Thanks to the collective efforts of colleagues across all curriculum areas, along with the enthusiasm and commitment shown by our learners and employer partners, the campaign has delivered an impressive 2,142 employer and industry engagement opportunities, surpassing the original goal of 2,000.

From work experience and T Level placements to industry talks, site visits and supported internships, the campaign has travelled far and wide across employer networks, opening doors and strengthening connections between education and the world of work.

Campaign Outcomes at a Glance

The 2,142 opportunities delivered through the campaign include:

• 341 Work Experience placements
• 179 T Level placements
• 18 Supported Internships
• 541 Industry Talks
• 325 Group Work Experience opportunities
• 738 Site Visits and Workplace Tours

Already, 902 opportunities have been actioned or completed, including 19 work experience placements across a broad range of sectors such as education, construction, nursing, and health and social care.

Strong Employer Engagement

To date, 279 employers have pledged their support to the campaign or have already welcomed learners into work experience or T Level placements. In just the past week, positive engagement has taken place with organisations including Mid Devon District Council, Holsworthy AFC, BAM, and the

Devonshire Homes Community Project.

A particular highlight this week saw 79 students confirmed for an Army Group Experience, further demonstrating the scale and diversity of opportunities being created.

New pledges secured include:

• Work Experience and Group Work Experience opportunities
• Industry talks from Mid Devon District Council
• Construction work experience with Holsworthy AFC
• A work experience opportunity with Journo Resources

Making a Tangible Difference

The continued commitment from employers, alongside the proactive approach of North Devon College teams and learners, has been instrumental in the campaign’s success. Together, these partnerships are helping learners build confidence, develop employability skills, and take meaningful steps towards their future careers.

North Devon College would like to extend sincere thanks to all colleagues, learners, and employer partners who have contributed to the success of the 2000 Futures Count campaign. Your collaboration and support are making a lasting impact – and ensuring our learners are future-ready.

Julie Yates, Head of Employer Engagement said “We are incredibly proud to have exceeded our target and delivered 2,142 meaningful employer and industry opportunities through the 2000 Futures Count campaign. This success would not have been possible without the incredible support of our employer partners, colleagues across the college, and everyone who helped share the message and encourage pledges.

These opportunities are already making a real difference to our learners, helping them develop skills, confidence, and clear pathways into the world of work, and we are hugely grateful to every employer who played a part.”.

The post North Devon College Celebrates Outstanding Success of 2000 Futures Count Campaign appeared first on North Devon College.

As part of the merger, North Devon College will become North Devon College, celebrating its place in the community, while Exeter College will continue under its existing name. The new Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group will continue delivering sixth form provision in both Exeter and North Devon, while expanding opportunities for the region to upskill and supporting employers to develop the talent they need to thrive now and in the future.��

The Group will also develop a dedicated Centre for Progression in Tiverton, building on the��great work��already happening on that site. This will support young people with��additional��needs and those who need��a different experience��to re-engage with education.��

The confirmation of the merger follows a full public consultation, which attracted strong engagement and overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, parents, staff, employers,��schools��and community partners.��

This move will create one of the largest place-based college groups in the country. The group will offer education opportunities to over 16,000 learners, employ��nearly 2,000��staff, and generate an annual turnover exceeding £100 million, while preserving both colleges’ unique identities and local presence.��

John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO of Exeter College, will become Group Principal and CEO of the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group. Jade��Otty, Deputy CEO of Exeter College, will become Group Deputy CEO��and also��take on the role of Senior Leader at North Devon College.��

There will be no immediate change for all current students at both colleges following the merger, and they will continue their studies at their existing campuses as normal. The current Interim Principal and CEO at North Devon College, Kurt Hintz, is leaving to become the Interim Principal and CEO at Havant and South Downs College on 5 January.��

Pat Denham OBE, Chair of the North Devon College Board of Governors, who will join the Board of the new Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said:��

“By becoming North Devon College and joining forces with Exeter College, we are securing greater opportunities, broader��expertise��and a stronger future for the region. Our focus has always been on doing��what’s��best for North Devon, and this merger will enable us to deliver even more for the people we serve.”��

John Laramy CBE, Group Principal and CEO of Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said:��

“We are delighted to confirm the merger has been approved, and in January, Exeter College and North Devon College will combine and officially become one of the��very best��tertiary college groups in the country. This is an exciting moment for everyone at Exeter College, North Devon College, and for the whole of Devon.��

