The third edition of the Cornwall Opportunities careers magazine. An important source of careers information, helping to highlight the wide range of jobs and career pathways available in the County.
About Cornwall Opportunities
Welcome
Table of Contents
This magazine has been produced by the People and Prosperity team in the Economy & Skills Service of Cornwall Council. We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed to this third edition. Cornwall Opportunities Project Management: Cathie Kessell, People & Prosperity Manager, Cornwall Council
Foreword Cornwall’s Key Statistics How AI is Impacting our Skills Article from TECgirls Interview with Chris from Hertzian Skills Bootcamps Working in Adult Social Care in Cornwall Care Case Studies Work Experience Article National Careers Service CV Tips Career in Food and Drink Spaceport Education CHAOS Group Care Volunteer Roles Adult Skills in Cornwall WorkWell Cornwall Events Useful Contacts
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Issue
#03 2025
Address
Cornwall Council New County Hall Treyew Road Truro
Cornwall TR1 3AY
Contributors: Cornwall Council People and Prosperity Team Truro & Penwith College TECgirls WorkWell Proud to Care Spaceport Hertzian Digital Peninsula Network National Careers Service Great Cornish Food CHAOS Group
peopleandskills@cornwall.gov.uk
Website
www.cornwall-opportunities.co.uk
Funded by the UK Government through the G7 Legacy Fund. Cornwall Council has been chosen by government as a Lead Authority for the Fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the G7 Legacy Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Cornwall Opportunities is a new jobs, skills and careers website for residents and employers of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Individuals can search hundreds of live jobs, apprenticeships, courses and skills opportunities all in one place. Cornwall Opportunities showcases vocational career pathways, raises awareness of local industries and highlights in-demand skills and occupations. We signpost to trusted sources of local support and help inspire and inform the next generation of jobseekers and enterprising young people.
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Cornwall Opportunities
www.cornwall-opportunities.co.uk
Foreword Stacey Sleeman It gives me great pleasure to give you a warm welcome to our third edition of the Cornwall Opportunities careers magazine. This edition takes an exciting look at our two sectors, AI and care, as we explore the future of Cornwall’s potential, and how you can learn new skills and explore career opportunities. Cornwall is rapidly emerging as a vibrant hub for the AI sector, blending its rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology, becoming a centre for groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence. With excellent courses from our colleges, and apprenticeships available from leading AI businesses, there are plenty of opportunities to get started in this growing sector. The care sector in Cornwall currently has a growing need for quality care services, with a high demand for skilled professionals and new businesses. With a strong emphasis on community and wellbeing, the region is home to numerous care facilities that provide personalised and professional support. Going beyond clinical and non-clinical, this sector also provides a vast variety of jobs that break down the stereotypes of what it means to work in care. I hope you find this issue as inspiring and useful as I did and encourage everyone to take advantage of the resources in this issue as well as the ones available on the Cornwall Opportunities site.
Cornwall’s Key Statistics Employment Rate by gender
People who are economically active can be either in employment or unemployed. As we can see in this graph, the employment rates between men and women in Cornwall are very similar, with the gap between genders being 2.2%. This gap is three times smaller than the national average of 6.7%
Full and Part-time Employment in Cornwall (2024 Sep)
The 65% full-time employment rate is a positive sign for Cornwall’s economy. The 34% part-time employment rate could reflect various factors such as seasonal work, flexible working plans, or a higher demand for part-time roles in certain sectors like tourism, which is significant in Cornwall.
Stacey Sleeman, Cornwall Council Head of Skills, Economy & Skills Service
Reasons for Economic Inactivity Graphic
Identifying the reasons why people may be economically inactive helps us to provide support for people and help them get back into work so that they can develop their careers. It also helps us to understand the dynamics of the economy and how to better target resources.
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www.digitalupliftlearning.co.uk
How AI is Impacting Our Skills and Employment Landscape Cornwall is experiencing significant growth in its artificial intelligence (AI) sector, leading to increased demand for skilled professionals and a variety of career opportunities.
