Some of the city’s biggest and best-known employers are returning to take part in this year’s Launchpad Live, a two-day future careers event offering a unique glimpse into the city’s fastest-growing industries.
Hosted at the Plymouth Life Centre, Launchpad Live will run on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 September 2024 and aims to inspire and raise aspirations of local young people and improve awareness of career choices and future progression pathways.
Who are the employers attending?
The event will feature a powerhouse of over 50 employers and organisations such as:
- Babcock
- University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust
- Plymouth City Council
- Princess Yachts
- Plymouth Community Homes
- Kier BAM
- Willmott Dixon
- Vistry Group
- Rowe IT
- Theatre Royal Plymouth
- Vospers
- PFK Francis Clarke
- Greenlight Safety and Training
- Duchy College
- HM Armed Forces
- National Marine Park
- City College Plymouth
- Skills Group
- Discovery College
- Plymouth Manufacturers Group
- Skills Launchpad Plymouth’s Youth Hub and the city’s sector skills partnerships –
- Building Plymouth (promoting construction and the built environment)
- Caring Plymouth (promoting health and social care)
- Welcoming Plymouth (promoting hospitality, tourism and retail).
These organisations are not just looking for employees, they’re looking for the future leaders of their industries.
A hands-on experience
With all Plymouth schools bringing along groups of students, more than 2,200 pupils will experience interactive zones, complete with the latest immersive technologies. Those attending will explore, learn, and engage directly with industry experts across Plymouth’s core sectors, including:
- Marine, Engineering and Manufacturing
- Health and Social Care
- Construction and the Built Environment
- Technology, Business, Legal and Creative Services
- Armed Forces and Government Services
- Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment and Retail
- Green and Sustainable Careers
Launchpad Live is where opportunity meets innovation, offering unparalleled exposure to both traditional and emerging career paths. Whether you’re a student curious about your future or a business leader looking to inspire the next generation, this event is for you.
The event is being organised by Plymouth City Council in partnership with YMCA Plymouth, Discovery College and City College Plymouth.
Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships said: “This fantastic event will give thousands of young people the chance to meet employers, to learn about the exciting career opportunities available and better understand the investment and growth sectors that present future ambitious employment in Plymouth. It’s really important that we help employers and training providers, including further and higher education institutions, to showcase these opportunities directly with our young people, helping them to make better informed choices for their post-16 next steps.”
Jonathan Keable, Chair of the Plymouth Employment and Skills Board and Leader of FSB Plymouth, said:
"I’m incredibly proud to see over 50 of our city’s leading employers come together to not only showcase incredible opportunities but to actively inspire the next generation. This event is a testament to the commitment of our businesses and organisations in investing in Plymouth’s future workforce. Together, we are giving our young people the confidence and tools to dream bigger, reach higher, and shape their own destinies. A huge thank you to the organisers for delivering this transformative event. The line-up is outstanding, and I encourage anyone looking to take the next step to join us to explore your options and take action, because this is your chance to make it happen."
Tom Lavis, CEO of YMCA Plymouth said:
"As a Plymouth charity that has supported young people's aspirations in the city for 175 years, YMCA is delighted to bring this exciting careers event to life in partnership with Plymouth City Council. We believe it's vital to showcase what fantastic opportunities are out there to young people and their parents. We're very proud of how we have been able to make this event truly accessible for young people and the wide scope of employers and trainers, which has now made this an annual landmark event for the city."
Open to the Public!
Launchpad Live will be open to the public on Thursday, 26 September, from 4pm to 6pm. Don’t miss this chance to meet employers, explore career options, and discover pathways that could change your life. All other times on both days are reserved for school bookings only.