DSTPN

The Network for inspired learning

Dorset & Somerset Training Provider Network

Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network Ltd (DSTPN) consists of members who are training organisations, colleges, employers and stakeholder bodies working in the post-16 education and training sector.

Image of Dorset and Somerset counties
Skill Up logo

Skill Up Somerset

Apprenticeship and Skills Advisory Service
Skills Bootcamps logo

Skills Bootcamps

Training solutions for employers and individuals in Somerset and Dorset
ASK (apprenticeships and technical education) logo

The ASK Programme

Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge for Schools and Colleges

Introducing Our Network:
Powering skills, training, and opportunity across
Dorset and Somerset

Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN) is a dynamic network of leading training organisations, colleges, employers, and stakeholder bodies working across the further education (FE) and training sectors in Dorset and Somerset. Our members are committed to responding to the region’s evolving skills needs, delivering high-quality education and training provision and creating future-ready opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities.

Want to know more about the DSTPN?

Learn about what we do, our vision, the members in the network and the benefits of joining.

Meet Our Managing Director

“The network vision is to encourage and support providers and stakeholders to operate in a culture of collaborative working for the benefit of member organisations whilst continually enhancing the experience, learning and achievement of learners and meeting employer and community needs.”

 

Useful Resources...

Skills Bootcamps

Are you an employer looking for flexible, bespoke training solutions? Or an individual looking for free training to kickstart your new career?
A Somerset and Dorset Skills Bootcamp could be what you're looking for.

image of skills bootcamp employers with logos of somerset council, BCP council, Dorset council and DSTPN
Skills Bootcamps
Your future sorted

Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network are proud to launch ‘Your Future Sorted’, a provider directory for Dorset and Somerset – for schools students, parents, teachers, the community, and stakeholders

a selection of pages from the 2024/25 Dorset and Somerset Your Future. SORTED! directories
Your future sorted
Business Skills sorted

Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network introduces 'Business Skills Sorted', a provider directory for Dorset and Somerset – for schools students, parents, teachers, the community, and stakeholders

Business Skills Sorted Directory pages graphic
Business Skills sorted
Skills Elevator

Our series of Skills Elevator graphics allow people to see, read, and explore potential job roles and requirements at different levels within a sector.

Skill Elevator
Skills Elevator
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Useful Information

Information that may help your business on its apprenticeship journey.

Find out how to improve your skills and upskill your business.

Learn how an employer-led Skills Bootcamps can benefit your business in Dorset and Somerset.

Opportunities and information for schools and the community for apprenticeships.

Find out  how to improve your skills.

 

Read and explore the different job roles and knowledge and behaviour requirements of potential jobs

We have a membership consisting of a fee paying members who are training organisations, colleges, employers and stakeholder bodies working in the post 16 education and training sector.

Explore our Training Provider Directory for school students, parents, teachers and stakeholders in Dorset and Somerset

Read about real life examples of what it’s like to be a student, an apprentice or trainee from real people

Information and opportunities for schools and the community for traineeships.

Members.

We have a membership consisting of a fee paying members who are training organisations, colleges, employers and stakeholder bodies working in the post 16 education and training sector.

Read about the latest news and events in Dorset and Somerset.


Latest News

Get the latest updates from DSTPN

News Directory

Government Announces Financial Incentives to Businesses providing Apprenticeship and Traineeship Opportunities in England

They have pledged support to businesses by providing financial incentives to employers offering meaningful work opportunities, traineeships and apprenticeships. Apprenticeships...
Read More

“Membership to DSTPN always provides a great service by enabling organisations in the skills sector to work in a collaborative way and improve the experiences of learners. Membership has given Serco support in delivering our ESF Funded Skills Support for the Workforce and Skills Support for Redundancy contracts and helping us to maintain and build our connection to the sector across the Heart of the South West and Dorset LEP area. It is by building and nurturing strong relationships with our partners such as DSTPN that we best meet the needs of our customers.”

Serco Employment, Skills and Enterprise Pam Cole Senior Performance Manager, Skills Support for the Workforce

The DSTPN network brings together providers from across the region and enables sharing of good practice and support to the network members. It holds regular meetings with relevant and timely updates and has a wide range of external speakers on key topics. It provides a collective voice from its providers and is an effective mechanism to lobby on behalf of members to government on key agendas. It is an incredibly friendly and supportive group which has come into its own during COVID-19. BTC are proud to be a member and would highly recommend to others.

Bridgwater & Taunton College Marie Vassalli-Collard Business and Relationship Manager

“We have been members of the DSTPN for many years and have found them to be a well organised and informative organisation. The forum enables us to discuss key issues with other local training providers and also to get a view from other key stakeholders such as the LEP. Working together collaboratively is key and the DSTPN is an effective way of us all achieving this.”

Yeovil College Paul Sealey Director of Employer Engagement

“The Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network has provided Aspire Training Team with fantastic networking and partnership opportunities with other businesses and providers in the county. They have been a key source of information by sharing timely Government funding updates as well as providing general awareness of new government funding opportunities for both businesses and training providers. DSTPN has provided helpful opportunities to be introduced to products showcased by EPA organisations, portfolio systems and to discover what is currently on offer to training providers. The information provided by the DSTPN is clear, informative and a great way to share good practice across all training providers. They have played a crucial role in supporting Aspire with building relationships with schools and colleges, having been invited to a number of career events and opportunities to talk one on one with students and teachers. “

Aspire Training Team Cheryl Hadland MD of Aspire Training Team

“The DSTPN is vital to ensuring all the myriad policy and funding dots are joined up to maximise their impact in Dorset.”

Ansbury Guidance Nicola Newman Chief Executive

“DSTPN is a fantastic network of skills professionals. The regular meetings are a great mix of networking opportunities, sharing of best practice amongst providers of all types and up to date information and briefings from ESFA and Ofsted. The group came into its own during lockdown with regular sessions designed to address the various demands for tenders and information that were required by DFE.”

Bournemouth and Poole College Antony Carr Director of Apprenticeships

Want to know more? Get in Touch!

Our friendly team is here to help with any queries—whether it’s about DSTPN Membership, Skills Bootcamps, Skills Directories, or anything else. We’re all ears.