TECgirls AI Article Women in AI: Shaping the Future
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a tech trend, it’s shaping the future of every industry, from healthcare and engineering to policing and manufacturing. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it’s crucial that women understand how it works and where it’s used. No matter what you’re studying—arts, business, science—AI is relevant. The demand for AI literacy is growing, with employers valuing awareness and skills. According to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index 2024, “66% of leaders say they wouldn’t hire someone without AI skills. 71% say they’d rather hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills than a more experienced candidate without them. And junior candidates may have a new edge: 77% of leaders say, with AI, early-in-career talent will be given greater responsibilities.”
Career Opportunities and Skills Demand
The region’s tech sector is projected to expand by 17.9% by 2026, making it the fastest-growing in the South West. This growth is fuelling a rising demand for AI and machine learning expertise. Notably, 38% of organisations in Cornwall’s space sector report a shortage of AI and machine learning skills, highlighting a critical need for qualified professionals.
Why is it important that more women and minority genders move into AI?
Apprenticeships and Training Programmes
Well, most AI systems today are researched and trained by men, leading to built-in biases. This lack of diversity can result in AI that doesn’t fairly represent or serve everyone. By understanding how AI is developed and applied, women and underrepresented genders can challenge these biases and advocate for fairer, more inclusive technologies. Opportunities in AI are vast: careers in research, policy, healthcare, design, and more all benefit from a solid understanding of AI. And it’s easier than ever to explore. You don’t need to be brilliant at computing to be good at AI, because a lot of the learning comes from playing and experimenting. If you want to have a go, try Google’s Teachable Machine, where you can learn by doing to see how AI works. No coding required!
To address the skills gap, initiatives like the £2 million Digital Futures Cornwall programme have been launched. Led by Truro and Penwith College, this programme collaborates with ten other organisations to provide training and create pathways into digital and tech careers for local residents. Truro and Penwith College have also demonstrated excellence in apprenticeship training, achieving a success rate of 62.7%, significantly above the national average of 54.3%. In the 2022/2023 academic year, 945 apprentices were supported, underscoring the college’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce. The demand for AI professionals is reflected in competitive salaries. AI developers can command salaries up to £120,000, with apprenticeships offering pathways to substantial earnings. For instance, some apprentices have the potential to earn up to £100,000 over the course of their degree programmes, highlighting the financial viability of pursuing careers in AI. Salaries and Career Growth
Digital Sector Statistics
• Business Presence: Cornwall is home to 681 tech companies, collectively employing over 1,380 individuals in well-compensated roles.
• Employment Landscape: Approximately 6.2% of Cornwall’s businesses are in the digital and creative sectors, employing around 14,300 people.
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This article was created with the assistance of AI.
Cornwall Opportunities
www.hertzian.co.uk
Interview with We met with Chris, the Chief Exec. and Co-Founder of Hertzian, a global AI company based in Cornwall, to talk about the AI sector in Cornwall and pathways into it: What would you say to someone of any age thinking about going into the AI industry or changing careers into one that includes AI? (Chris) It’s not a bad decision, there’s plenty of scope for jobs and opportunities, but I would say there’ll be a lot of learning to do. AI in relative terms is a brand new field, but ultimately anyone that’s going into the space of AI will be pioneering new technology and skillsets, so you’ll need plenty of ambition and energy to learn because it’s a whole new frontier. If you had the choice now, would you go down the university path again or would you do an AI apprenticeship? (Chris) I have to be very careful what I say here because it’s not one-size-fits-all. I wouldn’t change going to university, but if I had to pick one, I would pick an apprenticeship. I had to go to university to end up where I am today, with a business. That’s not to say I wouldn’t recommend going to do an apprenticeship though, they’re a very effective way for people to get industry relevant skills, and job experience. The future is only ever going to be more technical, more digital, more AI. And whilst AI apprenticeships don’t really exist yet, digital apprenticeships do. And we teach some AI components on the apprenticeships at Truro College. So, taking a digital apprenticeship is never going to be a bad thing for people. Even if it’s not necessarily completely AI, it’ll provide those foundations to then go on and learn about AI. (Chris) Exactly, digital and AI in the future will be in every domain, much like computers or the internet today. But that’s not to say you need to become an expert in AI. Not everyone that drives is a car mechanic! Yet people still know how to drive a car. Using AI and building AI are two very different things. Who doesn’t use an Alexa or Siri, that’s AI!