“By��establishing��Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, we can enhance opportunities for learners, offer more access to exceptional education and skills training, and provide greater sustainability for staff, all while reflecting our shared commitment to excellence,��inclusivity��and community.��

“I am absolutely thrilled by the combined opportunity we have to create a college group with the capacity, capability and ambition to deliver the very best for our region.”��

Professor Adam Watt, Chair of the Board for Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said:��

“I’m��delighted to be taking on the role of Chair of the Board for Exeter and North Devon College Group. Together, we will help��establish��one of the UK’s leading college groups, right here in Devon.��

“This merger will deliver positives for all aspects of the communities the Colleges serve, from offering greater choice and improved access to specialist facilities, to providing employers with a single, strong partner that responds to local skills needs. Most importantly, it keeps high-quality education in the community, with both Colleges combining to deliver the scale, capability, and resilience that come from being part of a larger group. The merger is a hugely exciting prospect for the region.”��

The post Merger Confirmed appeared first on North Devon College.

The 2000 Futures initiative aims to unlock thousands of real-world experiences for learners – from one-to-one work experience placements��and T Level industry placements, to project briefs, supported internships and employer-led curriculum activity.

Momentum continues to build

North Devon College’s outreach has expanded further in recent weeks, with staff connecting with over 40 employers at the Business Advisory Dinner��at The Taw Restaurant, leading to a series of productive conversations about future opportunities. Julie Yates and James Walker also represented the college at the Devon Chamber of Commerce ‘County Conversations’��networking event at The Mole Resort, ensuring a final surge of pledges as the campaign approaches its target.

To date:

• 1,997 total opportunities��have been pledged – 99% of the 2000 Futures target!
• 865 opportunities��have already been actioned or completed
• 256 employers��have now pledged support or already hosted work experience or T Level placements

This progress shows clear evidence that the campaign’s messaging is resonating – with the Work Experience Team reporting a significant rise in the number of learners submitting placement forms.

Expanding employer partnerships

New collaborations this week include discussions with DWP, North Devon Voluntary Services, Ace Holds The Space, and Molland Parish Council, exploring work experience, project-based learning and activity sessions.

Meanwhile, completed work experience placements continue to diversify. The latest 23 placements��include opportunities in:

• Earth Scholar and Outdoors
• Hair & Beauty
• Digital and Creative Media
• Nursing and Health & Social Care

SEND learners also continue to benefit from bespoke, supported experiences shaped around their needs.

A collaborative effort shaping Devon’s future workforce

Julie Yates praised the cross-college effort and the enthusiasm of Devon employers:

“The work being undertaken across college teams is resulting in a wide range of impactful opportunities for our learners. The proactive approach from staff and the willingness of employers to step forward is making a tangible difference.”

A final call for support: 121 work experience & T Level placements

As the campaign approaches the finish line, North Devon College is calling on local businesses to help deliver the final stretch by offering:

1. One-to-one work experience placements

These can be:

• one day a week over a set period, or
• a one-off structured placement to provide real insight into working life.

These short, focused opportunities can transform a learner’s confidence, readiness and aspirations — and often lead directly into employment pathways.

2. T Level Industry Placements

T Level learners require longer, skills-focused placements that allow them to develop real technical capability. These placements help employers shape talent early, support workforce planning and contribute directly to the future skills pipeline in Devon.

North Devon College is encouraging any business – large or small, local or national – to make a final pledge and help unlock opportunities that will shape the region’s future talent.

The post North Devon College Hits 99% of Its 2000 Futures Target as Employer Engagement Continues to Surge Across Devon appeared first on North Devon College.

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 North Devon College 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 North Devon College’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 North Devon College, 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, North Devon College’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 North Devon College’s Employer Engagement Team:��business@petroc.ac.uk.

The post Local employers gather at North Devon College to help shape the future of skills in North Devon appeared first on North Devon College.

Launched in September, the campaign aims to unlock 2,000 high-quality employer encounters by Christmas, and the momentum so far has been incredibly encouraging. With 742 opportunities already completed, learners are feeling the impact right now, not just in the classroom but directly within industry environments.

Community Outreach Making Noise

The past few weeks have seen a wave of outreach activity, including:

• Attending Node CoWork’s “Build Your Business Day”
• Hosting an Employer Engagement Breakfast at Tiverton Campus
• Joining the North Devon Business Breakfast Group at the Barnstaple Hotel
• Meeting future partners at the Bideford College Careers Event

These events are expanding our network and opening new doors for students across all subject areas.

