City College Plymouth celebrated the launch of the Plymouth Skills Builder initiative on 22 July, marking the beginning of a new venture as part of a wider strategy to meet the needs of economically inactive individuals in the community. This initiative is the College’s latest effort to provide essential skills and opportunities to adults, aligning with the government’s agenda to bring people ‘Back to Work’.
With 9.4 million individuals now being reported as economically inactive, and 2.8 million of those out of work due to long-term sickness, the College has launched the Plymouth Skills Builder initiative to address these challenges head-on.
Working with partners including Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, Plymouth Active Leisure and Livewell Southwest, the project will support confidence and resilience, essential digital skills and vocational skills, offering clear routes from training into employment in key sectors. The programme aims to address the critical need for workforce development in Plymouth by targeting unemployed adults and those furthest from the job market – but also those looking to grow their skillset and take on new challenges.
By providing a comprehensive support system that includes initial one-on-one sessions, participants will have their personal objectives identified and will be routed into bespoke training programmes tailored to their specific needs. Sector-specific training includes two-week taster programmes in high-demand sectors, which can lead to further six-week courses, full-time education, Apprenticeships, or Skills Bootcamps. This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the local economy by preparing individuals for high-value jobs, particularly in the health, engineering, and construction sectors.
To ensure that the initiative is serving the community, the programme takes a holistic approach which ensures that participants receive a comprehensive package of support tailored to overcome personal and systemic barriers to employment – including health, mobility and digital proficiency. The programme also offers rehabilitative health courses to support continued employment, including fitness sessions with Plymouth Active Leisure for adults to get healthy alongside their studies.
Lee McQueen, Director of Adult Education at City College Plymouth, underscores the programme’s focus on adult learners: “This initiative is a pivotal step towards empowering adults in Plymouth by providing them with the skills and support they need to start working towards high-value jobs.
“This exciting collaboration with our partners is allowing us to address the unique challenges faced by adults re-entering the workforce or looking for a better career fit. We’re excited to be able to create this unique learning environment where adult learners can thrive as we support them to contribute meaningfully to our local economy.”
Paul Fanshawe, Executive for Business Intelligence, Growth & Skills, highlighted the power of these partnerships: “The Plymouth Skills Builder initiative is a testament to the strength of our partnerships in the community. By working together, we are not only addressing the skills gap but also providing crucial opportunities for personal and professional growth for adults across the city. This project is vital for the continued development and prosperity of Plymouth’s workforce, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent for the city’s high-value industries.”
