Whether you are seeking education, training or employment, looking for a change, or ready to take your next steps, there's lots on offer in Plymouth.
Our Youth Hub Coordinator, Jo has put 17 of the latest opportunities in one place, so if anything catches your eye, simply get in touch by emailing skillslaunchpad@plymouth.gov.uk, or text Jo on 07876396982.
1. Skills Sessions
Understanding that each journey into further training or employment is unique, we have put together eight free sessions that anyone aged 19+ can come along to at our physical Launchpad space in Barclays (Plymouth City Centre).
Each week will be a different focus:
· Monday 27 January: Identifying your skills
· Monday 31 January: Problem-solving
· Monday 7 February: Working as a team
· Monday 14 February: Managing wellbeing
As we are a COVID safe space, booking is essential and spaces are limited – so get in touch for details.
Who? Anyone 19+
When? Mondays, 10am-12noon, Barclays in the City Centre
2. Real Ideas Organisation
Green Thinkers This six-week programme is a great chance to take part in practical activities and group work to learn about working with green spaces. You just need to commit to two days a week between 10am – 3pm, and you will gain industry insight and care for Plymouth’s green spaces, help to create new green spaces for future generations to enjoy and help increase the quality of our lives in the community.
With the skills you learn during this six-week programme, you could also apply for the Kickstart placements with Plymouth City Council’s Natural Grid Team.
Who? Anyone aged 18-25 years old and in receipt of universal credit
When? From Monday 14 February
3. Prince’s Trust
Get Into Retail
Looking for working in retail? The Prince's Trust has teamed up with M&S to offer four weeks of valuable work experience in the Plymouth store with the opportunity to secure a paid role with M&S at the end of it. Travel expenses are paid and lunch is also provided.
Who? 18-30 year-olds
When? Taster day 15 February. Programme Monday 28 – Friday 25 March.
4. City College Plymouth
Prince’s Trust Team Programme
Did you know that there’s a Prince’s Trust team based at the College and that they run the FREE Prince’s Trust 12-week Teams programme?
This personal development programme will develop your skills, land you a qualification and you can meet new people, all whilst making a positive difference in a community project, going on a residential trip, taking part in work experience and generally having the time of your life!
Don’t want to commit to 12 weeks straight away? The College also has pre-employability courses starting every week.
Who? Anyone aged 16-24
When? From Monday 7 February
5. Young Devon Skills Courses
Work-based Learning
Develop functional and work-based skills during this 12-week full-time course. You will learn more about your chosen career area, prepare for work, gain employability skills and take part in mock interviews and work on your CV. You will also earn a Level 1 qualification and can be supported with your Level 2 English and maths if required.
Who? Anyone aged 16-25
When? From Monday 31 January
Independent Life Skills
Develop life-based skills during this 12-week full-time course. You will learn more about community laws, independent living, environmental issues and personal health. You will also earn an Entry Level 3 qualification.
Who? Anyone aged 16-25
When? From Monday 31 January
6. Devon Mind
Do you struggle with anxiety? If so, why not take part in a session to help with understanding anxiety and to learn tips and tools for managing anxiety
Each session is an hour and will be run on Zoom to a small group, which includes a facilitator from Devon Mind explaining anxiety and some short online activities. Interaction is optional and can be done anonymously. There is also no pressure to turn your camera on and unmute yourself if you do not feel comfortable doing so.
Who? Anyone aged 16-24
When? Tuesday 8 February and Tuesday 15 February, 10.30am-11.30am
7. Experience Works and Empowering Enterprise programmes
If you need additional help to get into work, training or education; or if you need support to stick with school or college, we work with a number of partners who may be able to help you including, Battling On, Bluescreen IT, Young Devon, and Groundworks South.
E-mail skillslaunchpad@plymouth.gov.uk for more information on this.
Who? 15–24-year-olds (eligibility does apply)
When? Various
8. Opportunities in construction
The construction industry is booming, and if you’d like to explore where you fit in, your first stop should be the Building Plymouth Job Shop. Based in Barclays, the Job Shop is open to anyone, just drop in on a Tuesday between 12noon-2pm.
You may also like to look at:
Greenlight Training’s pre-employment course - during this two-week course, you will learn fundamental skills in carpentry, bricklaying, plastering, painting and decorating, floor laying, groundworks, roofing, dry lining and plant, so you are ready to apply for apprenticeships (for 19-24-year-olds).
