ABOUT THE NETWORK
Our Story
Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network Ltd (DSTPN) is a company limited by guarantee with 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.
The network vision is to encourage and support providers 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.
The sector in which the network operates and the membership it supports is changing extensively due to the economic environment and the shift in the contracting, skills and investment policy.
DSTPN will react to the changing environment in which it operates by being aware of its membership needs and the community and adapting its service accordingly
Feedback & Reviews
Read testimonials from our network members
“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.”
Senior Performance Manager, Skills Support for the Workforce
Serco Employment, Skills and Enterprise
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.
Marie Vassalli-Collard
Business and Relationship Manager
Bridgwater & Taunton College
“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.”
Paul Sealey
Director of Employer Engagement
Yeovil College
“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. “
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.”
Nicola Newman
Chief Executive
Ansbury Guidance
“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.”
Antony Carr
Director of Apprenticeships
Bournemouth and Poole College
What Can we Do for You?
We are the network for Training Providers, Colleges, Employers and stakeholders who work in the post 16 education sector
We have quarterly network meetings, network events and bespoke round table meetings exploring key topics in the sector.
We provide updates on the latest relevant information from industry specialists. The Network also helps strengthen business connections.
Need Advice?
If you would like some advice or would like a conversation about the network please get in touch.