If you plan to stay in and around Plymouth, when choosing your further study and training options, it is worth understanding the latest picture of the city’s growing employment and work sectors. This can help inform your choice of course and improve your chances of employment and earning potential both now and in the future. We know today in and around Plymouth that there is high demands for skills in the following sectors: Health and Care, and Health Technologies Marine and Defence Construction and the Built Environment Manufacturing and Engineering Green jobs You can read more about this on our Local Employers and Sector page.

There are 9 qualification levels – the higher the level the harder the qualification. The levels are based on the standards of knowledge, skills and competence needed for each qualification. You can read more here. Alternatively, take a look at this handy booklet created by Devon & Cornwall Training Providers Network to explore your options.

Further Education Further education (FE) includes courses and training after age 16 that are not part of a university degree. These programmes offer technical, vocational and applied qualifications designed to help you gain practical skills for employment or prepare for higher-level study. Many further education providers also offer progression routes into higher education, allowing you to continue your studies and gain higher qualifications if you choose. Further education providers in Plymouth City College Plymouth – Vocational courses, apprenticeships and higher education programmes across sectors such as engineering, construction, digital, health and business. Arts University Plymouth – Specialist creative education offering courses from further education through to degree-level study in areas such as art, design and media.   Higher Education Higher education courses are usually taken after the age of 18 and are typically delivered by universities, colleges and specialist institutions. These qualifications include: Foundation degrees Bachelor’s degrees (BA, BSc) Postgraduate qualifications such as master's degrees and professional certificates Higher education can help you develop specialist knowledge, progress within your career, or move into graduate-level roles. Higher education providers in Plymouth University of Plymouth – A large university offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a wide range of subjects including marine science, engineering, health, business, environmental science and digital technologies. Arts University Plymouth – Specialist creative university offering degrees in art, design, craft, media and digital disciplines. Plymouth Marjon University – Known for courses in education, health, sport, business and social sciences, with a strong focus on employability. You can find guidance on progressing to higher education, including information about courses, applications and student finance.

Adult Education in Plymouth Adult education offers flexible opportunities for people to return to learning, develop new skills or retrain for a different career at any stage of life. In Plymouth, a wide range of courses and programmes are available to support personal development, career progression and improved wellbeing. Courses may include: Digital and IT skills English and maths qualifications Vocational and professional training Employability and work-readiness programmes Health, wellbeing and community learning These opportunities are designed to help you build confidence, gain recognised qualifications and improve your career prospects, whether you are entering work, changing career or returning after a break. Key Adult Learning Providers in Plymouth On Course South West Delivered on behalf of Plymouth City Council, On Course South West provides adult learning for residents aged 19+ across Plymouth and surrounding areas. Courses are designed to help people gain new skills, return to work, improve confidence and develop essential English, maths and digital skills. Many courses are free or low-cost depending on eligibility, and a range of accredited online qualifications are available so learners can study from home with tutor support. Visit: www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk Email: info@oncoursouthwest.co.uk Phone: 01752 660713 City College Plymouth - Offers part-time courses, professional qualifications and adult learning programmes across a wide range of subjects. Focus Training Group – Vocational training and apprenticeships, particularly in construction and employability.   Other Adult and Community Learning Opportunities A number of organisations across Plymouth also provide specialist support, skills development and community-based learning: ODILS Learning Foundation – English language training for people whose first language is not English. Shekinah Mission – Training, employment support and skills development for those facing barriers to work. Sunflower Women’s Centre – Learning and development opportunities supporting women in Plymouth. Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre – Outdoor and marine-based training opportunities. Greenlight Safety Consultancy – Construction, health and safety, and industry-specific training. LiveWest – Community programmes supporting skills development, wellbeing and employment.   Together, these providers work with local partners to ensure adults across Plymouth can access learning opportunities, build skills and progress into employment or further study.

