Residents and businesses in Ilfracombe are being urged to get the new year off to a positive start by making the most of a range of training courses on offer in the town.
One Ilfracombe, the not-for-profit organisation set up to help improve the lives of people living in the community, is working closely with local businesses to bridge skills gaps in the town. In response to feedback from employers, a programme of workshops and work experience opportunities is being launched to support employers and jobseekers.
Whether it’s someone looking for their first job, or thinking about a career change, One Ilfracombe has teamed up with Learn Devon, local schools, and North Devon College adult education outreach, to provide help. They will deliver access to:
- a wide range of training programmes, many of which are free
- recognised qualifications across multiple sectors
- hands-on work experience placements
- personalised advice and guidance
Training courses and workshops are available covering hundreds of options from working with children with disabilities, digital business skills, Level 1 and 2 food safety and hygiene, customer care, diesel engine maintenance, first aid at sea – as well as Maths and English for parents and carers. For more information visit Ilfracombe Employment Hub, at 11 Belgrave Promenade, which is open 9:30am – 4:30pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. To make an appointment at any of Devon’s employment hubs, visit our website where you can fill out the form or email employmenthub@devon.gov.uk
Charmain Lovett, One Ilfracombe Project Officer, said: “With the support of Devon County Council, Learn Devon and North Devon College, we have brought together this fantastic programme to support residents who are looking to gain new skills or qualifications. Alongside this, we have been engaging with local employers to better understand skills gaps within the workforce and to develop courses that directly address those needs.
“We recognise that many Ilfracombe residents face barriers when accessing these types of opportunities so to help overcome this, we are offering free transport, childcare support, and, where possible, flexible course times and days to ensure the programme is as accessible as possible. The programme has already got off to a flying start, thanks to the invaluable feedback provided by members of the Ilfracombe Poverty Truth Commission. We are now inviting the wider community to share which skills and qualifications would be most beneficial, helping us to shape a meaningful and responsive programme as we look ahead to 2026.”
Councillor Simon Clist, Cabinet Member for assets and resources, said:
“We’ve taken time to listen to what local employers are telling us they need and we’re working with expert partner organisations to deliver a range of support. Covering everything from in-house training and qualifications to networking, this initiative is designed to help grow the local economy and establish a skilled workforce in the area.”
Ken Miles, Chief Executive, North Devon Council, said: “One Ilfracombe has established strong relationships between all of the partners involved, and when we identify a need in our town, we can work collaboratively to deliver practical, effective solutions. These training courses are a great opportunity for the local community in Ilfracombe to gain new skills and qualifications that could enable you to either take the next step in your career or to set out on a completely new career path.”
A free Jobs and Careers Fair will also be held at the North Devon Resort, Marlborough Road in Ilfracombe, on Wednesday 25 February from 10am-2pm.
One Ilfracombe is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, which started in 2013 and is made up of partner agencies and independent members, working alongside each other to deliver co-ordinated services. The partners involved in One Ilfracombe are Devon County Council, North Devon Council, Ilfracombe Town Council, NHS North Devon Healthcare Trust, Combe Coastal Practice, Devon & Cornwall Police, Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, The Ilfracombe Academy and North Devon Homes.
For more information visit the One Ilfracombe website.