What comments do you have about AI and its inclusivity of women? (Chris) Inclusivity for women and AI starts with inclusivity for women and technology. The first thing to say is that there is a really amazing career history of women in digital and women in technology having huge impacts and making significant contributions. People might say that it’s male-dominated because men are better at it, and it’s simply not true. There aren’t enough women taking an interest in programming, but I think it’s because they don’t feel it’s necessarily their discipline, or right for them, which isn’t necessarily the case. One of my best programmers was a woman, and now she works for Goldman Sachs. So, promoting stories like Margaret Hamilton at NASA is a really good way to show young women that there are these fantastic role models in this sector which they can aspire to follow. It’s really important that we consciously make an effort to include women, especially when you’re talking about AI as well. AI might be having a negative impact on people’s lives because it’s making biases, and so you need diversity to bring a different perspective that can pick up on those biases. Even in recruitment, just language in job proposals and AI systems producing job adverts with male dominating language, will take a woman working in AI to identify that it’s sexist, and needs to be changed.
The other sector spotlight for this magazine is on care, do you have any comments on merging AI and care together? (Chris) Yes, loads! We work with the NHS and one of the examples from us is hospitals giving us patient and staff survey data, and obviously when you’re in a hospital and you’ve got thousands and thousands of questionnaires, you can’t read them all and figure out what’s right or wrong in the hospital. So, the NHS responsibly gives us those questionnaires, we analyse all of them using AI technology, and then we give the hospital a report telling them what things are good or bad. Some of these items can include patients complaining so it gives the hospital a really easy road map to say, ok, these are the things that are not working well. In that respect, analysing the patient and staff survey data has a direct impact on improving the quality of care for patients.
I should add that, just because the NHS might know what the issues are, it isn’t always an easy thing to fix. They do their best, with what they have!
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Cornwall Opportunities
cornwall-opportunities.co.uk/skills-bootcamps
New skills. New opportunities. New career. Check out Cornwall’s Skills Bootcamps.
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Are you ready to transform your career, gain new skills, or pivot to something exciting?
Skills Bootcamps in Cornwall offer a range of fully funded courses designed specifically for adults who are eager to kickstart their careers, enhance their current role, or make a fresh start.
Whether you’re looking to boost your leadership abilities, launch a career in early years education, or dive into the world of digital skills—there’s a course waiting for you.
Why choose skills bootcamps?
• Free, flexible training: Empower yourself without the financial burden. • Guaranteed interview with a local employer: Step into a new opportunity with confidence. • Personalised support: From CV writing to interview prep, we’ll help you put your best foot forward.
Helen’s Story Helen works for The Duchy Health Charity in Cornwall, supporting the volunteer Trustee board with administration and governance.
When the charity decided to implement a new website, Helen saw the perfect opportunity to upskill with targeted WordPress training.
Who can apply?
If you’re 19 or older and live in Cornwall, you’re eligible! Whether you’re unemployed, returning to work, self- employed, or juggling a full-time role, there’s a course for you.
She enrolled in the Website Designer Skills Bootcamp delivered by Digital Peninsula Network. It was exactly what she was looking for.
Even if you’re currently employed and want to upskill or pivot, ask your manager about co-funding options.
Helen said: “I specifically wanted to do training in WordPress and I couldn’t find anybody that did structured WordPress training so as soon as DPN released this course I jumped on it.
