National Careers Week 2026
Start your career journey in Plymouth
Whether you’re preparing to leave education this summer, actively looking for new opportunities, or considering a career change as an adult, National Careers Week is the perfect moment to explore your options and plan your next steps.
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To start, let’s set the scene.
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Did you know...
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Plymouth is the largest urban centre in the Southwest outside Bristol, with a population of over 268,000 people.
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Plymouth produces more than £5 billion in economic output each year.
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around 110,000 jobs make up Plymouth’s growing workforce.
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as the home of His Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport—the largest naval base in Western Europe - Plymouth plays a critical role in UK defence and international maritime operations
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Plymouth proudly hosts the UK’s first National Marine Park.
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Plymouth has the largest manufacturing sector in southern England, ranking among the UK’s top manufacturing cities.
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the city’s health sector is expanding, supported by a major teaching hospital and growing medical and health‑tech industries.
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Plymouth is internationally recognised for its marine autonomy expertise, serving as the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy.
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as the economy shifts towards net zero, Plymouth is creating exciting new green jobs and career pathways.
Quick links to our localised resources:
What's on during National Careers Week?
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There’s a national campaign including a virtual careers fair. Check it out here.
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We will be sharing insight into Plymouth's key sectors on our News and Events page here.
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We’re shining a spotlight on Plymouth’s key sectors at Skills Launchpad Plymouth throughout the week too, so scroll down to see what’s coming up and how we can help guide your next move.
Watch out for...
As part of National Careers Week, Building Plymouth is hosting Open Sites, a week‑long programme of behind‑the‑scenes opportunities that will give local students, job seekers, and residents bespoke access to thirteen live construction sites, showcasing projects across healthcare, housing, the city centre, and our treasured heritage areas.
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UPDATE 23/02/26: Open Sites is now fully booked for this year, but keep an eye on the Building Plymouth Facebook page for a flavour of what participants got up to.
National Careers Week timetable
at Skills Launchpad Plymouth (first floor of Cobourg House, Mayflower Street)
Image | Date | Time | Location | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Monday 2 March | 10am to 3pm | First floor of Cobourg House, Mayflower Street | Caring Plymouth careers in health and social care drop-in session | Join training providers and representatives from Big Picture Care Group and Kintota Care to explore sector careers. | |
Tuesday 3 March | 10am to 1pm | First floor of Cobourg House, Mayflower Street | Building Plymouth careers drop-in session with Clarion Futures | Get tailored skills, training and career signposting for opportunities across construction and the built environment. | |
Wednesday 4 March | 10am to 3pm | First floor of Cobourg House, Mayflower Street | Youth Hub careers drop in session for 16 to 24-year-olds | Aged 16 to 24? Connect with our friendly Youth Hub team to discuss career pathways and the local support available. | |
Thursday 5 March | 10am to 3pm | First floor of Cobourg House, Mayflower Street | Adult Hub careers appointments specifically for adults aged 25+ | Aged 25+? Email skillslaunchpad@plymouth.gov.uk to book a 1:1 with our Adult Hub Coordinator to talk through your next steps. | |
Friday 6 March | 10am to 3pm | First floor of Cobourg House, Mayflower Street | Welcoming Plymouth 'meet the employers' drop-in session | Meet professionals working in the hospitality, retail and tourism sectors to explore skills, training, and the latest career opportunities. |