As you may know, a CV is a short, written summary of your skills, achievements and experience. You often use it in the first stage of applying for jobs. Employers may ask for a CV instead of an application form but it’s important to adapt to each job description. There is help available so that you can create a CV that stands out and gets you through to the interview stage. National Careers Service On this page, there is lots of free advice including; writing your CV, completing an application form, preparing for interviews and job hunting. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice#getting-a-job (Also keep an eye on our News and Events page, as we quite often run CV support sessions in partnership with the National Careers Service) Skills to Succeed Academy The Skills to Succeed Academy is a free online employability training programme developed by Accenture. Created specifically to meet the needs of jobseekers, the Skills to Succeed Academy offers bite size, interactive online training modules to prepare Learners for the entire journey of choosing the right career, finding a job and succeeding in the work place. https://s2sacademy.com/register/DW1DC1 JCP Plymouth If you are a claimant, ask your Work Coach for help with your CV and they will be happy to support. Plymouth Community Homes Learn for Free is a free training programme for PCH residents – Get Skilled - Get Involved – Get Together. https://www.plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk/our-community/learn-for-free/ Seetec Pluss Seetec Pluss provides practical support to help people prepare for jobs, with a strong focus on CV writing and interview skills. They help individuals create clear, effective CVs and build confidence through interview preparation and practice. Support is tailored to each person, including those with additional needs, ensuring everyone feels confident and ready to take their next step into work.

If you’re thinking about returning to work, changing career or improving your job prospects, there’s plenty of support available in Plymouth and online to help you take the next step. Developing your English, maths and digital skills can make a big difference when applying for jobs or apprenticeships. These are essential skills that most employers look for, and improving them can help boost your confidence and open up more opportunities. Digital skills are especially important in today’s world of work - whether it’s using email, completing online applications, staying safe online or learning more advanced skills like digital marketing or coding. If you’d like to refresh your skills or start learning again, there are flexible options to suit your needs, including face-to-face courses, online learning and one-to-one support. Get started online The Skills Toolkit Free, high-quality courses to build digital and numeracy skills: https://theskillstoolkit.campaign.gov.uk/ BT Skills for Tomorrow Learn practical digital skills for everyday life and work: https://www.bt.com/skillsfortomorrow/ English, Maths and ESOL Support in Plymouth City College Plymouth Courses to improve reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, including Functional Skills and GCSEs: https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/courses/?subject-area=english-maths On Course South West Flexible courses to gain Functional Skills qualifications and build confidence in learning: https://courses.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk Functional Skills qualifications are widely recognised by employers and can be an important step towards further training, apprenticeships or employment. They’re a great starting point if you’re returning to learning. Support for Speakers of Other Languages ODILS Learning Foundation Employment-focused support and mentoring for people whose first language is not English: https://odils.com City College Plymouth (ESOL) English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses: https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/courses/english-for-speakers-of-other-languages/ Digital and IT Training Bluescreen IT Specialist training and bootcamps in IT and cyber skills, often fully funded: https://thinkbittraining.co.uk/ On Course South West – Digital Skills Beginner-friendly courses to help you get confident using computers and the internet: https://www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk/courses/digital-skills Whether you want to improve your confidence, gain qualifications or prepare for work, there are supportive and flexible options available across Plymouth to help you move forward at your own pace.

Employability skills with Gifted Women: Unlocking the door to employment for women rebuilding their lives after addiction, homelessness, or going through the criminal justice system.

Now more than ever, people are looking for flexibility in the way that they learn. Virtual learning just requires you to have access to the internet through a digital device like a laptop, tablet, or even some phones, so it is perfect for fitting around day-to-day commitments. Here is a selection of online courses and training programmes that help you develop work-ready skills: National Careers Service – Employability Skills Free online resources and guidance covering CV writing, job applications, interview preparation, and essential workplace skills. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/get-a-job Google Digital Garage Free courses in digital skills, productivity, communication, and career development to make you job-ready. https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage/courses LinkedIn Learning – Skills for In-Demand Jobs Online learning paths to develop professional skills, including soft skills, workplace digital tools, and career planning. https://opportunity.linkedin.com/skills-for-in-demand-jobs OpenLearn – Employability Skills Free short courses on teamwork, communication, time management, problem-solving, and business basics. https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue FutureLearn – Getting Work Ready Courses designed to help you develop professional behaviours, CV skills, and interview techniques. https://www.futurelearn.com/ Clarion Futures Virtual Academy Clarion Futures focuses on funding community projects and helping people find jobs and training, develop digital skills, and manage their money. They provide people with the tools and support they need, to help overcome challenges and fulfil their potential.  Not only do these courses provide a qualification but they are a great way to re-engage with learning. They are also fully funded! With everything from Food Hygiene to Safeguarding Children, there is plenty to choose from. To see what's on offer, click here, or for further information, please email hotlinesouth@clarionhg.com

Explore a range of in-person and locally delivered pre-employability courses across Plymouth, designed to help you build confidence, develop essential skills and prepare for work. Whether you need support with communication, teamwork, routine, or gaining entry-level qualifications, these courses offer practical, face-to-face learning to help you take your first steps towards employment. On Course South West (Plymouth Adult Education Service) Pre-employability and skills courses include CV writing, interview preparation, teamwork, English, maths, digital skills, and confidence-building. Many courses are free or funded for eligible adults. http://www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk City College Plymouth – Employability Programmes Short courses to improve work readiness, practical skills, and industry awareness. Courses also include career guidance and hands-on skills workshops. www.cityplym.ac.uk Skills Launchpad Plymouth - delivered in city-wide partnership The team works with a number of local partners such as the National Careers Service and Clarion Futures to provide tailored support to develop employability skills, job readiness training, as well as access to workshops and local employer events. www.skillslaunchpadplymouth.co.uk/news-and-events for latest opportunities LiveWest – Find Your North Star Local programme helping residents identify strengths, career interests, and build confidence to take the next steps towards work or training. Email: yvonne.harding@livewest.co.uk  Focus Training Group and Greenlight Safety Consultancy Both these organisations offer practical employability programmes with health and safety, construction, business administration, and customer service training, helping learners prepare for specific sectors. www.focustraininggroup.co.uk | www.greenlightsafety.co.uk   Key skills you can develop through these courses communication and interpersonal skills teamwork and collaboration problem solving and critical thinking digital literacy and technical skills confidence, resilience, and work readiness. Completing these courses can help you stand out to employers, improve your CV, and increase your chances of securing the right role.