Caring for Devon

It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout at the DCHC Annual Conference on 12th March, and to hear about some of the key issues facing the sector while connecting with so many of our outstanding local care home providers.

It was especially inspiring to see one of Exeter College’s current apprentices, Corbin Wreford, receive a Devon Care Homes Collaborative Recognition Award at just 17 years old. Corbin is wholeheartedly supported and championed by his employers, Summerhayes Care Home. Together they provide a wonderful example of how nurturing young talent today can help build the workforce of tomorrow. 

Exeter College and North Devon College Group are keen to better support the care industry across Devon by helping to recruit new talent into the sector and providing ongoing staff training to support workforce development and retention.

We recognise that not enough young people currently consider care as a future career. By working together with local care professionals and using our strong links with schools across the region, we hope to help change perceptions and showcase the rewarding opportunities available within the sector.   However, to make this happen, we need your help!

We are launching a new campaign, Caring for Devon, which will focus on three key strands:

1. Listening to the care sector

We are forming a dedicated steering group and gathering insight through the Caring for Devon network to ensure our support reflects the real challenges and priorities of providers.

2. Changing perceptions of careers in care

Through school engagement, social media storytelling, careers fairs, work experience, and clear progression pathways, we aim to reposition care as a rewarding, respected career choice.

3. Supporting recruitment and staff development through apprenticeships and skills bootcamps

We want to work with more Devon care employers to shape apprenticeship standards, develop staff, and build tailored training solutions that help you attract and retain talent.

If you would like to be part of the Caring for Devon campaign by providing your feedback or being on our steering group, filmed for our promotional campaign or offer to deliver a talk at a local school to share your passion for working in care; or perhaps you can offer work experience or an apprenticeship for a young person who might be recruited into the profession?

Please do take two minutes to complete this 6-question multiple choice questionnaire and leave us your contact details so we can get in touch.