Tailored employability courses in Barnstaple
To support local jobseekers, Barnstaple Jobcentre Plus (JCP) partnered with Learn Devon to deliver a tailored employability course focused on retail and hospitality roles.
The initiative was designed in response to the upcoming opening of a new Home Bargains store in Barnstaple, creating a clear pathway from training into employment.
Learn Devon’s Community and Engagement team worked closely with Barnstaple JCP and Employer Adviser, Jason, to shape the programme around employer’s needs. Delivered by Learn Devon tutor Carol, the SWAP course focused on building confidence alongside practical employability skills, ensuring participants were work-ready.
The course covered key areas including customer service, COSHH and food safety, as well as CV writing, applications and interview preparation. Home Bargains also played an active role in the partnership and the store manager attended sessions to outline available roles and what they were looking for in candidates. Every participant was guaranteed an interview, giving the training a clear purpose and outcome.
Carol also supported learners directly through the Home Bargains application process, helping them prepare effectively for interviews, prioritising what was important to clients.
Her enthusiasm led to excellent engagement. Jason said: ‘Participation in programmes like this one supports jobseekers to feel enthusiastic, positive and prepared to succeed. They progress to interviews feeling confident and engaged. These experiences can make a real difference to their future employment prospects.’
The collaboration delivered tangible results, with several participants securing jobs at the new Home Bargains store. More broadly, jobseekers left the course feeling more confident, positive and prepared to succeed.
This partnership highlights the value that Learn Devon can bring when working directly with other providers and employers to support local residents into employment.
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