Applying for jobs can feel daunting, but there is plenty of support available to help you create a strong CV, complete applications and prepare confidently for interviews. Create a strong CVYour CV doesn't need to be packed with work experience to impress employers. Most employers recruiting young people are looking for enthusiasm, potential, reliability and a willingness to learn. A strong CV helps employers understand who you are, what skills you have and why you'd be a great addition to their team. CV checklistBefore sending your CV, take a few minutes to review it using this checklist:Start with the basicsMake sure your name, phone number and email address are easy to find.Use a professional email address.Remove information employers don't need, such as:Date of birthNational Insurance numberMarital statusPhotographs (unless specifically requested)Keep your CV clear, well organised and ideally no more than two pages. Check spelling and grammarRead through your CV carefully.Use spellcheck, but don't rely on it completely.Ask yourself: "Would this be easy for an employer to read?"Ask a parent, carer, teacher, adviser or friend to review it. Don't undersell yourselfYou may have more experience than you think. Think about skills you've developed through:school or college projectsvolunteeringsports teams and clubscaring responsibilitiesyouth groups and community activitiespart-time jobswork experience placementscreative projects, gaming or digital activities. Skills such as teamwork, communication, organisation, problem solving and reliability are valuable to employers. Final checks before you applyCheck all contact details are correct.Save your CV with a professional file name, for example: Joe Bloggs CV - September 2026Ask someone else to review it.Save your CV as a PDF where possible.  Need help with your CV?There’s lots of help available to help you create your first CV, improve an existing one and prepare for applications, interviews and employment opportunities. Online support National Careers ServiceFree guidance on CV writing, job applications, interview preparation and workplace skills. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/get-a-job Skills to Succeed AcademyFree online learning covering CV writing, applications, interviews, workplace skills and career planning. https://s2sacademy.com Barclays LifeSkillsInteractive tools and resources to help you develop employability and career skills. https://barclayslifeskills.com/young-people/ Youth Employment UKCareers advice, employability resources and guidance designed for young people. https://www.youthemployment.org.uk Local support Jobcentre PlusIf you're claiming benefits, speak to your Work Coach about support available to help you move into employment. Careers PlymouthAdditional careers guidance for young people who need support planning their next steps.https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/careers-plymouth Plymouth Community Homes - Learn for FreeFree courses designed to build confidence, skills and employability. https://www.plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk/our-community/learn-for-free/

Employability skills are the personal and workplace skills employers look for when recruiting. These include:communicationteamworkproblem solvingtime managementorganisationprofessional behaviourdigital confidenceresilience and self-confidence. There are lots of opportunities across Plymouth to help you develop these skills while gaining qualifications, experience and confidence. On Course South WestIn addition to offering full and part-time courses, qualifications, apprenticeships and Supported Internships, On Course South West’s Learning Hub provides flexible support to help young people (aged 19+) to prepare for employment, apprenticeships and further learning. You can get support with:CV writingjob applicationsinterview preparationjob searchingEnglish and mathsdigital skillsconfidence building. Website: https://www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk Support if English isn't your first languageIf English isn't your first language, there are local courses and support available to help you improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Developing your English can help build confidence and support your progression into education, training and employment. ODILS Learning FoundationSupport with English language development, employability skills and accessing education, training and employment opportunities.https://odils.com City College Plymouth ESOLEnglish for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses to help improve your English and prepare for work, training and everyday life in the UK.https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/courses/english-for-speakers-of-other-languages/  City College PlymouthWhether you're looking to gain confidence, improve your skills or prepare for employment, apprenticeships or further learning, City College Plymouth offers a range of options for young people and adults. Employability Skills Programme (16-24)Work towards an Award, Certificate or Diploma while developing the skills and experience needed to progress into work, apprenticeships or education. The programme includes:employability qualificationscommunity projectspersonal developmentvocational trainingwork placementsEnglish and maths support. Website: https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/courses/award-in-employability-skills-pte5/ King's Trust Team programmeDelivered by City College Plymouth, this 12-week programme helps young people build confidence, develop workplace skills and gain valuable experience. You'll have the opportunity to:develop confidence and teamwork skillstake part in community projectsgain work experienceimprove your CV and interview skillsachieve a recognised qualification. Find out more: https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/courses/certificate-in-employment-teamwork-and-community-skills-princes-trust-cert-pvt13/ Adult learning (19+)If you're aged 19 to 24 and looking for flexible learning, City College Plymouth also offers a wide range of daytime and evening courses to help you gain qualifications, retrain or develop your skills. https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/study/adults/

