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Skills Launchpad Plymouth
Build skills with volunteering and work experience
Whether you're leaving school, college or university, looking for your first opportunity, or figuring out what you'd like to do next, gaining experience can help you build confidence and move closer to your goals.
Volunteering and work experience are great ways to develop new skills, meet new people, explore different careers and strengthen your CV. They can also help you stand out to employers by demonstrating your enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to learn.
Not sure where to start? This page brings together local volunteering and work experience opportunities, practical advice and support to help you gain experience, grow your confidence and take the next step towards employment, apprenticeships, training or further education.
Develop valuable skillsVolunteering and work experience can help you build skills that employers look for, including:communication and customer serviceteamwork and collaborationproblem solving and adaptabilityorganisation and time managementleadership and responsibilityconfidence and resilience. Gain practical experienceExperience can help you understand what a job or industry is really like before committing to employment, training, an apprenticeship or further study. Meet new peopleBuilding your professional network can introduce you to employers, mentors and future opportunities. Boost your confidenceDeveloping new skills, helping others and achieving goals can improve wellbeing, motivation and self-belief.
Experience comes in many forms, including:volunteeringwork experience placementsinternshipsjob shadowingemployer projectscommunity initiativesindustry insight eventsmentoring programmesworkplace visitssector-specific activities and careers events. Every experience can help you develop skills, explore career options and enhance your CV. Keep an eye on our News and Events page, for the latest local opportunities.
Plymouth's Volunteering DirectorySearch local volunteering opportunities and community organisations across Plymouth.https://www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/jobsandemployment/volunteeringandunpaidwork/directory GoVolunteeringRegister as a volunteer and search opportunities across Plymouth and the South West.https://govolunteering.co.uk Time4GoodCity wide opportunities for micro volunteering and kindness https://itstime4good.comPlymouth City Council VolunteeringFind volunteering opportunities with Plymouth City Council and advice on getting started.https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/volunteering On Course South West Volunteer PassportGain a recognised Volunteer Passport and develop skills and knowledge to support your volunteering journey.https://www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk/volunteering The King's TrustSupport for young people aged 13 to 30 to build confidence, skills and employability.https://www.kingstrust.org.uk
National Careers ServiceAdvice on work experience, volunteering, career planning and employability.https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk ProspectsInformation on work experience, placements and internships.https://www.prospects.ac.uk TARGETjobsSearch internships, placements and graduate opportunities.https://targetjobs.co.uk Real IdeasOpportunities, programmes and events supporting young people across Plymouth.https://realideas.org
Work experience doesn't always have to be a formal placement. Plymouth's employer-led Sector Skills Partnerships regularly provide opportunities to gain first-hand insight into local industries through:Building Plymouth Open SitesWelcoming Plymouth activities during English Tourism WeekEmployer visits and workplace toursCareers fairs and employability eventsIndustry taster sessionsSkills competitionsEmployer talks and workshops These opportunities can help you meet employers, understand local industries and make informed decisions about your future. Visit the Skills Launchpad Plymouth News and Events page to discover upcoming opportunities.
Speak to people who can help If you're in educationWhether you're in school, college or university, you can speak to a Careers Adviser about your interests, strengths and future goals.If you receive Universal CreditSpeak to your Work Coach about:work experience opportunitiesvolunteeringsector-based work academieslocal employer programmesskills and training opportunities. If you're working with Skills Launchpad PlymouthAttend a weekly drop-in session and speak to an advisor about:career ideaslocal employersvolunteering opportunitieswork experience placementsapprenticeships, jobs and training.Identify a sector that interests you
Think about:industries you'd like to work inskills you'd like to developsubjects or hobbies you enjoycareers you want to explore. Not sure where to start? Explore Plymouth's Labour Market Information on our key sector pages. Research local employers
Look for organisations that match your interests and career goals. Check:company websitescareers pagesLinkedInsocial medialocal business networksSkills Launchpad Plymouth events. Reach out directlyMany employers are happy to offer opportunities but may not advertise them. Consider contacting:HR teamsrecruitment teamsbusiness ownersmanagersgeneral enquiries contacts. Ask about:work experience placementsjob shadowingvolunteeringworkplace visitsindustry insight opportunities.
Speculative email exampleSubject: Work experience enquiryDear [Name],My name is [Name] and I am interested in a career in [sector].I am looking for an opportunity to gain work experience and wondered whether your organisation offers placements, job shadowing or workplace visits.I am keen to learn more about the industry and develop my skills. I would be grateful for any advice or opportunities you may be able to offer.Thank you for your time and consideration.Kind regards,[Name]Attach your CV if you have one. Making a phone call
Try:"Hello, my name is [Name]. I'm interested in gaining work experience in your organisation and wondered who the best person would be to speak to about potential opportunities."Keep it friendly, professional and positive. Follow up
However you choose to reach out, if you don't hear back:send a polite follow-up emailgive them a quick callthank them for their time. Persistence often pays off.
If you're unsure about your next step, additional support is available. You can also explore:Plymouth's growing industries and future career opportunitiesCareers information and planning resourcesFree Careers and Skills Plans through the National Careers ServiceWellbeing support if you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed or uncertain about your futureWhatever your next step, take time to explore your options, use the resources available and choose the pathway that feels right for you. Remember - you don't need a paid job to start building experience. Volunteering, work experience, industry insight events, employer visits, mentoring and community projects can all help you develop skills, build confidence and move closer to your career goals. Every experience is a step towards your future.
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