Employment Hubs - a success story in Devon

Published: 19 August 2024

Employment hubs are going from strength to strength across the county, with Exeter’s hub at the city’s Central Library offering valuable employment and careers advice, training and volunteer opportunities.

Now Devon County Council is set to expand its network of Youth and Adult Employment Hubs across the county to support people into employment and training.

Working in partnership with the City Council, as well as three other district councils (East Devon, Mid Devon and North Devon), the County Council has hubs in across the county. Now, two more Hubs are set to open in Ilfracombe and Tiverton.

Youth and Adult Employment Hubs provide one-to-one skills and employment support to individuals aged 16 and over who need help to enter work and prepare for the future. The service is joint funded by Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council, Mid Devon District Council and North Devon Council, largely through the Government UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Hubs have a 'one front door' approach, providing a fixed location where different partners, County Council services, community projects, employer and business support can interact with local communities.

The aim of every Hub is to act as a local resource where those who are seeking support, employment or training can access information and guidance. All Hubs will help those who face barriers to work due to disability, health condition or other reasons.

The Hubs are open to the public, both online and in-person (Barnstaple, Cullompton, Exeter, Honiton, Ilfracombe and Tiverton).

Hubs can also support employers and businesses, working to help organisations meet their skills and workforce goals through a variety of programmes that are available to develop organisational and employee skills.

Each Hub is staffed by advisers who can offer one-to-one guidance to those in need of help. They provide an informal environment to support the journey into employment and further education.

The team provides a triage service, directing people to the most appropriate route and where appropriate act as caseload officers, continuing to support the individual until they achieve their goals. The Hubs offer a range of services, such as:

• Career guidance and advice
• CV and interview skills
• Training and qualifications
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Apprenticeships and traineeships
• Supported employment

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said: “It’s excellent news that our network of Employment Hubs is growing and more communities will be able to benefit from the services they offer. Each Hub will act as a central place of support, especially for those in harder to reach communities.”

Exeter City Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “The Exeter Hub is a lifeline for anyone who needs help finding employment, careers advice, training or volunteer opportunities. The Hub is an invaluable asset for Exeter and it’s wonderful to have so much knowledge and expertise right on your doorstep.”

For more information about the Hubs, visit the website: www.devon.cc/skills or email: employmenthub@devon.gov.uk