20 Years & Beyond: Professional Development at Pitman Training Taunton

For the past two decades, Pitman Training Taunton has been leading vocational education across Somerset.

For two decades, Pitman Training Taunton has championed vocational education across Somerset. Against the odds of typical business survival, they’ve established a robust, adaptive training model.

This is why it is so impressive that Pitman Training Taunton has excelled far past the national average and marked its 20th anniversary with no signs of slowing down.

Debbie Frankland has steered the centre through significant educational transformations since 2004. Her unwavering passion for education and steadfast commitment to student success have been the important factors behind its growth and reputation.

We’re excited to sit down with Debbie and learn how she leads this long-standing and successful training centre that supports career development across Somerset.

How has Pitman Training Taunton evolved over the past 20 years?

Debbie Frankland: It’s remarkable how much has changed! Since 2004, I have watched our little centre dramatically transform. When we first started, everything focused on sitting in a classroom surrounded by three-ring binders and overhead projectors while students learned in a rigid timescale.

I’m incredibly proud of how we continue to adapt been diligently developing flexible training programmes that fit around our students’ lives, not the other way around.

Distance learning courses accommodate professionals juggling work, family, and personal development, and flexible programmes mean someone working long shifts can learn during their spare moments. It’s about giving people real opportunities at their own time and pace, not just lectures in an unbending structure.

How does Pitman Training Taunton continue to impact the future of professional development?

DF: Today’s career paths demand practical, technology-driven learning approaches, so we take things like Cloud Support, IT Security, and other forward-thinking career paths seriously.

Remember, our focus has always been on giving students authentic, usable skills. Our goal is practical mastery, not just theoretical knowledge. When students leave our centre, they should feel prepared, not overwhelmed. In today’s fast-moving job market, that confidence is worth its weight in gold.

I see too many training programmes instructing theory but leave students struggling in real-world situations. That’s not our approach. We’re about practical, hands-on learning that gives our students a proper edge. Whether it’s a worker looking to upskill or someone changing careers entirely, we want them to walk out feeling they can tackle whatever challenge comes their way.
The world is rapidly changing, and we’re committed to being a leader in training future workers for those careers. But more importantly, we’re committed to our students’ success.

How does Pitman Training Taunton collaborate with local businesses to support student career success?

DF: Our connections with the Somerset Chamber of Commerce and local businesses aren’t just networking—they’re lifelines. By understanding local business needs, we ensure our students don’t just learn skills, but become precisely what our regional employers seek.

Local partnerships create genuine pathways for our students into meaningful professional roles. An internship with a Somerset company is a chance to prove themselves, learn on the job, and build real professional relationships. Our local partnerships have directly translated into tangible career opportunities for students, and there’s nothing more rewarding than that.

Good instruction is about more than just classroom learning. It’s about understanding the job market in our community, building networks, and giving students the confidence to step into their chosen profession. Our partnerships with the Chamber and neighbourhood commerce are how we make that happen.

How do you incorporate feedback from students and employers at your training centre?

DF: We continuously refine our offerings through direct student and employer insights.

Our students are at the heart of everything. When they share their experiences—whether it’s a challenge they’ve faced or an idea for something we could do better—we listen carefully. Student feedback is also critical for improving Learning Coach support and our general staff interactions.

Relationships with Somerset firms are just as crucial. When a business owner tells us exactly what skills they’re looking for, we take note. This information is a direct line to understanding what our students need to succeed. Employer feedback also ensures that our courses meet industry standards.

Staying relevant requires constant adaptation in professional training. Fortunately, Pitman Training’s courses aren’t necessarily set in stone—they’re living, breathing programmes that evolve with students’ needs and corporate demands. That’s how we’ve stayed relevant for over twenty years.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of owning a Pitman Training Centre?

DF: It’s probably no big surprise, but the most fulfilling part has been seeing our students move on to advance in their careers and, in turn, their lives.

One standout example is Genevieve, who navigated training during the COVID pandemic while working as a Personal Assistant. Juggling her full-time role and studies, she exemplified determination. Her hard work paid off: she won our Student of the Year Award, secured ISO 9001 certification, and earned a promotion to Quality Manager. She is now responsible for the company’s internal audits while continuing to support the directors.

What excites you about your next phase of growth?

DF: As we celebrate 20 years, we’re more committed than ever to empowering our students. With modern programmes covering careers for today’s markets and strong company partnerships within the community, we’re excited to continue our journey of growth and transformation, shaping the next generation of skilled professionals.

As Pitman Training Taunton celebrates its 20th year of helping people reach their career goals, the centre continues its commitment to Somerset’s community. Those interested in advancing their careers, contact Pitman Training to learn more.