• New career paths: Start something new, like a rewarding role in early years education or a dynamic digital career. • Career advancement: Build on your existing skills to stand out in your current job or industry. • Support every step of the way: We’re here to guide you from learning to employment, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your next move. What’s waiting for you?
“There’s no argument that the Skills Bootcamp really helped me, and it was good fun as well!”
Take a cue from Helen’s experience—Skills Bootcamps are not just about gaining new knowledge; they’re about having fun while doing it and stepping into a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Don’t miss your chance to unlock your future!
Register your interest now and take the first step. The next cohort is just around the corner. Visit cornwall-opportunities.co.uk/skills-bootcamps to find out more.
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Cornwall Opportunities
www.cornwall-opportunities.co.uk
Working in Adult Social Care in Cornwall
Starting Your Career in Care
If you’re passionate about helping others, adult social care offers a wide range of roles and career paths. You can work in:
• Specialist areas: Dementia, learning disabilities, sensory or physical impairments, end-of-life care • Leadership roles: Team leaders, care coordinators, registered managers • Regulated professions: Social work, nursing, counselling • Support roles: Trainers, administrators, finance officers, HR, maintenance, cooks, and housekeepers No experience? No problem.
What matters most are your values—like empathy, patience, and respect. You’ll receive full
training and support to build the skills you need. Qualifications & Training You can earn while you learn, with most training provided on the job and at no cost to you. Here’s a typical progression path: 1. Care Certificate – Entry-level foundation for new care workers 2. Level 2 Certificate – Builds core knowledge and skills 3. Level 3 Diploma – For experienced care workers taking on more responsibility 4. Level 4/5 Diplomas – Prepares for leadership or specialist roles 5. Higher Education – Degrees in Nursing, Social Work, or related fields Your skills will always be in demand, offering long-term job security and opportunities to grow.
Working in adult social care in Cornwall means joining a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated workforce that helps people live with dignity, independence, and purpose. It’s more than just a job—it’s a career that offers variety, flexibility, and the deep personal reward of making a real difference in someone’s life, every single day.
Did You Know?
In 2023/24, the adult social care sector in England included: • 18,500 organisations • 40,000 care-providing locations • A workforce of around 1.84 million In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, there were: • 19,500 total care jobs • 18,000 filled roles • 1,500 vacancies • Around 800 individuals receiving direct payments and employing their own care staff
Ready to Explore?
By 2040 , the number of adult social care jobs in the South West is projected to grow by 35% , driven by an ageing population.
1. Search for a job in care 2. Find a training course 3. Browse the course directory to explore different care roles Visit Cornwall Opportunities to:
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Cornwall Opportunities
www.proudtocarecornwall.org.uk
Care Case Studies
Leading with Compassion and Commitment
Glassmoon Services:
Meghann Kerrison, Registered Manager at Alexandras Community Care in Penryn, exemplifies the dedication and leadership skills that are transforming Cornwall’s care sector. Awarded Registered Manager of the Year at the 2024 Proud to Care Cornwall Awards, Meghann’s journey reflects a deep commitment to both her team and the individuals they support. Starting her career in 2021 as Deputy Manager at the Truro branch, Meghann quickly advanced to Branch Manager in 2022. In February 2023, she relocated to the Penryn branch and, by April 2024, became the Registered Manager. Her rapid progression underscores her dedication and the supportive environment fostered within Alexandras Community Care. Meghann attributes her success to a leadership style grounded in respect, empathy, and collaboration. She believes in treating her team and clients with the utmost dignity, which she feels is often an under-recognised aspect of the role. Her approach has cultivated a workplace culture where staff feel valued and empowered, directly enhancing the quality of care provided to clients. Looking ahead, Meghann is committed to continuing her professional development and supporting her team’s growth. She aims to further integrate person-centred care practices and ensure that Alexandras Community Care remains a leading provider of compassionate and high-quality care in Cornwall.
