There are so many choices for school-leavers these days: A Levels, BTECs and technical qualifications, Apprenticeships – it can be overwhelming, but at City College Plymouth, we believe in choosing what you love. The courses offered at City College are designed to prepare you for employment in your chosen industry. You get to focus 100% on the skills and knowledge that is of interest to you in an environment where you are treated like an adult and also encouraged to explore your passions at this friendly, safe College, where everyone is accepted for who they are. You get to learn by doing rather than just reading it in a textbook. Whatever your interests, we have a course to suit you.

For more information visit the City College Plymouth website.

Arts University of Plymouth is a specialist art college/university with a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the areas of art, design, craft and digital media. The college opened in 1856 and is based in the vibrant city of Plymouth, South West England. There is also the option to study a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, validated by the University of the Arts London, and available to students with a Level 3 qualification.

For more information visit their website. 

Achievement Training has provided Post-16 training in Animal Care, Beauty, Hair, Business, Childcare & Health Care and ICT, for over 25 years. Our aim is to create an environment focused on sharing knowledge and skills, along with delivering training to support young peoples progression from Apprenticeships and into future jobs and careers. Year-on-year, Achievement Training supports approximately 250 school leavers coming from schools across the city. We are able to offer flexible educational and vocational training courses to young people, many of whom have significant personal and/or educational barriers. 

For more information visit their website.

Norpro Training is provider of further and higher education in North Prospect and Devonport. We provide education and vocational training to nearly 150 learners across the Plymouth area.We offer training to small groups in both Motor Vehicle Mechanics and Marine Engineering courses. The training we provide will help you achieve a nationally recognised qualification, earn a wage, and gain skills for the workplace.  If you enjoy the hands on type of work these are the courses for your skill set.  Norpro Training is provider of further and higher education in North Prospect and Devonport. We provide education and vocational training to nearly 150 learners across the Plymouth area. We offer training to small groups in both Motor Vehicle Mechanics and Marine Engineering courses. The training we provide will help you achieve a nationally recognised qualification, earn a wage, and gain skills for the workplace. If you enjoy the hands on type of work these are the courses for your skill set.

For more information visit their website. 

Discovery College is an award-winning education provider which delivers a variety of vocational courses relevant to the Plymouth economy, for ages 16-19. We believe learning should be inspiring, fun and practical – giving young people the skills they need to succeed and thrive. Our courses combine high teaching standards with a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. Courses include full-time BTEC and CACHE qualifications Levels 1 – 3 in; Business, Childcare, Health & Social Care, Performing Arts, Public Services, Sport and Travel & Tourism.

For more information visit their website. 

Duchy College is found within the striking Cornish countryside at Stoke Climsland near Launceston. The campus is ideally placed for land-based, outdoor adventure, foundation learning, sport, equine and military and protective services activities. It also boasts an animal management centre, a working farm and facilities for construction, plant operations and engineering. We offer the widest range of specialist vocational training for everyone including full time study programmes for school leavers, apprenticeships, practical skills training, professional qualifications and degree level study.

For more information visit their website. 

Training and apprenticeship providers for the construction industry. With over 12 years’ experience in the construction industry, Greenlight Training specialises in delivering construction Apprenticeships and training. We work closely with key employers across the West and the South West of England, helping you get the greenlight on your career.

For more information visit their website. 

The Focus Training Group is an established group offering quality training to anyone who wishes to improve their skills, qualifications and future career prospects.  Commercial courses in Electrical, Fire and Security, Renewable Technology, Professional, Gas and Oil, Health and Safety.

For more information visit their website. 

Our aim today remains the same as in 1989. Our ambition is to raise the standard of hairdressing and barbering in the UK and help make everyone in our industry proud of their profession. Many thousands of young people have successfully launched their careers through Cheynes Training and achieved their ambition of becoming a professional hairdresser or barber.

For more information visit their website.

We have a huge range of courses in hair and beauty and early years education and care, often funded through various schemes. Many of these have rolling start dates, so if you are interested in a course where the start date has passed, please enquire as places could still be available.

For more information visit their website.

With over 25 years’ experience, Skills Group specialises in delivering apprenticeships, full-time courses and bespoke career development programmes across the South West. We partner with top local companies to kick-start careers and maximise business performance.

For more information visit their website. 

CTSW Skills Ltd is a private training organisation located in Plymouth who offer a wide range of qualifications including apprenticeships, NVQs, and short courses in Bricklaying, Plastering, Carpentry and Joinery, Painting and Decorating and Commis Chef for learners of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. CTSW Skills supports learners to achieve within the sectors in which they are working in, as well as ensuring they are developing the skills they need to maintain a positive and proactive approach to learning. CTSW Skills offer a range of flexible vocational training courses to young people, many of whom have significant personal and/or educational barriers, which would potentially adversely affect their attendance and achievement in education setting. We work closely with key employers throughout the Southwest and have a dedicated team, all of whom have industry experience and knowledge within their own trade areas. 

For more information visit their website. 

Access is a national creative college and the starting point for your creative career. Come and explore a world of creative opportunities. We specialise is in Games, Media, Music, Computing and Events courses.

For more information visit their website. 

Our specialist Medical and Healthcare school is designed for 13 to 19-year-olds of all abilities for up to 375 students. Working closely with local employers and the universities, we offer work experience linked directly to employment opportunities in Plymouth.

For more information visit their website. 

Our curriculum is delivered through a combination of industry standard workshop experiences, a focus on high achievement in core academic subjects and industry-led challenges with the aim of offering clear progression routes into employment, apprenticeships, higher education or further learning in work.

For more information visit their website.

We have collated information for anyone interested in a career in the Armed Forces. For more information visit this page.