A pioneering training programme developed in Devon is being rolled out nationally after proving a success with learners and businesses.
Devon County Council’s Train4Tomorrow programme is helping to take the UK’s first Regenerative Hospitality Skills Bootcamp to a national audience.
The council has supported The Bull Inn and The Apricot Centre to develop and deliver the course, which brings together hospitality, farming and sustainability to equip learners with skills for the future.
Following its success in Devon, the programme has been adapted for delivery in London later this year, with further training planned in Devon from September. This expansion highlights how a locally developed initiative is helping to shape training opportunities beyond the county.
The programme reflects the council’s commitment to supporting industry-led training that responds to workforce needs, strengthens the local economy and contributes to environmental resilience.
Councillor Simon Clist, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources, said:
“It’s fantastic to see a course developed in Devon being adapted for delivery elsewhere. By connecting hospitality, farming and sustainability, it is helping people gain valuable skills while supporting local businesses and producers.
The fact that this approach is now being adopted beyond Devon is a real endorsement of the innovation behind it and the positive impact it is having here in the county.”
Rachel Phillips, Director of The Apricot Centre, said:
“The Regenerative Hospitality courses have been developed and delivered through a partnership between No Bull Learning at The Bull Inn and The Apricot Centre CIC, with funding from South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council, and Devon County Council through the Train4Tomorrow initiative.
This collaboration is a fantastic example of councils investing in rural skills for rural Devon, bringing together education, farming and hospitality to develop the skills needed for a more resilient local economy.
By supporting innovative, industry-led training, the councils are helping to create new opportunities for people to build careers in sustainable hospitality, strengthen local food systems, and connect hospitality businesses more closely with regenerative farming and local producers.“
The Skills Bootcamp is part of Train4Tomorrow, Devon County Council’s programme of free, flexible courses that help people gain in-demand skills and progress their careers.
The project also supports the ambitions of the Devon Food Partnership, hosted by Devon County Council, which brings together organisations, businesses and communities to create a more local, resilient and prosperous food system across the county.