A Great Example of Career Opportunities in Cornwall’s Care Sector
Glassmoon Services, a growing organisation in Cornwall, has expanded from 20 colleagues in 2021 to 125 in just a few years. Their commitment to a supportive, fair work environment has made them a standout example of the opportunities available in Cornwall’s care sector. A key focus for Glassmoon is ensuring fair pay and promoting financial wellbeing, which is part of their broader colleague wellbeing strategy. As a member of the Care Workforce Pathway, Glassmoon aligns roles with national standards, providing clear career progression and ongoing professional development. They also prioritise regular career conversations, helping colleagues identify personal and professional goals and how to reach them. This dedication to growth, co-production, and support makes Glassmoon a great example of the positive impact care organisations can have in Cornwall.
Recently, Glassmoon was recognised on the UK’s Best Workplaces 2025 list in the medium-sized category— further proof of their commitment to cultivating a culture of respect and value.
If you’re interested in exploring opportunities in care, Glassmoon Services demonstrates how a supportive, rewarding career in care can help make a real difference to both your life and the lives of others. For more on career opportunities in Cornwall’s care sector, visit www.proudtocarecornwall.org.uk
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Cornwall Opportunities
www.cornwall-opportunities.co.uk
Work Experience Article Going Above and Beyond
It’s officially summer, why not make the most of it and upgrade your CV or personal statement with some work experience to develop your skillset and make you stand out from the rest? No matter what age, career, or skill level you have, giving yourself that extra boost is always worth it.
Our top tip is to look for the opportunities where you wouldn’t think of and ask around.
Reach out to the local harbour for a day finding out what it’s like to maintain the boats, or maybe your neighbour has an engineering contact who can get you to spend a day learning the ropes of the work they do. Whatever your passion is, Cornwall has a rich enough landscape that will tailor to it, you just have to reach out and grab it!
Volunteer
It’s never too late to start your journey to start Degree Courses and Apprenticeships in: Nursing, Teaching, Engineering, Digital and more... University Centre Truro & Penwith
Instead of a job or work experience this summer why not offer your services and support as a volunteer in a key industry you’re interested in? It’s an incredible way to learn new things and gain extra experience which is always attractive to employers in the future.
Show your willingness from the start by using the opportunities around.
Wanting to switch career paths but not sure where to start? Have a taster by volunteering in the sector you want to switch to and see if there are any skills you might need to turn this into a full/part-time role. Or, thinking of re-entering the workforce, but potentially out of practice? Work experience is a fantastic way to ease your transition back into the world of work and brush up on your skills. Resources for Work
Take a look at some of these resources that may help you boost your CV and develop your skillset: Podcast Work Experience Springpod Virtual Work Experience Search
Volunteer Ideas: Current opportunities | Volunteer Cornwall CRM Care Support Volunteers - Volunteer Cornwall
Apply now online at truro-penwith.ac.uk /uni
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National Careers Service
www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
National Careers Service
Work history • List paid jobs, volunteering, and work placements, starting with the most recent. • Include the employer’s name, job title, dates, and key responsibilities (2-3 lines using the STAR method).
Tips for writing a winning CV!
Your CV showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications to grab an employer’s attention. Here are some key tips to make yours stand out.
Employers go through many CVs, so keeping yours clear, concise, and easy to read is essential.
• Use a clear font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri in size 11 or larger. • Use headings and bullet points to make it more readable. • Double-check your spelling and grammar. • Keep it concise—aim for no more than two pages. • Exclude your photo and full address; use your town and the first part of your postcode for location. • Regularly update your CV by removing
outdated or irrelevant information. • Tailor your CV for each job, highlighting the most relevant skills and those mentioned in the job advert to boost your chances of getting an interview.
