Skills development is a key strategic priority within the Destination Management Framework for Devon & Partners LVEP. A thriving and resilient visitor economy depends on a skilled, confident and motivated workforce.
Working in partnership with training providers and employers across Devon, the Devon & Partners LVEP is committed to helping businesses access the training, resources and opportunities they need to strengthen the sector’s skills base. Through collaboration and clear communication, we aim to ensure that businesses across the county are aware of available training opportunities and are supported to develop the workforce required to deliver a high-quality visitor experience.
Our Approach
To support skills development across the visitor economy, Devon & Partners LVEP focuses on the following priorities:
- Sharing best practice across the sector, including innovative approaches to recruitment, training and workforce development. This will include sharing best practice case studies e.g. Plymouth partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support employment and training opportunities within the visitor economy.
- Strengthening alignment with the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) through a formal relationship and Memorandum of Understanding. This ensures skills priorities within the visitor economy are linked directly to the LVEP Steering Group and Strategic Board.
- Improving communication across the sector, ensuring that LVEP updates and opportunities are shared with major employers, Further Education colleges, independent training providers, the Devon & Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, local authorities, and education and skills partners.
What We Are Doing
Devon & Partners LVEP is already working with a range of partners to support skills development across Devon:
- Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)
We work closely with the Devon & Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, the designated employer representative body (ERB) responsible for delivering the LSIP for Greater Devon. We support the development of the LSIP and share information about the process and related opportunities with the wider visitor economy network.
- Further Education Partnerships
We engage with Further Education colleges across Devon to connect the visitor economy with education providers. This supports navigation of funded and commercial training opportunities and provides a pipeline of skilled learners entering the sector, alongside opportunities for existing staff to continue developing their skills.
For information on opportunities at South Devon College, please click here and click here for an employer guide.
- Train4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamps
Devon & Partners LVEP supports the Train4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamps programme, funded by the UK Government through the Skills for Life programme and delivered locally with Devon County Council as the accountable body. The programme offers flexible training opportunities to help individuals develop in‑demand skills and supports businesses to access trained staff. For more information, visit https://www.train4tomorrow.org.uk
- Train4Tomorrow Digital & AI Bootcamps
Alongside the wider Skills Bootcamps offer, Train4Tomorrow now includes a range of digital and AI training courses designed to help individuals and businesses build practical, future-focused skills. These flexible courses support learners in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and data, helping the visitor economy stay competitive and adapt to emerging technologies. For more information, visit https://www.train4tomorrow.org.uk/bootcamps/digital/
Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)
Devon & Partners has worked closely with the Devon Chamber of Commerce, employers and a wide range of strategic partners to support the development of the new three-year Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Greater Devon.
Greater Devon stands at an important point in its economic development. As the economy continues to evolve, employers across a broad range of sectors are identifying significant opportunities for growth and innovation. At the same time, skills shortages, an ageing workforce, increasing competition for talent and changing labour market demands continue to present challenges for businesses, education providers and communities.
Led by the Devon Chamber of Commerce in its role as the region's Employer Representative Body (ERB), the LSIP has been shaped through extensive engagement with employers, education and training providers, local authorities and strategic partners. This collaborative approach has ensured that the priorities identified reflect the needs of businesses across Greater Devon.
The development of the plan included 1,405 direct employer engagements, 194 engagements with education providers and strategic stakeholders, and 42 events involving more than 3,000 businesses. These insights have informed four strategic priorities that will guide skills development and investment across Greater Devon over the next three years.
The publication of the LSIP marks the beginning of the next phase of delivery. Continued collaboration between employers, education providers, local authorities and partner organisations will be essential to achieving the plan's ambitions and ensuring that Greater Devon has the skilled workforce needed to support sustainable economic growth.
You can read the full Greater Devon Local Skills Improvement Plan, including its priorities, actions, responsibilities and key performance indicators, by clicking here.
Working Together
Skills development within the visitor economy is a shared priority across Devon. By working collaboratively with employers and education providers, Devon & Partners LVEP aims to build a stronger, more resilient workforce that supports the long‑term growth and success of Devon’s visitor economy.
