Plymouth’s next generation gets ready to explore future careers

Some of Plymouth’s biggest and best-known employers are set to return to this year’s Launchpad Live two-day future careers event, showcasing the breadth of opportunities available locally and promoting the city’s key growth sectors.

Hosted at the Plymouth Life Centre on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 October 2026, Launchpad Live aims to inspire young people, raise aspirations and increase awareness of the wide range of career choices and progression pathways available.

More than 50 exhibitors including employers, education and training organisations will be taking part, including Babcock International Group, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth Community Homes, Plymouth City Council, Princess Yachts, Kier BAM, Willmott Dixon, Maritime UK South West, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Team Plymouth, PL1 Events, Devon Chamber of Commerce, Vospers, HM Armed Forces, National Marine Park, City College Plymouth, Greenlight Safety and Training, University of Plymouth, Discovery College, Building Plymouth, Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group, Careers Plymouth and Skills Launchpad Plymouth’s Youth Hub.

Launchpad Live will showcase Plymouth’s key employment and growth sectors to more than 3,000 Year 9-13 students booked to attend from local schools. Through interactive zones and the latest immersive technology, young people will be able to explore careers across defence, marine, engineering and advanced manufacturing; health and care; construction and the built environment; tourism, hospitality and retail; technology, business and creative services; the Armed Forces; and emerging green and sustainability career opportunities.

The event is organised by YMCA Plymouth in partnership with Plymouth City Council.

Councillor Tess Blight, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “This fantastic event gives thousands of young people the chance to meet employers, learn about exciting career opportunities and better understand the investment and growth sectors that are creating ambitious employment opportunities in Plymouth.

“It is really important that we assist employers and training providers, including further and higher education institutions, to showcase these opportunities directly to our young people. The Launchpad will help young people to make better-informed choices about their GCSE options and post-16 next steps and gives them a clearer understanding of the pathways available to them.”

Joseph Easterbrook, now an apprentice in the city, firmly endorses the value and impact of the event: “After attending Launchpad Live last year by recommendation, I was inspired learning more about Babcock as a major employer in the city. I have since successfully secured a Level 6 apprenticeship in Electro-Mechanical Commissioning Engineering. I recommend attending this showcase careers fair, to use the opportunity to meet local employers and explore more about the career pathways available in Plymouth. This event gave me access to resources and certainly set me up for success.”

Tom Lavis, CEO of YMCA Plymouth, said: “YMCA Plymouth is delighted to be working in partnership with Plymouth City Council to bring Launchpad Live to the city.

“We want to give young people the opportunity to meet local employers, discover the wide range of careers available and see the exciting opportunities that exist right here in Plymouth. We’re incredibly proud of how the event has grown and the support we receive from employers and training providers who help make it such an inspiring experience.”

Launchpad Live will be open to the public at the Plymouth Life Centre on Tuesday 6 October between 3pm to 5pm, giving anyone considering their next step the opportunity to meet employers, training providers and support organisations under one roof. All other times on both days are reserved for school bookings only.