Your CV introduction
This section should be a few short lines of who you are and what you aim to achieve. It should appear directly below your name and contact details. • If you have limited work experience, place this section right after the introduction. • If you have more work experience, list it first to highlight your professional background and relevant skills. • Be sure to include the names of qualifications, institutions, and attendance dates. • Include relevant training and online courses to tailor the CV to the job. Education and training history
Gaps and short work history
If someone has agreed to be a reference, mention it but don’t include their contact details. Simply write: “References available on request.” References It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed when writing your CV. A careers adviser can help you create or refine your CV and get you on the right track to your dream career. Would you like personalised support in your career journey? To access our free support, please visit nationalcareers.service.gov.uk or call 0800 100 900 to speak with a careers adviser.
• Gaps are normal—briefly explain them by highlighting any volunteering, training, or relevant activities during that time. • If you’re new to the job market, focus on skills gained from projects, volunteering, or work experience. You can also mention hobbies that demonstrate valuable skills, like leadership from being a sports team captain.
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Why choose a career in Food and Drink? This industry isn’t just about what we eat—it’s about innovation , sustainability , and the future . From farming to marketing, engineering to finance, there’s a place for every skill set and passion. As long as people need food and drink, this field will keep evolving , demanding new technology and fresh ideas as well as the craft skills required for bakery, butchery and cheese making. To tackle food security and climate change, we’ll rely on cutting-edge automation and innovation —driving demand for engineers, scientists, and technologists. One sector, many careers... Agricultural Machine Operator Animal Nutritionist Agricultural Technologist Butcher Community Grower Dairy New Product Technologist Farm Manager Food Maintenance Engineer
Careers in Food, Drink, Farming and Fishing Explore exciting career opportunities in food production, agriculture and the seafood industry here in Cornwall. From artisan food production and sustainable farming to seafood harvesting, food retail, and supply chain management, this thriving sector offers diverse roles for those passionate about innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
Food Retail Store Manager Food Technologist Fisherman or Fisherwoman Graphic Designer Head of Coffee Horticultural Technician Product Photography Soil Scientist
Scan for information
For more information
Contact: Emma Pate - emma.pate@greatcornishfood.co.uk
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Cornwall Opportunities
www.cornwall-opportunities.co.uk
Did you know?
Cornish Businesses
Cornish brands you might know
The industry is worth £2bn to the Cornish economy £2bn 120 million pasties are made each year = £15 million to Cornish farmers 120m 40 species of fish can be landed at Newlyn in any one day 40 species A quarter of all Cornish businesses are within the sector 1/4
The Cornish seafood sector employs around 8,000 people, which means for every 1 fisherman or fisherwoman at sea in Cornwall, there are 15 more jobs on shore 8000 jobs The Cornish micro-climate allows growers to sell cauliflowers to the rest of the UK from Cornwall all year round Micro-climate
Philip Warren & Son Roddas Riveria Produce St Austell Brewery
Buttermilk Confectionery
Callestick Ice Cream Camel Valley Wines Cornish Sea Salt Ginsters Lynher Dairies Nancarrow Farm Origin Coffee
St Ewe Eggs Tarquins Gin
Trewithen Dairy Tregothnan Tea
1 in 5 jobs in Cornwall involve food or drink 1 in 5 Food producers make up the largest segment of Cornwall’s manufacturing industry Largest
Emerging Cornish food and drink brands
No. 1 food region outside of London No.1
Bluntrock Brewery Da Bara Bakery Josh’s Chocolate Loveday Gin Wild Life Botanicals ...and many more
The Young Fishermen’s Network (YFN), based here in Cornwall, is the UK’s only initiative of its kind, leading the charge in recruiting, developing, and retaining the next generation of fishermen. YFN has already achieved significant success in its first year, supporting young entrants in navigating the complexities of the fishing industry. Did you know? Want to know more? Contact: admin@cfpo.org.uk
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Cornwall Opportunities
www.cornwall-opportunities.co.uk
Spaceport Education Inspiring the Next Generation
For college and post-16 learners, the programme includes tailored workshops, mentoring opportunities, and partnerships with local education. These links help students access industry-relevant qualifications. Pathways to Careers in Space
STEM for Everyone
Inclusion is at the heart of Spaceport Cornwall’s mission. The team works closely with ARB units (Area Resource Base) and home-educated groups to provide flexible, adapted outreach sessions that meet diverse needs.
