One of the great things about living in Plymouth is that there are lots of opportunities for young people to develop new skills, access different training and education options, and gain experience to find your dream job or career. Whether you are one of this year’s education leavers, or have been looking for the right next step for you, we want to help.
Hot off the press! Read the 2023-24 edition of ‘Which Way? Your Way!’ helping young people to better understand their options post-16 - www.trainingprovider.com/which-way-your-way-devon/
Help yourself to localised information, advice and guidance through our Youth Hub Resource Bank here:
Below we’ve pulled together the latest local opportunities here in one place – including some great events that you can attend for free. If anything catches your eye, get in touch by:
Emailing skillslaunchpad@plymouth.gov.uk
Texting our Youth Hub Coordinator, Rhianne on 07876 396982
Upcoming Events
Skills Launchpad Plymouth – Continued support for education leavers
Exam results have been out for a few weeks, but if you are still considering your next steps, don’t panic, you are not alone! Here at Skills Launchpad Plymouth on the first floor of Barclays in the city centre, we still have lots of support in place to help you, including:
Sector Drop-in Sessions: For anyone interested in the construction and built environment, or the health and care sectors, drop-in sessions are open every Tuesday between 10am and 3pm with more information about jobs, apprenticeships or further study.
Education Leaver CV Surgeries: Young people can pre-book a 30-minute CV review, with appointments available every Wednesday between 10am and 3pm throughout September. Click here to book in advance via Eventbrite.
Volunteering Drop-in: interested in gaining some experience, developing your confidence, boosting your employability skills, enhancing your CV and meeting new people? Volunteering could be the first step. Join us on Wednesday 27 September between 11am and 2pm to chat about volunteering opportunities in Plymouth and meet with some local groups who are hiring.
Higher education and further education events
Arts University Plymouth Open Days
Pre-degree Open Day – Saturday 23 September
Explore the options available for post-16 study, including Foundation Diplomas and Level 3 Extended Diplomas. You will also be able to tour the campus facilities, speak to the Admissions and Finance teams, and talk through any questions you may have with lecturers.
To register and attend, please click here.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Open Day – Saturday 23 September and Saturday 21 October
Tour the campus, view nearby accommodation, speak with course leaders about the qualifications available, and even hop on a bus and tour the city.
For full details and to book your place, please click here
University of Plymouth Open Day – Saturday 23 September and Saturday 21 October
Get a taste of university life and see the courses that are available to you. You will get to talk to lecturers, attend talks around student finance and explore the student village and campus.
For full details and to book your place, please click here
Plymouth Marjon University Open Day – Saturday 7 October
Chat to students and ask about student life at Marjon, meet lecturers, find out about social life, clubs and societies, and take tours of the campus facilities and accommodation.
Click here for some frequently asked questions or for full details and to book your place to book your place, please click here
Access Creative College
Are you interested in the gaming industry? Or the music industry? Access Creative College have some great creative courses that can pave the way for working in the industry.
They have both open days and taster days to showcase the variety of courses that they have on offer. Click here for upcoming dates.
Employment Events
NHS and Care in Plymouth recruitment Fair
Have you thought of a career in the NHS or Care, but not sure where to start? This recruitment fair is just what you need! It is a shared event, bringing together the major employers in our city, all in one place for recruitment and training opportunities.
When: Friday 6 October
Where: Plymouth Guildhall
Time: 9am-5pm
You will be able to view a list of confirmed organisations in attendance, and register your interest by clicking here
Access Pre-Employability Support
If you’re looking to get a job, we work with some great organisations who can help you to prepare for work. Whether you would like some impartial careers advice and guidance, support with your CV, cover letters and/or interview prep, we can help.
CSW Group
If you are aged 16-19 and seeking opportunities for jobs, training or education, the CSW team can help. The fantastic local team help with CV support, and impartial advice, and can point you in the right direction for all the support available to you. CSW Advisors join us at Skills Launchpad Plymouth every Wednesday where you can take advantage of their one-to-one CV support and advice.