New Pledges Rolling In

North Devon College teams have held positive meetings with organisations including Molland Parish Council, Braddicks Leisure, Golden Bay Holiday Park, Lets Go, and the South West Police Cyber Crime Unit to shape meaningful work experience. This week alone, pledges have included:

• An industry talk and site visit from Lets Go
• A cyber escape room experience for Digital learners from the Police Cyber Crime Unit
• Group experience opportunities from North Devon Biosphere
• Group work experience with Devonshire Homes
• Industry talks, site visits, work experience, T Level placements and Supported Internships with Evans Transport

A huge 215 employers have now pledged to support the campaign or have already taken on work experience or T Level students – showing just how committed our community is to backing local talent.

New Employers Joining Us This Week

Some of the brilliant businesses who’ve come onboard over the past seven days include Banbury’s Beauty Spa, Bray Leino, Calvert Trust Exmoor, Citizens Advice, Devonshire Homes, North Devon Biosphere Foundation, RAF Odiham, South West Regional Cyber Crime Unit, Zigzags Hair Salon and many more. Their involvement is helping us broaden opportunities across every study area.

One Month to Go! Call to Employers

We’re inviting more local businesses to get involved by offering any form of workplace engagement, big or small. Whether it’s a two-week placement, a campus talk, a tour of your facilities, or a long-term partnership, every single opportunity counts towards our 2,000 target.

With just one month to go, and under 250 placements to fill, employers can pledge their support through our online form, helping us match the right learners with the right experiences and continue building a future-ready workforce for our region.

Image: James Walker, Business Account Manager attending the Mid Devon Business Networking Group Breakfast at the Hartnoll Hotel, Tiverton.

The post 2000 Futures Campaign Hits 88% as Employer Support Surges appeared first on North Devon College.

Since our last update, we’ve seen a fantastic increase in campaign engagement from 61% to 73%, reflecting the hard work and collaboration across teams, employers, and partners.

We’re also thrilled to report a total of 1453 pledges, a significant rise from our previous milestone, showcasing the continued strength and success of our outreach activity.

Key Highlights and Achievements

• New Employer Engagement:
  The campaign continues to attract new supporters, with Braddicks Leisure Ltd and Doorcare South West joining our growing network of employers through both Work Experience and T Level pledges.

• Early Years Success:
  A large number of Level 2 Early Years learners have now secured their work experience placements, working with 45 employers across nurseries and primary schools — a fantastic step forward for this sector.

• Supported Internships:
  Congratulations to Hayley Willison, who has successfully placed all 16 of her students with employers. The team will be visiting students at work and creating inspiring case studies throughout November to highlight these successes and encourage more Supported Internship pledges.

• Army and MOD Partnerships:
  Recent partnerships have delivered a major boost, including 100 new placements from the Army and a fully funded residential offer from the Ministry of Defence for up to 100 students in February 2026. Incredible opportunities that underline the campaign’s growing impact.

• Community and Business Engagement:
  Our stand at the North Devon Council Customer Service Hub attracted great interest, with most enquiries focusing on Apprenticeships and Adult Skills. Meanwhile, the team is attending and presenting at the NODE Business Expo this week, with 55 attendees booked and five of our students supporting the event, a fantastic showcase of North Devon College talent in action!

Looking Ahead

Our focus now turns to strengthening the remaining 27% of engagement, particularly by increasing Work Experience and Industry Placement pledges

A huge thank you to everyone involved, staff, employers, partners, and learners, for your enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to creating opportunities that transform futures.

Together, we’re building lasting partnerships and paving the way for our students to thrive.

The post North Devon College’s 2000 Futures Campaign Gains Incredible Momentum! appeared first on North Devon College.

Representing North Devon College on the night was Head of Engineering & Motor Vehicle, Jackie Theakston-Thomas, who had the honour of presenting the award to this year’s winner.

Speaking after the event, Jackie said “It was a privilege to present the Apprenticeship Award and to see so many talented individuals being recognised for their hard work and contribution to North Devon’s manufacturing industry. Apprenticeships are a vital pathway into skilled careers, and we’re incredibly proud to support initiatives that celebrate and encourage that success.”

North Devon College would like to thank the NDMA for their kind invitation and for hosting another inspiring evening that highlights the strength and innovation of our local industry.

