To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Torbay Business Forum once again hosted the sell-out Business Breakfast Apprenticeship Takeover at South Devon College.
The event, to showcase the next generation of local employees, was held on Employer Tuesday as part of the 19th National Apprenticeship Week and was attended by local employers and apprentices alongside South Devon College staff.
The College’s catering apprentices prepared and served a wonderful cooked breakfast for the 80 attendees before the floor was opened up to both employers and their apprentices, who shone a light on the value, enthusiasm and loyalty that apprentices bring to a business.
Ben Pountney, Head of Business Development, Talent & Skills at the College, got the event off to a good start by welcoming the guests and stressing the importance of apprenticeships as a key way of developing the local workforce, boosting skills and driving the economy forward.
“Today is all about the apprentices and lifelong learning, giving credibility, confidence and new skills,” he said.
Ben Pountney addressing the Torbay Breakfast Forum
He gave an update on the recent 100 Apprentices in 100 Days campaign, launched in November 2025: “It’s been a successful campaign both in terms of apprenticeship placements and opportunity pipelines, as well as seeing more people advocating apprenticeships. There is still work to do and there are a lot more people ready to start apprenticeships.”
Matt Harbour, Vice Principal at South Devon College, said: “We have over 1,000 apprentices at the College and it is one of the best ways to learn – earning whilst learning alongside professional colleagues through a structured programme has true value. Apprenticeships are an investment in a person as well as the workforce. They are the future.”
Then it was time for apprentices and their local employers to take centre stage – first in the spotlight was Chris Thorpe from G&H, a Torquay-based business providing photonics engineering and manufacturing solutions for industry, telecoms, aerospace, defence, space and life sciences.
Chris Thorpe from G&H
Mr Thorpe gave an insight into the business and how apprentices benefit growth and success. He also shared apprenticeships success stories: “It all starts with recruiting the right candidates.
“Our chief engineer responsible for design, maintaining and developing our fused fibre optics process started as an apprentice and has now got a 30+ years tenure at G&H.
“Another success story is our engineering apprentice seen as capable enough to support testing of products at a proton accelerator facility in Europe after being with us for less than a year.
“It’s about getting the word out there and identifying and reaching potential apprentices, alongside our partnership with South Devon College.”
Charley Mann then addressed the room, sharing her experience of apprenticeships. As MIS Business Partner at the College, whilst completing her Level 3 Business apprenticeship, she was keen to expel the misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships.
Charley Mann
“The first myth is that apprenticeships are only for 16-18 year olds – i was 26 when I started my apprenticeship but it was the best decision.
“Another myth is that apprenticeships aren’t as good as degrees, which is not the case. I am not getting myself into debt and i am gaining the most valuable experience.
“Apprenticeships are not limited to certain roles – there are so many varied roles available, including Fisher and Chef apprenticeships. And it’s not only practical physical roles – there are apprenticeships available in marketing, business and so many other professional sectors.
“The final misconception is that apprenticeships are hard to set up – the College is here to offer all support when an employer hires an apprentice, to guide them through the process.”
Next up was Ellen Thieman from Tomlinson Solutions, an IT support and solutions company based in Paignton, who gave a strong speech about why she loves apprenticeships: “I am a Level 3 multi-channel marketing apprentice and it’s such a great opportunity to use my creative skills.
Ellen Thieman from Tomlinson Solutions
“I am gaining a recognised qualification alongside real world work experience and being involved in real projects and in-house training have increased my skills and confidence.
“I can’t recommend apprenticeships enough – my South Devon College tutor is always there for help and support, as are my employers. I now run the entire social media operation for Tomlinson Solutions.
“To all employers I would say ‘have a think about whose life you could have a positive influence on today by taking on an apprentice’.”
Colette Dalton, Apprenticeship Employer Lead Advisor at South Devon College, then introduced the new ‘Student Talent and Skills Matching’ programme, with the aim of ‘Getting Apprenticeship Ready’.
Run by the College, it was created after listening to employers and students with the aim of increasing apprentice retention, improving core employability behaviours to aid recruitment, and offer additional support for those looking for an apprenticeship.
It includes a six-week employability course, interview techniques, 1 to 1 mentoring and student/employer events.
Colette Dalton, student Amelia Hookway-Harris and Johanna Pettett, Placement and Work Experience Lead at South Devon College
Ms Dalton said: “Employers gain access to motivated and confident pre-screened candidates, creating a strong workforce pipeline. It supports local skills development and economic growth – we are a large College provision with great support from local employers and businesses.”
The pilot programme is currently running for the College Construction cohort and Amelia Hookway-Harris, 17, a carpentry student at South Devon College is taking part. “i prefer to be hands-on and learning on the job which is why I’m looking for an apprenticeship. Young people are finding it hard to source an apprenticeship and the programme will help us to connect with relevant businesses,” she said.
From left: Ian Tomlinson of Tomlinson Solutions; Ellen Thieman from Tomlinson Solutions; Johanna Pettett, Placement and Work Experience Lead at South Devon College; Colette Dalton, Apprenticeship Employer Lead Advisor; Matt Harbour, Vice Principal; Steve Reynolds, Chair of Torbay Business Forum; Ben Pountney, Head of Business Development, Talent & Skills; student Amelia Hookway-Harris; Chris Thorpe from G&H; and Charley Mann, MIS Business Partner
Steve Caunter, Assistant Principal at South Devon College, brought the successful and vibrant morning proceedings to a close: “Hearing from our apprentices this morning was inspiring. We are always looking to build contacts and positive partnerships with local employers and businesses so please do talk to us about hiring apprentices.”
For more information on working with South Devon College on apprenticeships, visit 100 Apprenticeships in 100 Days – South Devon College
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