National Careers Service
For help preparing for jobs, you may like to get started by booking a free appointment with the local National Careers Service team. Barbora supports the Skills Launchpad Plymouth team in providing face-to-face support for anyone 19+. She can help you to make decisions on learning, training and work at ALL stages of your career and best of all… it’s FREE!
Young Devon
The team at Young Devon can support you with 1:1 mentoring, or a 12-week employability course that will help you to develop team and leadership skills, earn qualifications, and make friends for life! They also reimburse you for any travel on public transport. These courses are a great stepping stone back into education, accessing higher level qualifications and employment. You will also have support with CV writing, mock interviews and general career advice. To find out more, click here
The Prince’s Trust
From a five-day employability course to 12-week team programmes, how to start your own business and more, if you are aged 16-30 and not in full-time training or employment, the Prince’s Trust can help.
Latest opportunities include:
Get into I.T – This is a FREE online programme with Google.Org and Inco Academy. You will get to receive an industry recognised qualification. With time for self-led learning, and support and mentoring into Employment, this is a fantastic opportunity! To find out more, please call Mark on 07786381623, or email mark.rhead@princes-trust.org.uk
Enterprise – Are you aged 18-30 with a business idea? Are you looking for some support with being self-employed? This online course is perfect to help get you with writing a business plan, accessing start up loans, finance, tax, marketing and sales. To find out more, please email plymouthenterpriseteam@princes-trust.org.uk
Get into Retail with Boots – This is a FREE course that gives you the chance to gain experience and explore opportunities in the retail sector. You will learn about stock rotation, develop customer service skills, boost your confidence and team working skills, as well as having a guaranteed interview with the chance of employment. To find out more, please email hannah.ainsworth@princes-trust.org.uk
Fotonow
‘Unlocked Youth’ is Fotonow’s youth programme aimed at supporting 13 to 21-year-olds to engage in media and participate in cultural opportunities. The youth creative media group is all about having fun while developing skills and knowledge in the world of creative media. This is a weekly group that meet every Tuesday at Fotonow HQ between 5 and 7pm. To find out more, or make contact with Fotonow, please click here
Babcock Enterprise
Argyle Community Trust is offering a fantastic eight-week programme for those that are not in employment, education or training. During this programme you will gain a nationally recognised qualification, have support with CV writing, job applications and interview techniques, as well as the chance to go on tours of the Dockyard to explore the range of employment opportunities available with Babcock.
Interested? Email lewis.wadey@pafc.co.uk, or call 07908 611003 to book your place.
Youth Hub SEND Employability Sessions
If you are a young person with special educational needs or a disability, or are someone looking to develop your confidence and employability skills in a small supportive space, contact Rhianne to join the next SEND Employability group. The group meets every Wednesday over four week to explore CVs, interview tips and is centred around the goals of the individual.
Email skillslaunchpad@plymouth.gov.uk or text Rhianne on 07876 396982 to book.
Youth Hub Find Your Future Session
Every Thursday at Skills Launchpad Plymouth (on the first floor of Barclays) Rhianne has a clear diary between 12 and 3pm to chat to care leavers looking for support. During this session there is no pressure to sign up to anything, it’s just an initial conversation before deciding whether to move forward and develop a plan. You can come with a friend, your PA, or by yourself, but do give it a try.
Are you a young person with an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)? Have you considered a Supported Internship?
A supported internship offers 16 to 24-year-olds with an EHCP the opportunity to work towards an accredited qualification(s) and take part in a work placement opportunity with the support from an expert job coach. This study programme can last between six months to a year, depending on the individual's progress and future plans.
Here in Plymouth, work is being done to grow the number of Supported Internships, and there are existing programmes available focused on jobs within Plymouth City Council, City College Plymouth, and the sport and leisure industry; and plans to develop more opportunities within the health and care sector.
