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Employment and training for armed forces community

Skills Launchpad Plymouth supports those who are leaving the armed forces, or those who have left and seeking work or training. Military Tuesday’s are dedicated to those who serve, have served and their families. Located in Barclay’s Bank, in the city centre, the drop in is open for anyone wishing to know what’s on offer.

If you have any questions, email skillslaunchpad@plymouth.gov.uk, or sign up as a member.

Skills Launchpad Plymouth supports those seeking work, facing redundancy or changing careers through the Adult Hub for those aged 25 years+, and offering targeted support for young people aged 16 to 24 years, including those with additional needs through the Youth Hub. The intention of the ‘Skills Journey’ through the Launchpad is to put the individual at the heart – recognising that not one size fits all and that anyone in Plymouth can access this free help.

The service offers an ethical and inclusive front door, designed to help residents make independent and informed skills and training choices, leading to better access to real employment opportunities.

Supported by Barclays Plymouth, 140-146 Armada Way, Plymouth, Skills Launchpad Plymouth is home to both the Youth Hub and Adult Hub, providing bookable appointments for face to face coordinated services for young people and adults, and a range of activities are delivered each week including drop-in Job Shops for help to join the construction industry, and health and care sector.

The Partnership involves representatives from businesses and services within the council and partner organisations including those in:

  • The Royal Navy, Army, Royal Marines, RAF, Reserves and Cadets.
  • Housing and Community Connections departments
  • Education, Skills, Children and Young People departments
  • Adult Social Care and Public Health departments
  • Voluntary and charity sectors
  • Service children
  • War Widows
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Local and national businesses

Specialist Plymouth partners for Armed Forces support

RFEA, the forces employment charity provides help to service leavers, veterans and family members including:

  • advice on career choices
  • researching the job market
  • job matching
  • training
  • Recommendations for courses and education opportunities
  • support for writing a CV
  • advice on interview techniques

The Careers Transition Partnership (CTP) provides advice and guides on civilian employment. The site also provides information about current job opportunities in your area.

Phone: 01752 986350
Email: rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk

Department for Work and Pensions

As part of the Armed Forces Covenant, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has initiatives that help current and former armed forces personnel and  families access Jobcentre Plus services. Locally this means having an armed forces champion in every Jobcentre Plus district who ensures that we provide support that meets your needs.

Other support offers:

Service spouse employment support

Provides information aimed at helping family members

RFEA Families Programme

Forces Family Jobs

Step into Health programme

The Step into Health programme - provides opportunities to find employment with NHS organisations. 

National Careers Service

The National Careers Service provides one to one support. It can help with planning next steps, improving skills and finding alternative employment.

Phone 0800 100 900 to speak to an adviser or arrange a local/online appointment.

The Poppy Factory

The Poppy Factory currently has a NHS funded pilot project in Plymouth getting wounded, injured and sick back into long term and sustainable employment.

Employment support includes:

  • advice on job opportunities to match each veteran’s own skills and goals
  • support with CVs, job application forms and preparing for interviews
  • support with training and qualifications when they are needed
  • regular contact with veterans after moving into employment
  • working with veterans and their employers to overcome barriers and find solutions
  • regular joint working with partner organisations to ensure veterans have consistent support

Project Nova

Project Nova supports military personnel and veterans, particularly those in the Criminal Justice System, by offering bespoke one-to-one emotional and practical support to help towards a positive path forward and to live a law-abiding life. The project works closely with Devon & Cornwall Police, the NHS Liaison and Diversion services, and NHS medical practitioners.

The support includes frequent contact and home visits, helping with their concerns, coordinating support with a large network of specialist partner organisations within the region.

Project Nova is a partnership between RFEA - The Forces Employment Charity and Walking with The Wounded.

UK Government job help – skills and training

Useful information available on the Boosting your skills - JobHelp website.

Self-employment/starting a business

Advice and guidance on starting your own business:

Set up a business

Working for yourself