Everyone knows that the school year runs from September to July, so it’s understandable that you may think that there’s no point starting anything until the autumn… but our Youth Hub Coordinator, Jo, will tell you you’re wrong.
Jo says: “If you are aged 16 to 19 it's not too late to secure a place at college or Sixth Form for September, but remember, whether you're a school leaver or a bit older, you have options. Whilst the schools shut for summer, there are lots of alternative options available that can help you work on your skills to get a job, or the training you need to land your dream career if you aren’t currently enrolled with a training provider or employed.
“Whether you want to work on building your confidence up, developing your interview skills, or simply exploring what’s available for you, there are so many options – and Kickstarts and Apprenticeships are available all year round as businesses don’t have a summer break.
“To make things easy to navigate, I’ve picked ten of our Skills Launchpad partners to showcase, along with two national schemes, to help you move forward with your journey NOW, rather than waiting for September. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, simply get in touch by emailing skillslaunchpad@plymouth.gov.uk, or click here to sign up as a member.
1. 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 360 apprenticeship vacancies, so there are lots to choose from. As apprenticeships are like jobs, it’s always a good idea to apply for multiple opportunities.
Whilst there are vacancies available across most job sectors, it’s worth noting that in the bulletin you will find over 100 vacancies in construction, 54 vacancies in business admin and customer service, 45 vacancies in hospitality and care, 31 vacancies in childcare, and 23 vacancies in education.
Click here to see all of the opportunities.
2. 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.
There are currently more than 100 Kickstart vacancies available in Plymouth, with many opportunities offering the chance to work remotely from home. Kickstart roles are available across multiple job areas, including sport and leisure, hospitality, teaching, administration, construction, digital industries, and more.
If you’re eligible, please get in touch to find out more.
Who? 16-24 year-olds in receipt of Universal Credit
When? June – December
3. Argyle Community Trust
Did you know you can sign up for a two-week National Citizenship Service course with Argyle? It’s a great way to meet new people, try new things and cover new ground. Who knows where it could lead you?!
For £50, activities include surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking and many more. You’ll also have the chance to gain life skills like cooking, volunteering and community mapping – it’s a great addition to your CV.
Who? 16-17 year-olds
When? 19 July – 30 July (Monday to Friday)
4. Discovery College
Based in Honicknowle, Discovery College has a week-long pre-employability course that could be perfect for you!
See what it’s like to study in a smaller college environment, whilst improving your employability skills. This course will help you to land a job or place in further/higher education. You may even choose to sign up for a vocational course with Discovery College this autumn.
Who? 16-19 year-olds
When? 21/06 – 25/06 (Monday to Friday)
5. City College Plymouth
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 throughout June!
Who? 16-24 year-olds
When? June – August (various start dates)
6. Devon Mind
Do you like social media? Are you interested in developing your digital skills? If so, Devon Mind’s Speed You Up Digital Hub programme could be a great addition to your CV. Experience what it’s like to be a social media consultant, working as a team to advise real employers to improve their social content.
Who? 16-24 year-olds
When? 14 July – 4 August (Wednesdays only)
7. Prince’s Trust
Get Started with Care
Looking for an introduction to life in health and social care? There’s never been a better time to get into the sector so explore the roles and responsibilities available, whilst also learning the values, skills, and attitudes required for a job in health and social care. This is a virtual course that will provide you with online CV support, interview advice and mock interview sessions too, all building up to three speed interviews for live vacancies.
Who? 18-24 year-olds
When? 8 – 10 June (there’s also a taster session on 2 June, 1pm-3pm via Zoom)
Get Into IT
If you’d like to gain Google accredited IT customer support qualifications from the comfort of your own home, look no further. This virtual course will see you fully supported and fully certified before December. What a great skill and qualification to learn!
Who? 18-24 year-olds
When? June – July start dates available
8. Focus Training
Interested in gaining experience in an office environment? Thinking about developing your business admin and finance skills? Focus Training has a six-week qualification which is split each week between classroom skills and work experience with an employer.
Who? 19-24 year-olds
When? 14 June – 6 August
9. Train4All
Interested in getting into construction? Train4All has teamed up with Vistry Partnerships to offer an eight-week training programme that will provide hands-on experience in a range of trades on-site at the Linden Homes site in North Prospect, as well as construction qualifications and your CSCS test. By the end of this programme, you will be ready to apply for Apprenticeships or jobs in the industry.
Who? 19-24 year-olds
When? 7 June – 30 July (Monday to Friday)
10. Greenlight Training Ltd
Greenlight Training specialise in working with a variety of construction companies, and 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.
In addition to understanding each of the trades, you will gain a Level 1 Award in Trade Multi Skills, Health & Safety and Personal Finance, as these core skills are identified as key requirements for entry into employment.
Who? 19-24 year-olds
When? June – September start dates available
11. LiveWest
If you’re looking to explore your natural skills and talents, and want to look at transferable skills and build your self-confidence, LiveWest is offering two courses that can help.
Find Your North Star and Navigate My Way are flexible courses that are delivered virtually on a 1:1 basis, to help you to plan your next steps. For support to help decide on an area of work that is right for you, this is a great opportunity.
Who? 19-24 year-olds
When? June start dates available (flexible)
12. Acacia Training
Whether you are interested in an online course or something face-to-face, Acacia Training has FREE courses starting throughout June and July. Topics range from CV writing, interview skills and confidence-building; to health and safety, basic internet, basic e-mail, food hygiene, and customer service courses.
Who? 19-24 year-olds in receipt of benefits
When? Throughout June and July
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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