To find out more and arrange a conversation about opportunities, sign up as a member of Skills Launchpad Plymouth here.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a fantastic way to test out different jobs to find out what you prefer, as well as helping you to gain experience and develop soft skills that are useful in all careers. You may also choose to volunteer as a way to give back and share your skills and experience with others.
Plymouth has lots of great volunteering opportunities with organisations including: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust / NHS Cadets, St John's Ambulance, Age UK Plymouth, Elder Tree Befriending, Trevi, Shekinah, The Box, Barnardos, Devon Mind, The Zone, Devon Wildlife Trust, Gables, Devon and Cornwall Police, Ocean Discovery Rangers, National Marine Aquarium, Clean Our Patch, Nature Plymouth, Citizens Advice Plymouth and Moor Trees.
You can also explore vacancies broadly by visiting Volunteering | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK or https://govolunteering.co.uk/
Opportunities vary from helping people, animals and children, to admin, retail and customer Service. There are also environmental opportunities outdoors, or in nature/gardening, right through to media, history and fundraising. What a great way to develop your skills and meet new people?!
Click here for more links via our resource bank.
Don’t forget our Volunteering Drop-in on Wednesday 27 September! For further detail, click here
Apply for a traineeship in retail or hospitality
Have you ever thought that you’d like to try out a work environments before committing to a job or apprenticeship? There are retail and hospitality Traineeships available in Plymouth to help young people aged 19 to 24-year-olds gain skills and experience. In just six to eight weeks, you will gain experience that will help you move closer to figuring out your next steps – and they can often be extended if you are loving it.
Get in touch to find out how to get started.
Apply for apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are real jobs with training. They start all year round and are not just for school leavers!
Apprenticeships are a great way to 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.
If you are worried about the financial side of an apprenticeship salary, you could be entitled to claim universal credit to top you up, so don’t rule it out as an option.
In the latest edition of Plymouth’s exclusive apprenticeship bulletin, there are hundreds of apprenticeship vacancies. Find out more here here
Apply for jobs
There are many reasons why you might be looking for a new job at the moment, but the great news is that there are thousands of jobs available, right now, in Plymouth.
For advice on where to apply and things to consider, click here
Explore self-employment
Always dreamt of starting your own business? It can be both an exciting adventure and daunting, especially if you have additional barriers to overcome, such as disability or being long-term unemployed.
We have added lots of information and links to support you in setting up your own business in our Resource Bank here and we also suggest checking out the upcoming courses with SMART Skills, the National Careers Service, On Course South West, the Prince’s Trust and City College Plymouth that can help you with starting your own business.
Young Devon can also support those trying to start their own business. Not only can they help with initial business plans, but they can also support financially with grants. To find out how the funding works, or complete an application form, please click here
Brush up on your English and Maths
You may be fed up with being asked about whether you have your English and maths GCSEs, or a functional skill in numeracy and literacy, but the fact is, these skills matter and can really help you to get better jobs and earn more money in the long run. Here in Plymouth there are a number of training providers who can help. Many build it into a full-time study programme, or help you do it alongside an apprenticeship or traineeship, but you can also do your English and/or maths as a standalone course.
If it is maths you need help with, you may have heard of the Multiply project. Across Plymouth through this funding, providers such as The Focus Training Group, Real Ideas, and On Course South West and others are delivering practical maths courses to make maths more fun.
Get into training or education
It’s never too late to learn new skills. Whether you didn’t quite get your C/4 grades in your English and/or maths at school, or if you want to take your existing qualifications to the next level, Plymouth has lots of providers offering education - and the courses are quite often free.
Courses range from business and coding to hair and beauty, animal care, sport and fitness, military preparation, cooking, and more. Many can even help you to access university-level study.
Your choices at 16 – click here
Your choices at 18 – click here
We work with a wide range of local training providers, and there’s bound to be one very close to where you live, so get in touch if you’d like to discuss all the options available to you.
Training delivered online
A number of our partners also offer free online courses, so why not gain a new qualification or skill from the comfort of your own home?