There’s also a strong focus on reaching underrepresented groups in STEM, including girls, neurodiverse learners, and young people from rural or economically disadvantaged communities.
Spaceport Cornwall’s STEM and Careers Outreach
Spaceport Cornwall isn’t just about launching rockets, it’s about launching futures. As the UK’s gateway to space, based at Newquay Airport, Spaceport Cornwall is committed to inspiring young minds through a vibrant programme of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), careers outreach and facility tours. Working with primary schools, secondary schools, colleges, home-educated learners and ARB (Area Resource Base) Units, the outreach team is helping to shape the scientists, engineers, and innovators of tomorrow – right here in Cornwall.
A Local Launchpad to Global Careers
Hands-On Learning, Real-World Inspiration
With fantastic links to industry professionals to support STEM and careers engagements into classrooms and opening the doors of Spaceport Cornwall to Cornwall’s young people, Spaceport Cornwall is doing more than teaching science, it’s showing students that a future within the space industry is possible and happening right on their doorstep.
From classroom workshops to site visits and interactive experiences, the outreach programme is designed to bring space, science, and sustainability to life. In primary schools , the focus is on sparking curiosity. Children explore rockets, satellites, and the wonders of Earth from space through storytelling and hands-on challenges. For secondary schools, the sessions dive deeper, exploring how space technology impacts everything from climate science to communications. Students are encouraged to think critically, problem-solve, and discover how their personal interests can translate into a myriad of space-related careers.
For more information on workshops, tours and work experience, please email Fritha Durham: fritha.durham@cornwall.gov.uk
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Cornwall Opportunities
www.cornwall-opportunities.co.uk
CHAOS Group – Care volunteer opportunities
Adult Skills in Cornwall
In May, Cornwall Council was thrilled to announce that starting in August 2025, the Council will be responsible for and will annually manage over £10 million of Adult Skills funding. Providing essential training for adults aged 19+, including free courses in English, Maths, and Digital Skills, as well as sector-specific training and fully funded Level 3 qualifications. This will help tailor education to the needs of local residents and businesses, supporting key sectors like construction, health and care, and green industries.
See the full news article on Cornwall Opportunities
Adult Learning Opportunities in Cornwall
Looking to boost your skills, change careers, or return to work? In Cornwall, there’s a wide range of free or low-cost adult training courses available to help you take the next step—whether you’re starting fresh or building on existing experience.
For 20 years, the CHAOS Group’s Stay-at-home service has been a driving force in Cornwall’s care-sector, working closely with the NHS to help patients return home safely from hospital. This enables recovery in the comfort and familiarity of their own surroundings. As a people-first organisation, CHAOS is deeply committed to supporting its staff throughout their careers. Every new team member receives face-to-face inductions and hands-on training, ensuring they feel confident and connected from day one. Continued growth is encouraged through structured development programmes, clear career pathways, and access to a comprehensive e-learning platform.
Who Offers These Courses? You can find adult skills training across Cornwall through trusted local providers, including: • Cornwall Adult Education Service – Offers a wide range of courses in community venues and online, including English, Maths, ICT and vocational training. • Cornwall College – Provides adult learning and professional development courses across multiple campuses. • Truro and Penwith College – Offers free courses for jobs, apprenticeships and higher education pathways. Why It Matters • Whether you want to: • Return to work after a break • Change careers • Gain confidence with numbers or computers • Start a new hobby that could lead to a business …there’s a course for you.
