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There is no single route to success. Every young person's journey is different. Further education and trainingMany young people continue learning through:A LevelsT LevelsVocational qualificationsTechnical coursesAdult learning programmes Explore our education and training resources here. Supported InternshipsSupported Internships help young people aged 16 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) develop skills and experience in the workplace with additional support. They can be an excellent route into paid employment. Find out more about Supported Internships and SEND support here. ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships allow young people to earn a wage while learning and gaining qualifications. They are available across a wide range of sectors, including:Business and Professional ServicesConstruction and the Built EnvironmentDigital and Creative IndustriesEducation and ChildcareEngineering, Marine and DefenceHealth and Social CareTourism, Hospitality and Retail. Visit our apprenticeships page here to find out more about apprenticeships, how they work, and how to get apply for vacancies. EmploymentSome young people are ready to move directly into work but may need support with:job searchingapplicationsCV writinginterview preparationbuilding confidence. Explore our work-ready skills section here. Starting a businessFor young people with entrepreneurial ideas, there is support available to help them develop and launch a business. Visit our start your own business section here. Volunteering and work experienceExperience doesn't always have to come from paid employment. Volunteering and work experience can help young people:build confidencedevelop workplace skillsstrengthen their CVexplore career interests. Learn more about volunteering and work experience opportunities here.

First of all, you don't need to become a careers adviser to help your young person. Often the most helpful thing you can do is encourage them to keep exploring, stay positive and take action. You can do this by:exploring options togetherlooking at different education, training and employment pathwaysresearching careers linked to their interests – there are some great quiz’s here that can help with this.reviewing the information available on Skills Launchpad Plymouth.attending open days and careers events. Visiting colleges, universities, training providers and employer events can be particularly helpful in bringing opportunities to life. These events can help young people:ask questions for themselvesdiscover new opportunitiesunderstand different career routes – there are often multiple pathways to the same destinationbuild confidence.

One of the big challenges young people face when applying for opportunities is competing with people with more experience. This is where supporting your young person to identify their transferable skills can play a key part. Employers value experience in many forms, including:volunteeringpart-time workwork experiencecommunity activitiessports leadershipcaring responsibilitiesyouth groups and clubs. Every experience helps develop transferable skills. And remember, employing young people benefits the employer too! Each generation brings new ideas and energy which can strengthen the workforce.

Plymouth has a lot to be proud of, including the largest naval base in western Europe, the UK’s first National Marine Park, the largest manufacturing sector in southern England, a growing health sector (including being home to one of only 16 critical care teaching hospitals in the UK), and internationally significant expertise in marine autonomy and immersive digital. With the economy now moving towards net zero and capitalising on the green industrial revolution, there are so many exciting career opportunities to explore!  Visit out Employers and Sectors section to find out more.

No one should have to navigate their next steps alone. The Skills Launchpad Plymouth and Careers Plymouth teams, as well as other local organisations can help young people explore options and access opportunities – but you can play a part too! You don't need to do everything at once. Small actions can make a big difference. This month, you could… ☐ Explore one new career pathway together. ☐ Visit a college, university or training provider open day. ☐ Attend a careers event or employer engagement activity. ☐ Review your young person's CV. ☐ Help them identify three skills they already have. ☐ Encourage them to apply for an opportunity they are interested in. ☐ Explore volunteering or work experience opportunities. ☐ Review local education and training options. ☐ Look at apprenticeships and Supported Internships. ☐ Follow Skills Launchpad Plymouth for local opportunities and events. ☐ Encourage them to speak to an adviser if they need additional support.

A second pair of eyes can make a real difference. Start with the basics ☐  Ensure their name, phone number and email address are easy to find. ☐ Check their email address looks professional. ☐ Remove personal information that employers don't need, including:Date of birthNational Insurance numberMarital statusPhotographs (unless specifically requested) ☐ Keep the CV clear, well organised and no more than two sides of A4. Check spelling and grammar ☐ Read through it together. ☐ Use spellcheck but don't rely on it completely. ☐ Ask yourself: "Would this be easy for an employer to read?" Help them recognise their strengthsBefore hitting send, consider skills gained through:School or college projectsVolunteeringSports and hobbiesCaring responsibilitiesClubs and activitiesWork experienceFinal steps☐ Check all contact details are correct. ☐ Save the document with a professional file name eg: Joe Blogs CV - August 2020 ☐ Ask someone else to review it. ☐ Save it as a PDF where possible. Remember: Most employers recruiting young people are looking for enthusiasm, potential and willingness to learn. A first CV does not need to be perfect.

We are committed to helping young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) access the information, opportunities, and support they need to achieve their goals.​Visit our dedicated section bringing together specific resources for navigating pathways into education, training, skills development, and employment across Plymouth, as well as useful guidance, local opportunities, and support services. Visit out SEND section here to find out more.

Transitions can be challenging. Many young people experience anxiety or uncertainty when thinking about education, careers and the future. Local support is available to help young people build confidence, resilience and wellbeing. Visit our All About You page to explore local services and resources.

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