University of Exeter celebrates double win at Tech South West Awards

The University of Exeter has been recognised for its contribution to skills development in the region after winning two awards for its degree apprenticeship programmes at the Tech South West Awards, held at Sandy Park.

Exeter received the Commitment to Diversity Award and the Supporting Talent Award, with judges praising the university for what they described as a “truly impactful talent pipeline bridging academia and industry, filling skills gaps while widening participation”. 

The panel also highlighted the university’s efforts to diversify the tech sector and the impact this work is having on employers across the South West.

The University of Exeter is the largest provider of degree apprenticeships in the region and was among the first in the UK to offer them. 

The programmes allow school leavers and adults looking to upskill to gain a Russell Group education while working in paid roles, removing many of the financial barriers associated with traditional university study. 

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The apprenticeships include Level 6 and 7 Digital and Technology Solutions programmes, covering areas such as data analysis, cyber security, software engineering and business analysis, along with the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship used widely across the tech sector.

Dan Hallam, Head of Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Exeter, said the awards reflected the university’s commitment to supporting the region’s talent pipeline. 

He said: “On what was a great night, it was such an honour to receive two Tech South West Awards for Commitment to Diversity and Supporting Talent, values that are at the heart of our work.”

“We are particularly proud of our work to support the diverse talent within our local communities, which is why so many of our apprentices and employer partners are based in the South West.”

This year’s awards, attended by hundreds of tech leaders, founders and investors, celebrated organisations driving innovation across the region’s growing tech sector. 

Devon-based Altilium Clean Technology emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home three awards, including the top accolade. 

Other multiple winners included Deciphex for its AI and digital pathology technology and Sora Aviation for innovation in aviation engineering.

Several Exeter-area organisations were also among those recognised on the night. The Supporting Talent Award, jointly won by the University of Exeter’s Degree Apprenticeships, also acknowledged the programme’s role in building critical digital skills for the region’s employers. 

Exeter-based Our Rainwater Limited received one of the regional Cluster Awards, highlighting the breadth of innovation emerging from the city.

Tech South West founder Dan Pritchard said the awards reflected the strength of the South West’s tech ecosystem, noting the region’s progress in fields ranging from clean energy to marine technology and artificial intelligence.

The University of Exeter says its apprenticeship success aligns with its wider Strategy 2030 commitments, which include expanding access to education, supporting innovation and strengthening partnerships that benefit local communities.