One Month In – Kurt Hintz
One Month In – Insights from Petroc’s Interim Principal & CEO Kurt Hintz
Petroc’s Interim Principal & CEO, Kurt Hintz, has shared his reflections on his first month in post in a new video, highlighting key developments and his vision for the future of the College and the region.
In the video, Kurt begins by expressing how impressed he has been with the dedication and commitment of Petroc’s staff, community leaders, and local employers. “What’s really enthused me is the depth of skill and talent that exists in the region and the commitment that people have for the community and the learners”, he said, acknowledging the collective effort to enhance opportunities for students across the region.
Kurt also mentions the significant changes on the horizon with the upcoming devolution. Starting in the 2026/27 academic year, the local region will take control of its own adult skills funding, which marks a pivotal moment, as it places decision-making in the hands of those who best understand the community’s needs.
He also highlights recent investments in Petroc’s estate, made possible through the Local Skills Improvement Fund, ensuring that the college is equipped to meet the future demands of the workforce. In addition, Kurt shared the exciting news of a £3 million grant awarded to improve SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provisions across both the North Devon and Tiverton campuses, further strengthening Petroc’s commitment to inclusivity.
Addressing the college’s local reputation, Kurt acknowledged that challenges have been identified and assured that the college is actively working to resolve them. He reiterated that the College wants to “Make sure we have the right educational experience for the community and learners that come to Petroc”.
Looking ahead, Kurt spoke about a “new arena for adult skills” at Petroc. From October, Petroc will launch a wide variety of free adult short courses aimed at upskilling the local community. These courses will cover areas such as construction, hair and beauty, and the creative industries, offering valuable insight and opportunities to develop new skills for now and into the future.
Kurt closed by expressing his optimism for the College and the region, highlighting that it’s an exciting time for the College and that he looks forward to working closely with the community in the months to come.
