National Employability Day 2025: Celebrating local partnerships that help people take their next steps

This National Employability Day, we're excited to shine a spotlight on the fantastic range of support available across the city, thanks to strong partnerships with local organisations committed to helping people get ready for work, change careers, or learn new skills.

Whether you’re just starting out, returning to work, or thinking about a fresh direction, there are lots of free and friendly programmes in Plymouth designed to boost your confidence and prepare you for the opportunities ahead.

Some of the latest opportunities available in the city include:

• Get Work Ready with On Course South West: a free course to help with CV writing and interview skills, at the Central Library.

• City College Plymouth’s Public Services Pre-Employment course: starting 23 June, a two-week course for adults 19+ interested in careers in police, prison service, or Ministry of Defence civil service.

• Digital Natives with Real Ideas: a fun digital skills course exploring VR, filmmaking, and content creation for adults 18+.

• The King’s Trust programmes: Exciting sector-focused courses for young people, including music and security courses in June, plus a 12-week ‘Teams Programme’ starting in September.

• Young Devon – Change Academy: Life skills and work-based learning courses designed to help young people build confidence and gain qualifications starting in September.

• My Future mentoring (YMCA Plymouth): One-to-one mentoring for young people aged 16-24, offering personalised support with jobs, skills, and confidence.

  
  

Support for Adults: Ready when you are

If you’re an adult looking for support to get job-ready or explore new career options, there are plenty of options throughout Plymouth, including personalised support from the Salvation Army, outdoor learning with the National Marine Park, and free impartial advice through the National Careers Service. Check our Adult Hub resource bank Resource Bank | Adult Hub | Skills Launchpad Plymouth to help yourself to information.

Opportunities for young people (16–24)

Young people can also take advantage of a wide range of free programmes designed to build skills, explore career options, and gain confidence — from creative media groups with Fotonow to accredited creative skills courses with Shekinah. Check our Youth Hub resource bank Resource Bank | Youth Hub | SkillsLaunchPadPlym to help yourself to information.

“We’re proud to work with so many wonderful local partners who truly care about supporting Plymouth’s people,” says Victoria Mead, Skills and Workforce Coordinator. “No matter your age or experience, there’s a welcoming space and real support waiting to help you move forward, and the Skills Launchpad Plymouth team is happy to help you connect.”

If you or someone you know wants to learn more or get involved, sign up for an appointment here.