Highly skilled workforce

Devon has a working population of almost 711,400 with economic activity and employment rates above the UK averages. The county offers a highly skilled workforce and a strong academic base to help drive business forward.

The working age population with a degree or equivalent qualification has grown by 39% over the last 5 years – that’s 13% higher than the national average. Currently some 33% of people aged 16-64 have a degree or equivalent qualification, outperforming the UK average of 31%. In parts of the county, the figure rises to as much as 47% of the working age population. Overall, 93% of the county’s working age population hold qualifications, outperforming the UK average.

Not only is the county’s workforce highly skilled, it is also very loyal and flexible, with 70% of workers employed full-time and 30% part-time. Strong levels of entrepreneurship are reflected in the 12.8% self-employment rate, which is again higher than the 9.1% average for the UK.

In 2008/09 almost two thirds of the students who studied at south west higher education institutions remained in the region to work, demonstrating our excellent levels of graduate retention. The county also offers a higher proportion of experienced workers, providing a valuable pool of knowledge and skills – 70% of the workforce are aged 35 and above, compared to the national average of 65%.