Whether you are thinking about a new career, are looking for a lifestyle change, or want to learn new skills and access education or training, there are lots to choose from. Below are some of the latest opportunities in Plymouth. If anything catches your eye, simply get in touch by emailing skillslaunchpad@plymouth.gov.uk, or texting Rhianne on 07876396982.
Gain experience through a traineeship
Have you ever thought that you’d like to try out some different work environments before committing to a job or apprenticeship? Traineeships are designed to help young people aged 16 to 24-year-olds gain skills and experience in a particular work area. In just six to 12 weeks, you will gain experience that will help you move closer towards figuring out your next steps.
There are local traineeship opportunities available in construction, business, barbering, hairdressing, childcare, beauty, catering, customer service, e-sports, hospitality, health and care and youth work.
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 more than 200 apprenticeship vacancies, so there are lots to choose from. Click here to see what’s available.
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
If you are aged 16-19 and seeking opportunities for jobs, training or education, CSW can help. The fantastic local team help with CV support, impartial advice, and can point you in the right direction for all the support available to you.
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. They work from Skills Launchpad Plymouth and provide face-to-face support for anyone 19+. They 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.
Experience Works and Empowering Enterprise programmes
If you’re aged 15-24 and need additional help to get into work, training or education; or if you need support to stick with school or college, we work with a number of partners who may be able to help you including, Battling On, Bluescreen IT and Groundworks South.
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. Click here to see what’s coming up.
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 3,000 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.
Outset offers start-up support to include and support everyone, working with people from a range of different backgrounds, and often with different needs.
We can support you by arranging a face-to-face appointment with an Outset Advisor at Barclays, or you can check out their current webinar listing here.
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.
Access mental health support or boost your confidence
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 with depression? There are 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’re looking for help to look at your self-belief, confidence, mental wellbeing and the roots of behaviours, the Re:Vive programme could be for you. It runs on Mondays for six weeks throughout the year.
If you’re interested in looking at the way you handle stress and anger, your relationships and understanding anxiety and depression, the Re:Develop session which runs on Tuesdays for six weeks throughout the year is a great opportunity.
Improving Lives
Yoga with Lucy, organised by Improving Lives Plymouth, costs £5 per session and takes place on Thursdays from 11.30am-12.30pm at the Mannamead Hub, PL3 5QL. Yoga has many benefits, including helping you to improve strength, balance and flexibility, helping with aches and pains, promoting relaxing and stress relief, and connecting you with a supportive community.
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.
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, 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 use 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:
● SMART Skills – fully funded courses
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.
There are lots of opportunities to volunteer in Plymouth, whether that’s supporting a one-day charity event as a marshall, being a phone friend to help combat loneliness and isolation for the elderly, or caring
for animals. To explore and apply for local opportunities, click here for the One Plymouth website. Alternatively, click here for more links via the Plymouth Online Directory.
Opportunities in construction
The construction industry is booming. Whether you are highly skilled and experienced, or thinking about a career change and looking to explore where you fit in, your first stop should be the Building Plymouth Job Shop. Based in Barclays, Armada Way, the Job Shop is open to anyone, just drop in on a Tuesday between 12-2pm.
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. Shekinah can also help you to gain your site-safety CSCS card. Complete the module preparing you for the online test and Health and Safety Awareness Module. The cost for this is £200, but if you are claiming benefits, you may be eligible for support towards this.
Alternatively, the Sherford Training Programme can help you gain a week’s onsite training and experience, and the chance to gain your CSCS card.
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 Thursday between 12-2pm in Barclays, Armada Way.
● 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.
Upcoming events
Lord Mayors Day
Plymouth City Centre
Saturday 21 May, from 10am
Come along and see our team if you’re at Lord Mayors Day. We’ll be on hand outside The Original Pasty House to advise on all things skills, training, education, careers and jobs.
Adult Education Open Evening
City College Plymouth, Kings Road, Devonport
Wednesday 8 June, 4.30pm-6.30pm
Aged 19+? This event is a great opportunity to explore the courses available for adult learners with City College Plymouth. Whether you want to return to education to change career, learn a new skill or for a hobby, there’s lots on offer. Find out more here.
Achievement Training and Livewell Southwest Recruitment Sessions
Achievement Training, Norwich Union House, 2 St Andrews Cross Roundabout
Friday 17 and 24 June, 10.30am-2pm
Achievement Training and Livewell Southwest have teamed up to help people explore courses and job opportunities at these two drop-in events. For more information, click here.
Plymouth Armed Forces Day
Plymouth Hoe
Saturday 25 June, from 10am
Come along and see our team if you’re at Armed Forces Day this June. We’ll be on hand to advise on all things skills, training, education, careers and jobs.
Building Plymouth Job Shop
Skills Launchpad Plymouth in Barclays, Armada Way
Every Tuesday, 12-2pm
Whether you are highly skilled and experienced, or thinking about a career change and looking to explore where you fit in, your first stop should be the Building Plymouth Job Shop.
Find Your Future
Skills Launchpad Plymouth in Barclays, Armada Way
Everything Thursday, 12-3pm
If you are a care experienced young person, or someone aged 16-19 and seeking opportunities for jobs, training or education, this drop-in session is for you. With support from the Barnardos Care Journeys team and other local training providers and organisations, each week you can drop in for tea, cake, a chat and free advice.
Health and Care Job Shop
Skills Launchpad Plymouth in Barclays, Armada Way
Every Thursday, 12-2pm
Whether you have a background in care or a feeling that you may be good at it, dropping into this weekly job shop is a great starting point.
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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