Residents and businesses in Ilfracombe are being encouraged to start the new year by taking advantage of a wide range of local training courses. One Ilfracombe, a not-for-profit organisation set up to support the community, has partnered with local employers, Learn Devon, schools, and North Devon College adult education outreach to provide workshops, recognised qualifications, hands-on work experience, and personalised guidance. The programme is designed to bridge skills gaps, supporting jobseekers and employers alike.
Training options cover a broad spectrum, from working with children with disabilities, digital business skills, Level 1 and 2 food safety and hygiene, customer care, and diesel engine maintenance, to first aid at sea, and Maths and English for parents and carers. Residents can access information at the Ilfracombe Employment Hub on 11 Belgrave Promenade, open from 9:30am to 4:30pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, or make an appointment via Devon’s employment hub website or email.
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.”
Lovett added: “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 of North Devon Council, added: “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 on Marlborough Road in Ilfracombe on Wednesday 25 February from 10am to 2pm. One Ilfracombe, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, was founded in 2013 and is made up of partner agencies and independent members working together to deliver co-ordinated services. Partners include 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.