A huge congratulations to this year’s winner and all of the nominees, your achievements showcase the bright future of North Devon’s manufacturing and engineering community.

The post North Devon College Proud to Sponsor Apprenticeship Award at 2025 NDMA Awards appeared first on North Devon College.

Run by our talented Hospitality & Catering students under the expert guidance of North Devon College’s industry-experienced lecturers, The Taw offers an exceptional dining experience showcasing the skills and creativity of our future chefs and hospitality professionals.

Guests can enjoy a delicious lunch service on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12pm or 12:30pm, or treat themselves to an evening meal on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm.

Each menu is carefully crafted to highlight seasonal ingredients and modern culinary techniques, all served in a welcoming and professional environment at our Barnstaple campus.

Whether you’re a returning regular or a first-time visitor, The Taw offers fantastic value and a unique opportunity to support the next generation of hospitality talent.

To book your table Call 01271 852480, Email thetaw@petroc.ac.uk or visit /community/restaurants/the-taw-restaurant-barnstaple/ to view our Autumn menu and find out more.

The post The Taw Restaurant Reopens for Autumn Bookings appeared first on North Devon College.

Now at the halfway point in Week 6, the campaign has seen a fantastic jump from 43% last week to 51% this week – a great step forward that highlights the strong and growing support from employers across Devon and beyond.

Launched earlier this year, the 2000 Futures Campaign aims to create 2,000 meaningful work experience encounters for North Devon College students by Christmas, connecting learners with the world of work. These encounters include work placements, workplace tours, guest talks, T Level placements, and supported internships, all designed to bridge the gap between education and employment.

The campaign has received outstanding backing from North Devon’s business community, with organisations of all sizes getting involved – from small family-run firms to large regional employers. This collective effort reflects a shared commitment to developing local talent and inspiring the next generation of professionals.

Key Highlights This Week:

• Thursday 16th October: Employers including Eaton, the MOD, and Cytivia hosted a meet-and-greet session for first-year T Level students.

• Earth Scholar: Three Year 2 T Level students have signed up to support new sustainability projects.

• Events Attended: North Devon College teams represented at the Devon Chamber Business Expo and Maritime UK Southwest events.

• Business Students: A group of Business students attended the Business Expo in Plymouth, gaining valuable industry exposure.

• T Level Week (13–17 October): Strong social media engagement promoting our learners and the employers supporting placements.

• New Employer Placement: The Big Sheep has welcomed an Animal Care T Level student on placement.

• Upcoming Event: Tiverton Employer Breakfast on Wednesday 5th November 2025, bringing together employers to explore partnership opportunities.

Reaching the halfway target so quickly is a clear sign of how dedicated our local employers are to supporting young people. Every pledge represents a real opportunity for North Devon College students to gain insight, confidence, and skills that will shape their future careers.

Employers participating in the initiative are already seeing the benefits, not only in helping students gain valuable experience but also in strengthening relationships between industry and education.

North Devon College continues to invite more organisations to join the campaign, encouraging businesses to offer even small-scale opportunities that can make a lasting difference in a young person’s career journey.

For more information on how to get involved in the 2000 Futures Campaign, visit

The post North Devon College’s 2000 Futures Campaign Reaches Over 1,000 Employer Pledges appeared first on North Devon College.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness among local trades and employers about the campaign’s mission to connect 2,000 young people with real-world work experiences by Christmas.

The 2000 Futures campaign is designed to inspire the next generation by offering meaningful “employer encounters,” ranging from inspiring career talks to extended workplace placements. By showcasing opportunities at Bradfords, the North Devon College team highlighted how businesses of all sizes can play a vital role in helping learners develop key skills, grow in confidence, and set ambitious career aspirations.

To further build on the momentum of the campaign, North Devon College will be hosting a free webinar on Thursday 9th October at 2pm. The session will provide everything employers, educators, and community partners need to know about getting involved:

• What employer encounters look like – from short visits to in-depth placements.
• Why these opportunities matter – boosting skills, confidence, and career ambitions.
• How every business can contribute – whether large or small, every opportunity counts.
• What support is available – ensuring learners are matched with the right opportunities.

The webinar is open to employers, HR teams, educators, and community partners who want to make a tangible difference in shaping the workforce of the future.

Register now to secure your place:

The post North Devon College Business Team Brings 2000 Futures Campaign to Local Construction Trades appeared first on North Devon College.