines. Exeter College are a DfE Expert provider and work across the country supporting the development of Apprenticeships. Alongside his role of Executive Director, he is also the Vice Chair of GCAP (Green Construction Advisory Panel), he assumes a pivotal role in advocating for educational initiatives aimed at bridging the skills gap in relation to our Net Zero targets and a sustainable future. GCAP has significantly broadened its impact, extending its reach not only in the South West but also nationally and internationally. With a keen interest in construction training, having worked in the industry, he also serves as Chair of the Constructing Excellence SW Skills Panel and holds a position on the board of Constructing Futures, where he represents and guides strategic decisions pertinent to education and skills development in construction.