You may be able to get help with the costs of: Your course Day-to-day living costs Childcare Find out more here https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help For funding to support you with further education: https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan For funding to support you for higher education: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance

Online learning can help you develop new skills, improve your job prospects, or explore a new career path. Many organisations now offer free online courses, particularly in areas such as digital skills, artificial intelligence (AI), business, and employability. These courses are flexible and can usually be completed at your own pace, making them ideal if you are balancing work, job searching, or other commitments. AI and Digital Skills Training (Government and National Programmes) The UK Government and industry partners are investing in AI and digital skills training to help people prepare for the future of work. AI Skills for Life (GOV.UK) The government is expanding access to AI training and digital skills courses to help people understand and use new technologies in the workplace. Courses focus on areas such as: understanding artificial intelligence and automation using AI tools and digital technologies at work developing data and digital skills preparing for future technology-driven careers. You can explore available courses through national platforms such as: GOV.UK Find a Course: https://www.gov.uk/find-a-course The Skills Toolkit (Government digital skills courses): https://www.gov.uk/the-skills-toolkit Coursera Coursera is a leading global online learning platform offering courses from universities and major technology companies such as Google, IBM and Meta. Courses cover a wide range of subjects including: digital and data skills artificial intelligence and technology business and management career development. Learners can complete short courses or longer professional certificates, often gaining a recognised certificate that can be added to a CV or LinkedIn profile. Find out more: https://www.coursera.org/ Google Digital Garage Google Digital Garage offers free online training courses to help people build digital and career skills. Topics include: digital marketing career development data and technology skills business and productivity tools. Explore courses here: https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage/courses LinkedIn Learning – Skills for In-Demand Jobs LinkedIn offers curated learning paths designed to help people develop skills that employers are currently looking for, including digital, technical and business skills. Courses often include practical exercises and certifications to help demonstrate your skills to employers. Find out more: https://opportunity.linkedin.com/skills-for-in-demand-jobs   Accenture Skills to Succeed Academy The Skills to Succeed Academy is a free online employability programme designed to help people build confidence and prepare for work. Courses include support with: CV writing and job applications interview preparation communication and workplace skills career planning and progression. Visit: https://s2sacademy.com

Alongside local support available through Skills Launchpad Plymouth, there are a number of regional and national organisations that provide careers advice, training opportunities and support for people who are unemployed, facing redundancy, or looking to change careers. These services can help you explore career options, access training, improve your CV, and find job opportunities. National Careers Service The National Careers Service offers free, impartial careers advice for adults. You can access guidance online, by phone or through local advisors to help you: Explore career options and training opportunities Identify your skills and strengths Improve your CV and job applications Prepare for interviews Find jobs and apprenticeships Visit: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ Regional Skills and Employment Support There are also regional programmes designed to help people retrain, return to work, or progress in their careers. Skills Support for Redundancy (Serco) Provides funded training and career advice for people who have recently been made redundant or are at risk of redundancy. Support can include skills assessments, retraining opportunities and personalised guidance to help you move into your next role. Learn Devon Provides adult and community learning courses across Devon, including training to support people looking to return to work, improve digital skills, develop new qualifications and boost wellbeing. Visit: https://www.learndevon.co.uk/

Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages, are real jobs with real training, meaning you can earn while you learn and gain a nationally recognised qualifications from Level 2 up to degree level, depending on the role you are working towards. For information about apprenticeships please visit our helpful Secure an Apprenticeship page

Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) are a great way to gain the skills, experience and confidence needed to move into a specific job or industry. These programmes are designed to support people who are currently looking for work by offering a combination of training, work experience and a guaranteed job interview at the end. SWAPs are tailored to sectors with current job opportunities, such as health and social care, construction, hospitality, retail, logistics and customer service. They typically include: short, focused training linked to a particular industry hands-on work experience with an employer support with job applications and interview preparation a guaranteed interview for a live vacancy where available. These programmes are fully funded and can help you build practical skills, develop confidence and connect directly with local employers who are recruiting. If you are interested in taking part in a Sector-Based Work Academy Programme, speak to your Jobcentre Plus Work Coach. They can advise you on current opportunities, check your eligibility and help you get started on a programme that matches your career goals.

Make sure you feel ready to get back out there – check out the support available if you are feeling anxious, confused, lost or overwhelmed Find out about Plymouth’s current employment picture and learn about our industry sectors which are growing fast creating new job opportunities Too much choice out there? You can always learn more about your career options Consider earning while you learn through an apprenticeship Where to find jobs in Plymouth Consider becoming a volunteer to gain valuable new skills and experience Access help for starting your own business and work for yourself