Getting online The way people apply for jobs has changed. Many employers now ask you to complete online application forms or submit a CV and cover letter digitally. This means you’ll usually need access to a computer, smartphone or tablet, as well as an email address and phone number. If you’re comfortable using digital devices, you’re probably already set up to do this. If not, don’t worry, there’s plenty of support available. Local training and courses can help you build your digital skills, and many libraries across Plymouth offer free access to computers and the internet. You can also explore our digital skills support to find courses and local help to get started. Looking for work While some businesses still advertise jobs locally, most vacancies are now promoted online through job websites, company pages and recruitment agencies. To get started, explore our ‘Find a job’ resources where you can discover local opportunities, job search websites and recruitment agencies that regularly advertise vacancies in Plymouth and the surrounding area. Volunteering Volunteering can be a great way to build confidence, try out different roles and gain valuable experience. It can also help you develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and organisation. Many people choose to volunteer while exploring their next career step, or simply as a way to give back to the community and share their knowledge and experience. There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities across Plymouth with organisations including: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust - Volunteering at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust | University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust St John Ambulance - Volunteering | St John Ambulance Age UK Plymouth - Age UK Plymouth | Volunteer with us Elder Tree Befriending - Elder Tree Befriending Service | Supporting the community in Plymouth Trevi - Volunteering - Trevi Shekinah -Shekinah - Building lives & futures The Box - Volunteer | The Box Plymouth Devon Mind - Volunteer for Devon Mind | Devon Mind, leading the fight for mental health in Devon The Zone - Volunteer Opportunities in Plymouth – Get Involved Today — The Zone Dartmoor Zoo - Volunteer - Dartmoor Zoo Devon & Cornwall Police - Volunteer Vacancies - Working in Partnership National Marine Aquarium - Volunteering & Work Experience - National Marine Aquarium Citizens Advice Plymouth -Volunteering | Citizens Advice Plymouth You can also browse volunteering opportunities online through the Plymouth City Council volunteering pages Volunteering | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK

English and maths English and maths skills are important for many jobs and training opportunities. They can also help with everyday tasks such as managing money, supporting children with homework, or completing online forms. If you don’t already have a GCSE in English or maths (or an equivalent qualification), there are local courses available in Plymouth to help you improve your skills and gain recognised qualifications. Training providers offering English and maths support include City College Plymouth, Achievement Training, and On Course South West. Courses are available for different levels and many are free for adults who do not already hold these qualifications. Digital skills Digital skills are essential for many aspects of modern life from applying for jobs and accessing services to communicating with friends and family. There are a range of courses available in Plymouth to help you build confidence using digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers. Courses are available for beginners as well as those who want to develop more advanced skills. If you would prefer to learn in person, you can contact City College Plymouth or On Course South West to find out about upcoming digital skills courses. Skills Bootcamps Skills Bootcamps are short, intensive training programmes designed to help adults quickly build skills that local employers are looking for. These courses usually run for up to 16 weeks and are free for eligible adults, including people who are employed, self-employed or looking for work. Many programmes also include the opportunity to interview with local employers. In Plymouth, Skills Bootcamps are delivered by organisations including On Course South West and City College Plymouth, with courses covering areas such as digital, green skills and construction retrofit.

Whether you’re returning to work, changing direction or exploring new opportunities, there is support available to help you feel confident applying for jobs. Creating a strong CV Your CV is a short summary of your skills, experience and achievements, including the knowledge you’ve built throughout your career. It’s often the first impression you make on an employer, so it’s important to keep it clear, up to date and tailored to the role you’re applying for. When updating your CV, you may find it helpful to: highlight your most relevant skills and experience include any recent training, volunteering or professional development tailor your CV to match each job description. Your previous experience can offer valuable, transferable skills that employers are looking for, even if you are moving into a new role or sector. If you haven’t updated your CV for some time, or are returning to job searching, local support is available to help you refresh it and ensure it reflects what employers are looking for today - details here. Building your online profile More employers and recruiters now use professional platforms such as LinkedIn to advertise roles and find candidates. Creating a profile can help you: showcase your experience and skills connect with employers and recruiters follow organisations you’re interested in discover local job opportunities. You don’t need to be an expert to get started - support is available to help you set up and make the most of your profile. Applications and interviews Applying for jobs today can include completing application forms, writing a cover letter or preparing for interviews. The National Careers Service offers free advice and guidance on: writing CVs and cover letters completing job applications preparing for interviews job searching and career planning. If you would prefer to speak to someone in person, you can sign up as a member of Skills Launchpad Plymouth, and we can help connect you with a local National Careers Service adviser. Additional support If you are claiming Universal Credit, your Work Coach at Jobcentre Plus can also support you with CV writing, job searching and interview preparation.

Before applying for jobs, it can help to spend some time preparing the key tools employers expect to see such as a strong CV, an online profile and confidence with applications and interviews. There is plenty of support available in Plymouth to help you present your skills and experience in the best possible way. Click here to find out more - Get work ready skills | Adult Hub | Skills Launchpad Plymouth

Think that apprenticeships are just for school leavers and young people? Think again! Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages. They are real jobs with real training, meaning you can earn while you learn and gain a nationally recognised qualification from level 2 up to degree level, depending on the role you are working towards. Get started with our Apprenticeship pages here.

Many people successfully work while managing a health condition or disability. If you need extra support, there are a range of services and programmes available to help you start work, stay in work, or return to work. Employers may be able to offer reasonable adjustments, such as flexible working arrangements, specialist equipment, or changes to your working environment. The support options below can help you understand what help may be available. Health Adjustment Passport The Health Adjustment Passport UK is a tool that helps you identify the support or adjustments you may need in the workplace because of a health condition or disability. It can help you have a structured conversation with an employer about your needs and may include areas such as: travel to work accessing work premises specialist equipment or assistive technology support workers or job coaching. It can also help you understand whether you may be eligible for support through Access to Work UK. Access to Work Access to Work UK is a government scheme that provides practical and financial support if a health condition or disability affects your ability to do your job or travel to work. Support can include: specialist equipment or adaptations support workers or job coaching communication support such as British Sign Language interpreters help with travel to work if public transport is difficult to use mental health support in the workplace disability awareness training for colleagues. You can apply if you are employed, self-employed, starting a job, attending an interview, or taking part in work experience. Supported Employment If you have a health condition, disability or other barriers to work, supported employment programmes can provide personalised help to find and keep a job. The Connect to Work  programme offers tailored support for people who need extra help to move into employment. This may include one-to-one advice, help to identify suitable roles, and ongoing support once you start work. In Plymouth, the Skills Launchpad Plymouth team can help connect you with local supported employment services and specialist advisers. Menopause and the workplace Menopause can affect people in different ways and symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, sleep disruption or joint pain can sometimes impact work. Employers are increasingly recognising the importance of supporting staff experiencing menopause. This may include flexible working arrangements, adjustments to working environments, or open conversations with managers about how symptoms are affecting work. You can find more information and guidance from organisations such as: Acas – guidance on menopause in the workplace NHS – information on menopause symptoms and treatment British Menopause Society – specialist menopause advice Mental health support at work If you are in work and experiencing mental health challenges that are affecting your job, Able Futures  and Livewell SouthWest provides free, confidential support. The service offers advice and coaching to help people manage issues such as stress, anxiety, low motivation, or difficulties at work. Support is available whether you are employed, self-employed or currently off sick.