Employer Satisfaction at an All-Time High as North Devon College Strengthens Industry Partnerships
 The results highlight the benefits of North Devon College’s training programmes, with employers reporting an increase in staff confidence, critical skills gaps being filled and improvement in business productivity.
 In addition, employers praised the professionalism of North Devon College’s staff, with an impressive 97% satisfaction rate, and 96% commending the college’s flexibility in meeting employer needs. A growing number of businesses are now choosing to work with North Devon College to develop their workforce and nurture new talent, with 75% of employers taking on apprentices through North Devon College in the past two years, and 29% engaging with the new T Level industry placements.
 Over the past year, North Devon College has focused on improving communication and collaboration with employers – and the results speak for themselves:
94% satisfaction with communication (up from 56% two years ago)
93% efficiency in working with employers (up from 58% in 2022-23)
93% overall employer satisfaction (a 23% increase since 2022-23)
 Most notably, 94% of employers said they were likely or very likely to recommend North Devon College as a training provider, reinforcing the college’s reputation as a trusted skills partner for local businesses.
Next Steps
The survey also identified key areas for development, including expanding training in engineering, digital skills, electric vehicle technology, and construction CPD courses. Employers also expressed interest in more management and leadership training, business administration, and functional skills development.
 Julie Yates, Head of Business Engagement at North Devon College, commented: “We are thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our employer partners. The increased engagement reflects the strong relationships we’ve built and our commitment to providing industry-relevant training that makes a real impact on businesses. These insights will help us further refine our offerings, ensuring we continue to support local employers with the skills they need to thrive.”
 North Devon College remains committed to strengthening employer partnerships, refining training programmes, and aligning courses with industry trends. The Business Engagement Team will use the survey insights to enhance employer influence on course content, improve marketing of training opportunities, and ensure businesses can access the right skills at the right time.
 For more information on how North Devon College can support your business with apprenticeships, training, and industry placements, visit www.petroc.ac.uk/employers.
