Devon has been chosen as one of five pilot areas across the UK to trial schemes to help people who need to reskill as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The New Futures programme, led by Learning and Work Institute with funding from the COVID-19 Support Fund, is developing locally-led solutions to tackle retraining challenges.

Devon County Council has initially been working on its pilot with Teign Housing, National Careers Service (NCS) and Learn Devon.

As well as providing information, advice, guidance, mentoring and employment support to more than 800 people, the initiative will also provide training in construction and retrofit industries to around 240 people.

The pilot will focus on establishing a skilled workforce to meet employer needs across both Housing Association and the general construction sector, supporting the transition to net-zero carbon emissions.

Following the initial trial with Teign Housing, the scheme is being rolled out, throughout Devon to include other housing associations and local organisations, such as jobs centres, who can refer people they’re supporting onto the scheme. Delivery will also be offered through other training providers.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said: ‘We’re proud to be one of five pilot areas across the United Kingdom to support workers to reskill following the pandemic.

‘New Futures is enabling us to provide people with the support they need to re-train or find opportunities for a new career.

‘A number of sectors have suffered since the pandemic which means that many people are looking to change careers.

‘It’s critical that workers are supported to retrain to ensure they can take advantage of future job opportunities.

‘Our pilot will focus on the construction and retrofit sectors which not only offers the prospect of filling skills gaps and needs in those industries but also complements our commitment to reduce carbon emissions.”

l For more information visit the New Futures webpages on the Heart of the South West Skills Launchpad website.at https://skillslaunchpad.org.uk/new-futures/