Free Employability Support in Devon

The employability support structure in Devon is complex, but below we outline a framework of what is available. Note: some providers have eligibility criteria, so you may not be able to access all support.

The main sources of free support are:

1. Jobcentre Plus
2. SEETEC Plus
3. REP (Refugee Employability Programme)
4. Economy Enterprise and Skills team – employment hubs
5. Other local support
6. Library work clubs
7. Further education colleges

1. Jobcentre Plus

The first place to go if you are looking for a job and/or to sign on for benefits. You will be introduced to a Job Coach who can help you search for jobs. For anyone not in employment, Jobcentre+ can also provide free training, help with getting qualifications translated – and much more.

2. SEETEC Pluss

One-to-one mentoring and support including career advice, access to training, introductions to employers, and in-work support. Eligible job seekers (including Ukrainians, Afghans under ARAP & ACRS) can be referred to Seetec Pluss by JobCentre Plus or can self-refer.

3. REP (Refugee Employability Programme)

The Refugee Employability Programme is a government funded scheme aimed at supporting refugees who have arrived under UKRS, ACRS, ARAP or Community Sponsorship Resettlement Schemes (Homes for Ukraine not included). Eligible refugees are assigned a Case worker to help with finding a job and building skills (including English). Self-referral (or referral from a support worker) via their website. The funding for this programme ends in June 2025, so clients will need to be signed up soon to benefit.

4.Employment hubs (Economy, Enterprise and Skills team)

The EES team is another team at Devon County Council. They have recently started employment hubs at various locations, providing support for anyone aged 16+ looking at education, employment and training. This works as a drop-in service, but they encourage clients to email hub coordinators before hand, as this will ensure someone is available, and may give the coordinator time to prepare before the client arrives. Key details for the hubs are as follows:

5. Other local support

In summary, Pickwell and Sunrise in North Devon, ODILS in Plymouth, St Sidwell’s in Exeter are among a number of voluntary and community sector organisations in different districts that can provide employment support. Some are commissioned by district councils to support particular cohorts so will have strict eligibility criteria, others will provide support for any refugee or other migrant. 

Employability support with extensive experience working with migrants and refugees: 

• St Sidwell’s Centre Work Club (Exeter)
• ODILS “Employment Outreach Programme” (Plymouth). Cassie Roberts (CEO) croberts@odils.com Stuart Foren (Employment Projects Manager and Business Engagement Lead)

Additionally, there are several voluntary organisations or local authorities which don’t run focussed work clubs or programmes, but their support workers help migrants and refugees one-to-one with their employability needs, often through home visitations. Organisations include:

• Pickwells Foundation (North Devon): Supporting all migrants and refugees, with a focus on Afghan families recently arrived in North Devon. Contact: James Lewis (Operations Manager)- james@thepickwellfoundation.org.uk 
• Sunrise Diversity (North Devon): Supporting all migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Contacts: CEO Ana Lodge – ana@sunrisediversity.org.uk and ESOL Coordinator: Grace Brand – grace@sunrisediversity.org.uk 
• Hikmat Devon (Exeter and Teignbridge): Working individually with Afghan families in Teignbridge and Exeter. Contact: Info@hikmatdevon.co.uk 
• Teignbridge CVS (Teignbridge): Initially supporting Ukrainian job seekers, now expanding to other migrants and refugees. Contact: Ali Evans – ali@teigncvs.org.uk 
• West Devon and South Hams District Council: Currently focused on Afghan families, but supporting all migrants and refugees. Contacts: Resettlement Lead: Steve Daymond – steve.daymond@swdevon.gov.uk and Resettlement Specialists: Tom Sewell – tom.sewell@swdevon.gov.uk, Becky Mecrate – becky.mecrate@swdevon.gov.uk 
• CISCO (Crediton, Mid Devon): Supporting Ukrainian refugees. Contact: Natalia Letch – natalia.letch@gmail.com  

Other general support available to the public (also accessible to migrants and refugees):

• Axminster Job Club (Axminster)
• Candar Advice Centre (Ilfracombe)
• Eat That Frog (Torquay, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Paignton and Exeter)
• Ockment Centre Work Club (Okehampton)
• Glenorchy Job Café (Exmouth)
• Salvation Army “Employment Plus UK programme” (Exeter)

6. Library Work Clubs

For the past 18 months, our Migration and Resettlement team has organized work clubs in libraries across Devon, providing targeted support for speakers of other languages. While most of these clubs may be phased out, they are currently continuing in two locations:

Bideford Library Work Club

• Location: Bideford Library, The Quay, Bideford, EX39 2EY
• Drop-in sessions: Wednesdays, 10:00–13:00

Barnstaple Library Work Club

• Location: Barnstaple Library, Tuly Street, Barnstaple, EX31 1EL
• The coordinator for both clubs is Iain Harris. You can reach him at or call 07377 557916.

7. Further Education Colleges

Colleges in Devon offer both ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and vocational courses. These are available to migrants and refugees with the right to work, as well as to asylum seekers, provided their Section 95 application has been made at least six months before a vocational course starts. Many of these courses include industry experience. The main colleges in Devon are:

• Exeter College (Exeter).To get advice on suitable courses, book an appointment with the Adult Advice Hub. Email:adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk. Phone: 01392 400170
• PETROC (Barnstaple and Tiverton). For advice on employability courses available to migrants and refugees, contact: Michelle Prouse (Programme Coordinator) and Joanne Byrne (Director of Progressive Studies).
• South Devon College (Torbay). For ESOL and adult learning programs, contact: Matt Thomas (Programme Coordinator for Adult Learning). For advice on general courses, contact: Rebecca Florence (Senior Coordinator for Adult Careers & Guidance): Mobile: 07525 804505 | Landline: 01803 540598