Results day 2026: Reflecting on six years of Skills Launchpad Plymouth

1 hour ago
3 min read

As young people across Plymouth receive their GCSE results and prepare for their next steps, it's also an opportunity to reflect on how far Skills Launchpad Plymouth has come since its launch in August 2020.

Six years ago, Skills Launchpad Plymouth was created to help residents navigate what was often a complex landscape of careers advice, training opportunities, apprenticeships, education pathways and employment support. Rather than creating another standalone service, the ambition was to bring everything together in one place for the first time, making it easier for residents, employers and front-line practitioners to access the information and opportunities available across the city - an innovative, partnership-led approach which has since received local, regional and national recognition, including as a finalist in the ERSA Employability Awards for Digital Solution.

Initially, Skills Launchpad Plymouth existed solely as a free digital resource, helping connect people with local opportunities and support. Since then, the city's skills infrastructure has grown significantly, with dedicated Skills and Workforce Coordinators working alongside partners across Plymouth's priority sectors to support residents and employers directly.

Today, the Skills Launchpad Plymouth website remains at the heart of that offer and has now supported more than 101,000 users to explore local options, access local support and take positive next steps in the city.

A city-wide effort

The success of Skills Launchpad Plymouth belongs to the many organisations that have contributed to its development over the past six years.

Schools, colleges, universities, training providers, employers, careers services, community organisations and public sector partners have all played a role in ensuring residents can access high-quality information, advice and opportunities.

Together, these organisations have helped create a genuinely joined-up approach to skills, careers and employability, making it easier for people of all ages to find the support they need, whether they are:

leaving school or college
exploring apprenticeships
progressing into higher education
looking for work
developing new skills
returning to employment
transitioning from the Armed Forces
considering a career change.

By bringing opportunities, information and support together in one place, Skills Launchpad Plymouth has helped thousands of people make informed decisions about their future.

Looking ahead

Results day is an exciting milestone, but it is just one step in a much bigger journey.

Whether you're progressing to sixth form, college, university, an apprenticeship, employment or are still weighing up your options, there are many different routes to success. Plymouth is fortunate to have a wide range of organisations and opportunities ready to support residents at every stage of their journey.

As we celebrate both results day and six years of Skills Launchpad Plymouth, we'd like to thank every partner, employer, training provider, adviser and resident who has been part of the journey so far.

More than 101,000 users have turned to Skills Launchpad Plymouth for support over the last six years. Behind that figure are thousands of individual stories, ambitions and achievements, and a city-wide commitment to helping people realise their potential.

Congratulations to everyone receiving their results today, and thank you to everyone who continues to make Skills Launchpad Plymouth a trusted gateway to opportunity across the city.