About the data
Devon generally has a well-educated population, and taking the latest 3 year average to account for statistical variation, 79% of residents are qualified to at least NVQ level 2 or equivalent, above the national average of 74%. At level 3, Devon is also more qualified than the national average, though at level 4 (higher education certificate equivalent) the difference is smaller 39%, 1.5% above the national average. These numbers hide some disparity within Devon and East Devon, Exeter and South Hams districts have some 44% of residents qualified to level 4, nearly 13% more than North Devon, Mid Devon and Torridge where in the latter the figure is approximately 28%. While these differences between the districts remain at lower qualification levels, they diminish by level 1.
Despite having good qualification levels, key skills shortages remain in the local economy; recently construction, engineering and IT have been identified as areas where there are skills gaps and shortages of labour.