We are a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status that operates across Devon and Cornwall and the wider South West peninsula for the public benefit in the advancement of education and training. We work with key partners to promote and provide collaboration in support of work-based learning and vocational and technical training.
In addition, we aim to promote the value of vocational and technical education, supporting people into work or further study, via education, training and skills.
We actively campaign to improve opportunities for those furthest from the job market and to support social mobility and levelling-up across our communities.
We offer impartial and accurate information and signposting to those living and working within our communities, including individuals, employers, schools, colleges, and other key stakeholders.
Our Annual Report 2024-25 lays out the activity of the DCTPN following its first full year as a registered charity and highlights the work it has undertaken to support the advancement of education and training across the South West peninsula.
The work of the DCTPN and the positive impact that it makes has been recognised not only by Network members but also by key partners, including Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and several local employers.Â
We enjoy close links with a diverse group of training providers, including six FE Colleges, three universities, more than 30 independent training providers and a number of national awarding bodies and end point assessment organisations. From entry level through to degree level our training provider partners have a wide range of funded and commercial courses and training on offer.Â
We support employers and individuals seeking training and skills to support entry into work, in-work progression or to help employers fill vital skills gaps. For those looking to redeploy into a new sector or for those wishing to upskill within an existing role we can support you!
Our depth of industry expertise and knowledge is recognised across the region especially in the following areas; work-based and vocational training, Apprenticeships, Supported Internships and Skills Boot Camps.
We have excellent links with local employers and enjoy exceptional working relationships with the Devon Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses – all of which supports our aim in ensuring that local employers have access to the right skills and training to support business growth, improved productivity and workforce succession planning as laid out in the Local Skills Improvement Plans.
From Apprenticeships to Leadership and Management, from Entry Level through to Degree Level, from accredited to non-accredited training, and everything in between – our training provider partners have it covered!
We offer a range of services to support our aims to advance education across the region:
The Network is led by Chief Executive, Sharron Robbie MBE, who is supported by a Board of Trustee’s. Trustees are appointed by the Board for an initial four-year period.Â
Although primarily focused on our work across the South West we also engage in international work, specifically via British Council funded projects and are now looking at opportunities with the newly relaunched Erasmus+ programme. We have developed a robust working group, DCTPN International, that is currently looking at exciting projects across Europe and beyond that support staff and student mobility.
Over the past 20 years the DCTPN has built a robust and sustainable network of links and contacts in order to effectively collaborate and partner on a wide range of projects to benefit the wider community. These include:
The Network has strong working relationships with the local authorities and district councils across both Devon & Cornwall. We also work closely with the DWP / Job Centre Plus to support people into work – we are recognised by our public sector partners as a pivotal organisation within the education landscape.Â
In addition, to public sector organisations we also work closely with employer representative bodies such as the Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and South West Business Council.Â
Our network of key strategic partners is one of our strengths – we have forged a number of high profile, robust and sustainable working relationships with a number of organisations locally, regionally and nationally. We represent the DCTPN via a number of Boards & Special Interest Groups:
Nationally
Regionally
Devon & Cornwall
Localism
Series of meetings with a range of organisations and key stakeholders including:
As well as our Training Providers, we also enjoy close working relationships with a range of employers, employer providers, awarding bodies, careers hubs, endpoint assessment organisations, local authorities and employer representative bodies.
Our mission, vision and what we stand for.
The latest information from our HQ.
How to access our network’s funding.
The next events for our members.
