Plymouth's biggest careers fair is here!

Some of the city’s biggest and best-known employers are returning to take part in this year’s Launchpad Live two-day future careers event, showcasing the breadth of opportunities available locally and promoting the city’s key growth sectors.

Organised by Plymouth City Council in partnership with YMCA Plymouth and hosted at the Plymouth Life Centre, Launchpad Live will run on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 September. It aims to inspire and raise the aspirations of local young people by improving awareness of local career choices and progression pathways available after they leave school.

More than 50 employers and organisations will be taking part, including Babcock International Group, Plymouth Community Homes, Princess Yachts, Plymouth City Council, Kier Construction, Vospers, PKF Francis Clarke, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Navy and Devon and Cornwall Police, along with Skills Launchpad Plymouth, Plymouth Manufacturers Group and Building Plymouth.

Launchpad Live will showcase the city’s key employment and growth sectors to over 2,400 Year 9 to 13 students (booked to attend) through interactive zones along with the latest immersive technology. There will be a focus on marine, engineering and manufacturing; health and care; construction and the built environment; tourism, hospitality and retail; technology, business and creative services, as well as the armed forces and the emerging green and sustainability career opportunities.

Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “This fantastic event will give thousands of young people the chance to meet employers, to learn about the exciting career opportunities available and better understand the investment and growth sectors that present future ambitious employment in Plymouth.

“It’s really important that we help employers and training providers, including further and higher education institutions, to showcase these opportunities directly with our young people, helping them to make better informed choices for their post-16 next steps.”

Tom Lavis, CEO of YMCA Plymouth said: "As a Plymouth charity that has supported young people's aspirations in the city for 175 years, YMCA is delighted to bring this exciting careers event to life in partnership with Plymouth City Council.

“We believe it's vital to showcase what fantastic opportunities are out there to students and their parents. We're very proud of how we have been able to make this event truly accessible for young people and the wide scope of employers and training providers, which has now made this an annual landmark event for the city."

Launchpad Live will be open to the public at the Plymouth Life Centre on Thursday 25 September between 4pm and 6pm. All other times on both days are reserved for school bookings only.