Eligible education and training providers across Devon and Torbay are being invited to shape the future of learning and skills opportunities for young people through a new £9.3 million capital investment programme.
Launched by the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA), the Post-16 Capital Investment Programme will support projects that create additional learner places and improve facilities between 2026 and 2030.
The capital programme comes at a critical time, with demand for post-16 education and training across Devon and Torbay forecast to grow significantly. With post-16 education expected to increase by 1,595 additional learners by 2030, it is vital that new and expanded facilities are available to ensure every young person can access-high quality education and training where they live.
The programme will support capital projects clearly linked to the creation of additional capacity. This could include new teaching accommodation, specialist facilities, outreach infrastructure and associated learning environments which enable more learners to participate in in high-quality provision aligned to local and national skills needs.
Who can apply?
The following organisations are eligible to act as lead applicants through this programme:
- Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group
- South Devon College
- Cornwall College.
The DTCCA is particularly keen to support collaborative projects and encourages partnership applications involving:
- Schools, academies and sixth forms
- Independent Training Providers
- community organisations.
By working together, providers can develop innovative project proposals that create learning opportunities for eligible young people closer to home, and strengthen local skills provision to help meet the future workforce needs across Devon and Torbay.
Funding must be used for capital expenditure which directly contributes to the creation or improvement of post-16 education and training capacity.
DTCCA are encouraging providers to submit project proposals that will create more opportunities for young people and address skills demand.
Further guidance on eligibility, application requirements and timescales is available on the DTCCA website: Post-16 Capital Investment Programme – Devon and Torbay.
Cllr David Thomas, Chair of the DTCCA, said:
“We want every young person in Devon and Torbay to have the opportunity to reach their potential, regardless of where they live.
“This funding will help expand post-16 education and training provision by creating more learner places and improving facilities where they are needed most. “By encouraging strong partnerships between colleges, schools, training providers and other organisations, we can build a more inclusive and resilient skills system.”