Greenlight Training’s weekly trade assessments for 16-18-year-old education-leavers to help progress into apprenticeship programmes or further training.
CTSW’s two-week pre-apprenticeship course for anyone aged 16+ - it’s a great opportunity to develop your hand skills, spending two days in each trade area to get a feel for what you enjoy. You’ll also take part in a work trial with an employer.
9. Opportunities in health and social care
There has never been a more important time for the health and social care sector, and there continues to be a shortage of workers, particularly in the home care sector.
Whether you have a background in care or a feeling that you may be good at it, there are lots of ways to find out more.
People of all ages can drop into our Health and Social Care Job Shop, every Thursday between 12noon-2pm in Barclays.
Check out the Council’s Home Care Assistant campaign here and register your interest for a callback.
Explore the jobs and volunteering opportunities available with Livewell South West here.
It’s also worth scrolling down to the e-learning section, as there are lots of free online courses you can do to develop skills for the health and social care sector.
10. Plymouth Training
Traineeship
This flexible 10-week Traineeship is designed around you and your interests. The programme will see you taking part in a placement activity in your chosen sector, work readiness sessions, wellbeing activities and support with obtaining a Level 1 in English and maths – and for those interested in Hospitality, they have a great programme set up with Boringdon Hall Hotel in Plympton.
Who? Anyone aged 19 to 24-years old
When? Applications are welcome all year round
11. Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are real jobs with training, and they start all year round. You can earn while you learn, gain a nationally recognised qualification, and study from Level 2 right up to degree-level, depending on the role you are working towards.
In the latest edition of Plymouth’s exclusive apprenticeship bulletin, there are more than 300 apprenticeship vacancies, so there are lots to choose from.
Our next apprenticeship bulletin will be released in two weeks’ time ready for National Apprenticeship Week, but click here to see our January bulletin.
Who? Anyone aged 16+ (there’s no upper age limit)
When? All year
12. Part-time Courses
It’s not too late to start a part-time vocational course at a local college. Achievement Training, City College Plymouth and On Course South West, are just a few of the providers delivering courses face-to-face throughout the year – including vital English and maths lessons.
Who? Anyone 19+
When? Various start dates are available
13. Confidence Building Sessions
If one of your goals this year is to develop your self-confidence or work on that much-needed self-worth, get involved with these sessions at the Jan Cutting Centre in Beacon Park to develop positive mental health, coping strategies, activities and setting personal goals in a judgement-free environment.
Who? Anyone 19+
When? From Friday 4 February to Friday 4 March, 12.30pm – 2.00pm
14. Shekinah
If you are aged 18+ there is so much to get involved with at Shekinah. Drop in and see them at 24 Stonehouse Street. Timetable below:
Wednesdays 9.30am - 2.30pm: Employability Course
12.30pm - 4pm: Essential Digital Skills Course
Thursdays 9.30am - 2.30pm: Art Course
Fridays 9.30am - 12.30pm: Maths and English Courses
9.30am - 2.30pm: Art Courses
15. Military Preparation College
Thinking about a career in the armed forces? Enjoy being active and keen to work on your fitness levels? Gain a BTEC Level 2 in Work Skills that could transfer to any future career, and take part in daily physical education, fitness assessments, adventure training, low-level tactics and more with MPC. They will also help you progress into further education or enter the services.
Who? Anyone aged 16-19
When? Four days a week, 9am-4pm – you can join all year round
16. FREE E-learning opportunities
A number of our partners offer free online courses. So why not use the darker evenings and mornings to gain a new qualification or skill?
Courses range from computer essentials, professional development and digital design and marketing; to business admin, specialist care courses, and interview skills.
Links for more information are below:
17. Kickstarts
If you’re a young person on Universal Credit, the Kickstart Scheme provides funding for local employers to create new jobs. Kickstart job roles will ensure you are employed for a minimum of 25 hours per week for at least six months.
Kickstart roles are available across multiple job areas, including sport and leisure, hospitality, teaching, administration, construction, digital industries, and many offer the chance to work remotely from home,
If you’re eligible, click here to explore current vacancies, and be sure to discuss them with your Work Coach.
Who? 16-24 year-olds in receipt of Universal Credit
When? Starting before March
Find out more…
For information about any of our partner programmes, simply e-mail skillslaunchpad@plymouth.gov.uk, or click here to sign up as a member.
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