Courses range from computer essentials, professional development, and digital design and marketing; to business admin, specialist care courses, and interview skills.
Get started with the links below:
Opportunities in Construction
The construction industry is booming. If you want to find out about the latest skills, training, education, apprenticeships and jobs available locally, your first stop should be the Construction and the Built Environment Drop in. Based in Barclays, Armada Way, the Job Shop is open to anyone, just drop in on a Tuesday between 10-3pm.
You may also like to look at upcoming short courses and accreditations for new and experienced tradespeople with:
New to construction?
Why not check out Greenlight Training or CTSW’s two-week pre-employment courses? Both will give you a great opportunity to develop your skills and get a feel for what you enjoy.
Alternatively, the Sherford Training Programme can help you gain a week’s onsite training and experience, and the chance to gain your CSCS card.
Check out City College Plymouth’s Green Skills and Retrofit Bootcamp – Click here
Get Hard Hat Ready with Kier and City College Plymouth
Like the idea of being part of the South West’s booming construction industry?
Kier and City College Plymouth are running a five week Hard Hat Ready programme.
The course will cover:
Bricklaying
Plastering
Painting and Decorating
Carpentry
Plumbing
Health and Safety
CSCS card
These courses start monthly. If you would like to take advantage of this fantastic FREE programme, please click here.
Opportunities in health and 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.
Drop into our Health and Social Care Job Shop, every Tuesday between 10-3pm in Barclays, Armada Way.
The Health and Social Care Skills Accelerator Programme (HASSAP) offers free and flexible courses from entry-level to level 5 which are delivered in Plymouth by On Course South West. Choose from online and face-to-face courses including Understanding Autism, Medication Training, Safeguarding Vulnerable People and Counselling Skills.
Check out the Council’s Home Care Assistant campaign here and register your interest for a call back.
Explore the jobs and volunteering opportunities available with Livewell South West here.
It’s also worth exploring the e-learning section above, as there are lots of free online courses you can do to develop skills for the health and social care sector.
For more information on all things health and care, please click here for our most recent health and care opportunity mailer.
Access mental health support or boost your confidence
Kooth and Qwell
Kooth and Qwell are free digital mental health and wellbeing services that are available for free to people living in Plymouth.
Both aim to help people manage their own emotional health and wellbeing through anonymous and confidential support, Kooth supports anyone aged 11 to 19 and Qwell is for everyone aged 18+.
These safe online spaces, help people to access therapeutic activities, with a peer support community, self-help articles and forums and discussion boards moderated by qualified practitioners. Users can also keep an online journal and monitor their wellbeing via an interactive goal tracker. This will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is also a one-on-one live text chat and messaging counselling service with a team of qualified practitioners. See for yourself, here
Devon Mind
Do you struggle with anxiety? If so, why not sign up to take part in a session to help with understanding anxiety and to learn tips and tools for managing anxiety with Devon Mind? Do you juggle raising a family and keeping up a home whilst suffering from depression? There is a range of short Zoom workshops on offer that can help you prioritise your mental health. Click here to see what’s coming up.
Shekinah
If you are aged 18+ there is so much to get involved in with Shekinah. They can help with short courses around personal development, handling stress and anger, mentoring and coaching, mental health, sexual health, as well as more employability related skills such as English, maths and using computers.
To find out more about their Learning Exchange Programmes, click here. Alternatively, for a safe and friendly place to find out about jobs, courses, and benefits you can drop in and see the team at Bath Street every Friday, 12.30-3.30pm
Art, Craft and Laughter
Life can sometimes be overwhelming and having a space to be able to go, take timeout and breathe might just be what you need.
Art, craft and laughter are offering mental health, wellbeing art and craft groups.
Search ‘Art, craft and laughter’ on Facebook or Instagram.
For more information on accessing mental health support in Plymouth, click here.
Find out more…
For information about any of our partner programmes, simply e-mail skillslaunchpad@plymouth.gov.uk and one of the team will contact you.
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