These programmes combine practical learning, personal development and employability support to help you progress into employment, apprenticeships, education or training. Argyle Community Trust - FuturesA full-time programme where you'll choose a pathway that matches your interests, strengths and ambitions while gaining qualifications and real-world experience. Pathways include:Sport - develop coaching, fitness and leadership skills in a professional sporting environment.Health and Social Care - explore careers supporting others through practical learning and work-related experience.Business and Administration - develop communication, teamwork, organisation and enterprise skills.Digital - explore digital technologies, media and creative industries while developing future-ready skills. All learners also benefit from:employability qualificationswork experiencepersonal developmentmentoring. Website: https://argylecommunitytrust.co.uk/what-we-do/futures/  Eat That Frog - LE@PA fully funded six-week programme for 16 to 18-year-olds who want to build confidence and prepare for employment, education or training. The programme focuses on:careers and workhealth and wellbeingmoney and budgetingdigital skills. Email: info@eatthatfrog.ac.uk Discovery College #FUTURESA practical programme for young people aged 16-19 combining employability skills, confidence-building, personal development and progression support. Website: https://discoverycollege.co.uk/courses/employability/futures/ Explore different career interestsNot sure what type of work you'd enjoy? Some programmes can help you explore different industries while developing transferable skills. The King's Trust (11-30)The King's Trust supports young people to build confidence, develop skills and access opportunities through a wide range of programmes. Support includes:employability programmesconfidence and personal developmentmentoringwork experienceenterprise and self-employment support. Examples of recent King’s Trust programmes include:Get started with film and photographyGet started in the marine environmentGet started in beauty and wellbeingGet started in animal careGet started in security Website: https://www.kingstrust.org.uk/ Real Ideas Organisation (RIO)RIO delivers creative learning, employability and enterprise programmes that help young people develop confidence, aspirations and future skills. Areas include:creative and digital skillsenterprise and entrepreneurshiparts and cultural projectsemployability supportyouth development programmes. Website: https://realideas.org/ Fotonow - Unlocked YouthInterested in photography, film, media or creative industries? Unlocked Youth is a creative media programme for young people aged 13-18, helping participants develop creative skills, confidence and experience while taking part in cultural projects and activities. Young people can:learn photography, film and creative media skillsbuild confidence and creativitywork with other young people on projectstake part in cultural opportunities across Plymouth. The group meets weekly on Mondays from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.Find out more: https://fotonow.org

ShekinahShekinah provides training, education and employability support for people facing barriers to work, education or training. Support can include:skills developmentemployability supporttraining opportunitiescommunity projectsconfidence and wellbeing support. Website: https://shekinah.co.uk/ Gifted Women employability programmeGifted Women supports women aged 18+ who face barriers to employment.Support may include:CV developmentConfidence buildingEmployability coachingSupported work experienceJob search support If you're looking to rebuild confidence and take your next step towards employment, training or education, Gifted Women can provide tailored support. Website: https://www.giftedwomen.co.uk

If you'd like to learn at your own pace, these free online resources can help you build confidence, gain qualifications and develop work-ready skills. Google Digital GarageFree courses in digital skills, communication, productivity and career development. https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage/courses LinkedIn Learning - Skills for In-Demand JobsLearning pathways covering workplace skills, digital skills and career planning. https://opportunity.linkedin.com/skills-for-in-demand-jobs OpenLearnFree short courses covering teamwork, communication, time management, problem solving and business skills. https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue FutureLearnCourses designed to help you build professional behaviours, interview skills and career confidence. https://www.futurelearn.com Clarion FuturesFully funded online courses designed to help people build confidence, gain qualifications and develop skills for work. Courses regularly include:employabilitycustomer servicebusiness administrationfood hygienesafeguardingdigital skillspersonal development. Email: hotlinesouth@clarionhg.com

Want to experience a different country while developing skills that can help you in work and life? On Course South West has secured Turing Scheme funding to support eligible learners aged 19+ to take part in international placements and projects until 31 August 2027. Potential destinations may include:ItalyIcelandSwedenother European locations. These experiences are designed to complement learning taking place through On Course South West courses while helping participants develop:confidence and independencecommunication and teamwork skillscultural awarenesspersonal and social skillsemployability and life skills. Taking part can help you build new experiences, broaden your horizons and strengthen your CV by demonstrating adaptability and resilience. Want to find out more? Speak to the Learning Advisors to check eligibility and current opportunities. Website: https://www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

Whether you're looking for your first job, exploring different careers, building confidence or developing new skills, there are opportunities across Plymouth to help you move forward. Explore the wider Youth Hub Resource Bank for more information about careers, jobs, apprenticeships, volunteering, work experience, training and specialist support. Remember: you don't need to have your future mapped out straight away. Every course, programme, workshop, volunteering opportunity or work experience placement can help you build skills, confidence and experience for whatever comes next.