Local employers gather at Petroc to help shape the future of skills in North Devon
Over forty businesses from across North Devon came together on Thursday evening for Petroc’s Business Advisory Event, held at the college’s award-winning Taw Restaurant. The event marks a major step in strengthening the relationship between education and industry as Petroc prepares to become North Devon College in January, forming the new Exeter and North Devon College Group (ENDC).
The evening welcomed organisations from across the region’s most dynamic sectors, including Landmark Theatres, ArtMakers, The Plough Arts Centre, Flourishing Cultures, Blackbeam Cinematic, Southwest Business Council, Devon County Council, Barr Media, Energy 361, Littledart Fulfilment, Ace Holds the Space, Evans Transport, Lineal, TDK, the Devon and Torbay Combined Authority, and Exeter College, among others.
Guests enjoyed a three-course meal prepared by Petroc students while taking part in discussions on skills needs, economic growth and the future of education-led workforce development.
Two expert guest speakers guided the conversation between courses:
Phill Adams, Deputy Director of Economy & Skills at Devon County Council – “Meeting the Skills Gaps in Northern Devon”, offering insights into the Adult Skills Plan, devolution and employer-focused funding.
Sean Anstee, Director of Operations at the Devon & Torbay Combined County Authority – “Supporting Growth in Northern Devon”, outlining the region’s Growth Plan and the key opportunities emerging for employers.
Strengthening the education–industry connection
The event aims to expand Petroc’s Business Advisory Groups. These groups will work directly with curriculum leaders to ensure programmes remain aligned with real workforce needs, helping learners build the skills, knowledge and behaviours employers are seeking.
Julie Yates, Head of Business Development at Petroc, said:
“We’re building something that puts employers at the heart of everything we do. Apprenticeships, adult training, and higher technical programmes – none of it works without collaboration. Tonight’s turnout shows how committed North Devon’s employers are to shaping the skills pipeline for the future.”
A milestone moment for North Devon
Reflecting on the strong employer engagement, Kurt Hintz, Petroc’s Interim Principal and CEO, said:
“This evening has been a brilliant demonstration of what happens when education and industry sit at the same table. Local businesses told us clearly that they want more collaboration, more alignment and more opportunity, and these advisory groups are exactly how we’ll deliver that. As we move towards the merger in January, this kind of partnership working will be at the centre of our mission to support the region’s growth.”
Looking ahead to the formation of the Exeter and North Devon College Group (ENDC), Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Apprenticeships and Partnerships at Exeter College and soon to lead on the newly formed group’s stakeholder engagement, added:
“Employers are the bedrock of a huge amount of work that we in education deliver. It was amazing to see the passion and expertise in the room. I was and am inspired. Employers here are showing great ambition for North Devon, and we are here to help fuel that. The new college group will give us the scale and strength to respond to evolving skills needs, invest in the identifiable local needs and create outstanding opportunities for learners across the county. Tonight is the start of a powerful partnership.”
Employers interested in joining the Business Advisory Groups or collaborating with the College are encouraged to contact Petroc’s Employer Engagement Team: business@petroc.ac.uk.
