Apprenticeship funding changes for August 2026: How it affects Devon businesses when hiring young people
From 1 August 2026, the government is changing how apprenticeship training is paid for. Whether you are a large employer paying the apprenticeship levy or a smaller business that has never taken on an apprentice, the changes affect you. For many smaller firms, this is the most affordable apprenticeship hiring has ever been. For larger […]
Skills Plans to Train Local People For Local Jobs
New plans published today (July 10) will make sure local training equips people with skills needed by local employers. A total of 39 Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), covering the upcoming three years, have been unveiled across England – including the Greater Devon LSIP. Read the full report here. They provide detailed insight and analysis […]
A million reasons to act: What the Milburn report means for every business in Devon
From Helen Wylde-Archibald, Chief Executive, & Ronnie Carter, Chief Innovation Officer, Devon Chamber of Commerce Every so often a report lands on our desks that we cannot put down. Most government reviews are read by the people paid to read them and nobody else. The Milburn review of young people and work is different, and […]
Digital Devon: Putting Skills at the Heart of the Conversation
The Greater Devon Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) was delighted to be part of Digital Devon, Devon Chamber of Commerce‘s ground-breaking event was held at the Riviera International Centre in Torbay – and what a day it was for conversations that matter. From the moment the doors opened, it was clear that Devon’s business and […]
Devon Business Awards: Celebrating the Businesses Investing in Skills and People
The Greater Devon Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) was proud to be part of a special evening this year, as businesses from across the region gathered to celebrate the very best of Devon enterprise at the annual Devon Business Awards. Hosted by Devon Chamber of Commerce, it was a night of well-deserved recognition – and […]
Devon Chamber appoints NEon Solution as Partner for Greater Devon LSIP
Devon Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the appointment of NEon Solution Ltd as implementation partner for the Greater Devon Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026-2029, covering Plymouth, Devon and Torbay. The Greater Devon LSIP is part of the Government’s Opportunity and Growth Missions, and represents a significant step forward for skills and workforce […]
University leads partnership awarded up to £20 million to grow South West’s thriving autonomous sectors
The South West has been awarded up to £20 million in UK Government funding to enhance its reputation as one of the world’s best places to develop, test and deploy autonomous technologies. Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has confirmed that the region is one of six across England and Wales that will receive additional funding through the Local Innovation Partnerships […]
Devon Chamber of Commerce LSIP wins inaugural British Council Award for TVET
Devon Chamber of Commerce is proud to have been honoured with the first-ever British Council Going Global Partnerships Award for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This globally recognised accolade celebrates excellence and innovation in international education. The award recognises the achievement in creating a public/private sector partnership of UK and Nepalese organisations to address green […]
Launch of Greater Devon LSIP will set new framework for skills planning in the region
The Devon Chamber of Commerce, with the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, officially launched the Greater Devon Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) in October 2025 to drive growth and opportunity between employers and the region’s future workforce across the county. The new LSIP will create a clear framework to address the region’s most pressing skills needed […]
What the Post-16 White Paper Means for Business – and Why LSIPs Matter
A new phase in a proven approach The government’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper marks a substantial shift in how education, training and work align and in Devon, the approach is familiar. The Devon Chamber of Commerce has already been coordinating the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for several years, helping shape the region’s training provision […]