Job Centre Coaches Visit Petroc to Explore Adult Learning Opportunities

Job Centre coaches from across North Devon visited Petroc’s Barnstaple campus recently to learn more about the wide range of adult education and training opportunities available at the college, including fully funded adult courses and specialist Skills Bootcamps.

The visit began with a welcome presentation by Interim Principal and CEO, Kurt Hintz, who gave an overview of Petroc’s adult education offerings and outlined how the college is working to close local skills gaps. During the session, Kurt invited attendees to share their insights on employment trends and the areas where they’ve seen the most demand for training. Dentistry and Engineering emerged as two key sectors facing ongoing shortages in skilled professionals.

“This kind of collaboration is vital. By understanding where the needs are, we can tailor our courses and bootcamps to directly support both individuals looking for work and the wider regional economy.” – Kurt Hintz.

After the presentation, the Job Centre coaches were given a short guided tour of the campus, visiting classrooms, training facilities, and specialist workshops. The aim was to give a hands-on sense of the resources and support available to adult learners, many of whom are seeking new qualifications, retraining, or returning to work.

Petroc offers a variety of flexible learning options designed specifically for adults, including part-time courses, evening short courses and short-term Skills Bootcamps in key industries. Many of these programmes are fully funded for eligible learners.

With strong links to local employers and an emphasis on practical skills, Petroc continues to play a key role in supporting employment growth and lifelong learning across North Devon.