South Devon College launches ‘Ready. Skilled. Funded.’ campaign to help employers unlock apprenticeship talent

New government-confirmed incentives mark the final piece in an already skilled, work-ready apprenticeship pipeline, the College says. 

South Devon College has launched Ready. Skilled. Funded. A new campaign with a clear message for local employers: skilled talent is available now and confirmed government funding removes some of the barriers to hiring. 

The launch follows recent confirmation of new apprenticeship funding rules and employer incentives, giving businesses across the region fresh certainty to recruit apprentices, develop existing staff and address skills shortages through funded training. 

Although funding is a key part of the picture, South Devon College sees apprenticeships as about more than funding. They’re about building skills, confidence, and long-term capability.  

They are about people. 

They are about creating opportunities. 

And they are about investing in talent that can transform businesses and lives. 

Commenting on the launch, Ben Pountney, Head of Business Solutions and Apprenticeships at South Devon College, said: 

“Ready. Skilled. Funded. reflects exactly what we’re seeing across our region. We already have talented, work-ready people coming through high-quality apprenticeship training, developing exactly the skills local employers need. What’s changed is the funding. With incentives now confirmed, the final barrier for many employers has been removed, and there has never been a better time to invest in that talent.” 

At a time when many employers are facing recruitment challenges and skills shortages, apprenticeships offer something unique. They enable businesses to grow their own talent, develop future leaders and build a workforce equipped with the skills they need both now and in the future. 

However, South Devon College is keen to challenge a common misconception. 

Apprenticeships are not a shortcut to success. 

They require commitment, resilience and hard work from both apprentices and employers. Learners balance the demands of work and study while gaining recognised qualifications and developing practical skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace. 

One person who understands this better than most is Ben himself, who recently completed the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship at South Devon College and achieved a First-Class Honours Degree in Leadership and Management. 

Despite already holding a senior leadership position, managing a team and balancing family life as a father of three, Ben chose to invest in his own development through an apprenticeship. 

“Finishing the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship at South Devon College has been a really proud moment for me. Not only did I complete the apprenticeship, but I also achieved a First-Class Honours Degree in Leadership and Management, which made all the hard work feel completely worth it.” 

“Taking this on was not without its challenges. Balancing the demands of the course alongside a responsible job, line managing a team and family life was tough at times, but it was worth it. It pushed me to be more disciplined with my time and showed me what is possible when you stay focused and committed.” 

Ben’s journey is exactly what the “Skilled” in Ready. Skilled. Funded. is built around: real, recognised qualifications developed alongside a demanding job. 

Every day, South Devon College works with apprentices from a wide range of sectors and backgrounds, each with their own ambitions, challenges and goals. Some are taking their first steps into industry, while others are developing specialist skills or progressing into leadership roles. 

Stories like Ben’s demonstrate that apprenticeships are not a one-size-fits-all pathway. They provide opportunities for people at different stages of life and across a wide range of industries, while helping employers develop talented individuals. 

The campaign also highlights the funding now confirmed for employers.  

To view the full list of employer incentives, click here: Employer Apprenticeship Incentives – South Devon College

For employers, this means there has never been a better time to explore apprenticeships as a route to recruitment, retention and workforce development. 

Apprenticeships demand commitment from learners and investment from employers. However, when skilled, work-ready talent is already there, and funding helps employers invest with confidence, the results can be transformational. 

Through Ready. Skilled. Funded., South Devon College is encouraging employers across the region to discover the talent already on their doorstep and invest in the workforce of the future. 

For more information about apprenticeships and employer incentives, contact South Devon College’s Business Solutions team on 08000 380 123, email [email protected] or visit Employers – South Devon College