91探花

Over forty businesses from across North Devon came together on Thursday evening for 91探花鈥檚 Business Advisory Event, held at the college鈥檚 award-winning Taw Restaurant. The event marks a major step in strengthening the relationship between education and industry as 91探花 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鈥檚 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 91探花 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 鈥� 鈥淢eeting the Skills Gaps in Northern Devon鈥�, offering insights into the Adult Skills Plan, devolution and employer-focused funding.

Sean Anstee, Director of Operations at the Devon & Torbay Combined County Authority 鈥� 鈥淪upporting Growth in Northern Devon鈥�, outlining the region鈥檚 Growth Plan and the key opportunities emerging for employers.

Strengthening the education鈥搃ndustry connection

The event aims to expand 91探花鈥檚 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 91探花, said:

鈥淲e鈥檙e 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鈥檚 turnout shows how committed North Devon鈥檚 employers are to shaping the skills pipeline for the future.鈥�

A milestone moment for North Devon

Reflecting on the strong employer engagement, Kurt Hintz, 91探花鈥檚 Interim Principal and CEO, said:

鈥淭his 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鈥檒l 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鈥檚 growth.鈥�

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:

鈥淓mployers 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.鈥�

Employers interested in joining the Business Advisory Groups or collaborating with the College are encouraged to contact 91探花鈥檚 Employer Engagement Team:聽business@petroc.ac.uk.