This year marks a significant milestone – ten years of dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment to the Devon & Cornwall Training Providers Network by its CEO, Sharron Robbie.
Over the past decade, Sharron has not only sustained the network through a period of unprecedented change across the Further Education (FE) and skills sector but has also transformed it into one of the country’s most respected and proactive provider communities.
The last ten years have been a time of profound reform within the FE landscape. The introduction of apprenticeship standards, replacing legacy frameworks, ushered in a more employer-led system designed to raise quality and relevance.
Alongside this, the implementation of the Apprenticeship Levy fundamentally reshaped how training is funded and delivered, compelling providers and employers alike to adapt quickly to new expectations and opportunities. Navigating these changes required strong, visionary leadership – something Sharron has consistently demonstrated.
Maria Woodger, Chair of the Devon & Cornwall Training Providers Network, stated: “As Chair of the network, I am delighted to celebrate this significant milestone marking Sharron’s anniversary. Sharron’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the vision, values, and impact of our collective work.
“Through her unwavering commitment, Sharron has inspired collaboration, driven innovation, and ensured that our focus remains firmly on creating meaningful opportunities for the communities we serve. It is a privilege to recognise Sharron’s contribution and to celebrate the difference they continue to make.”
Under her direction, the network has not merely responded to reform but has actively shaped its local and regional impact. A defining achievement has been securing charitable status, placing the organisation on a stronger, more sustainable footing and sharpening its purpose. This transition marked the beginning of a new era, enabling the network to expand its reach, enhance its credibility, and deliver greater value for its members and the communities it serves.
Sharron has also driven a significant shift in how the network engages with the wider skills ecosystem. Today, it is strategically aligned with key stakeholders at national, regional, and local levels. Trusted relationships with organisations such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Department for Education (DfE), Devon County Council, and Plymouth City Council reflect the confidence partners place in the network as a representative voice for providers. This alignment ensures that the needs and insights of the provider base are heard, understood, and acted upon.
When commenting on Sharron’s anniversary, Phill Adams, Deputy Director, Performance and Partnerships Devon County Council, shared: “Sharron has been a hugely important figure within Devon’s education and skills landscape over the last decade. Through her leadership of DCTPN, and more recently as Deputy Chair of the Skills and Employment Advisory Group, she has consistently championed collaboration, innovation and high-quality opportunities for learners across the county.
“She remains one of our strongest advocates for young people across Devon, particularly in ensuring that vocational, technical and alternative pathways are recognised as vital routes into employment and progression, whilst her ability to bring together providers, employers and partners around shared priorities has helped strengthen the voice and impact of independent training provision across the County.”
Perhaps most notably, Sharron has grown the network into a vibrant and inclusive community of education and training professionals. What was once a smaller collective is now a dynamic, diverse membership of experts, collaborating to share best practice, influence policy, and improve outcomes for learners across the region. As a charity, the network plays a vital role in championing skills development, supporting workforce growth, and contributing to economic prosperity.
Her influence extends well beyond the network itself. As a key member of numerous strategic boards, she has consistently worked to amplify the voice of training providers, ensuring their perspectives inform decision-making at the highest levels. Her advocacy has strengthened the position of the sector and reinforced its importance within the wider education and employment landscape.
National recognition of her contributions came in 2021, when she was awarded an MBE in the late Queen’s New Year Honours list for services to apprenticeships and skills. This honour reflects not only her professional achievements but also her deep personal commitment to advancing education and opportunity across the region.
Shane Chowen, Editor of FE Week, said: “Hailing from Devon myself, I know how hard it can be for those far away from London to have their voices heard. Devon and Cornwall’s training providers are well served with Sharron as their champion. Having seen her in action over the last decade, her members can be confident their perspectives are represented expertly and passionately. Here’s to the next ten years!”
Over the past decade, Sharron has taken the Devon & Cornwall Training Providers Network on a remarkable journey – one defined by transformation, growth, and influence. Today, it is recognised as one of the largest and most proactive provider networks in the UK, trusted by partners and valued by its members.