What Can You Learn? From practical qualifications to creative and professional development, there’s something for everyone. Popular course areas include: • English and Maths (including GCSEs and functional skills) • Digital Skills and ICT • Health and Social Care • Counselling and Mental Health Awareness • Business, Accounting, and Administration • Art, Crafts, and Photography • Languages and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) • Access to Higher Education (for those aiming for university) Many of these courses are fully funded, meaning they’re free if you meet certain eligibility criteria— such as being unemployed, earning below a certain threshold, or lacking a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to A Levels).
As a proud certified B Corp, CHAOS puts employee wellbeing at the core of its operations, considering both its social and environmental impact. Staff benefit from flexible working hours, support for higher education, and a genuinely caring and inclusive workplace culture. At CHAOS, working in care is not only essential—it’s a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference.
For more information, please visit www.chaosgroupcornwall.co.uk or email hello@chaosgroupcornwall.co.uk
Visit Cornwall Opportunities to browse current courses on offer in Cornwall. Ready to Explore?
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www.cornwallvsf.org
WorkWell Cornwall Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (CIOS) is one of 15 areas to pilot a new service called WorkWell. WorkWell is a joint scheme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). WorkWell is a prevention service to support those most recently out of work due to sickness, or those who are in work but are at risk of being signed off sick. The aim of WorkWell is to connect people with physical or mental health struggles and/or disabilities to local support services to help them maintain and sustain employment, or if recently unemployed, support them to return to work.
Suzy’s Story Building confidence, skills and resilience
Suzy - A WorkWell Story
WorkWell is an early-intervention independent work and health assessment and provision of light touch, low-intensity support service. Work & Health Coaches take a person-centred, holistic approach and provide tailored assistance supporting individuals to address their work and health needs, and to overcome barriers to work. People will be able to access general help, support, information, guidance and connections to services via the telephone and can receive additional face-to-face work and health coaching if required.
Suzy is 53 years old, from West Cornwall, and has been working for her current employer for 3 years. Unfortunately, Suzy has experienced a lot of health issues this year and is on a 3-month waiting list for an important operation. Suzy’s health issues are having a big impact on her wellbeing at work. Suzy faces regular fatigue and infections and has to live with challenging side effects from her treatment. Suzy is also deeply worried about her health and the impact her operation will have on her sick record. Suzy feels that her manager and employer have not been understanding about her recent sick leave. Suzy is stressed, anxious, and has been ‘close to tears’ during her time at work. She had a recent meeting with her manager where her sickness levels were discussed—this meeting did not go well and compounded an already difficult situation. Suzy had no warning to attend the meeting, and even though her manager said, ‘How can we help you?’ Suzy felt too upset to be able to gather her thoughts to answer. Suzy didn’t feel heard and was worried about how she would be treated after the operation and during the recovery period. Suzy’s manager also advised that her work qualification could be put on hold because of her sickness record—this is causing further anxiety as this is her pathway to promotion, which she strives for. Suzy was at a crossroads and didn’t know which way to turn. Following a recent health check, Suzy’s local GP put her in contact with WorkWell - and following an initial conversation, Suzy was referred to a WorkWell coach, who listened to Suzy as she explained her concerns about her health, work, and mental wellbeing. The WorkWell coach was able to support Suzy so she could prepare herself to be at optimal fitness for her operation and helped Suzy to understand all her work strengths and positive achievements - Suzy felt ready to reinforce this with her Manager. Together, Suzy and her WorkWell coach were able to discuss what additional support and understanding Suzy may need to adjust her physical duties to be temporarily lighter. They prepared some questions for her medical team regarding her treatment plan, and they also discussed questions that Suzy could ask her manager at the next back-to-work interview. The Impact of a WorkWell Coach What’s next for Suzy?
We have supported many people with musculoskeletal pain issues, depression and anxiety and those on waiting lists for operations or other clinical treatment. Examples of how we have supported people include funding additional counselling, financial support to do online qualifications to fit with their life and health, and guidance on how to discuss their needs with employers, how to build confidence at work and how to manage your health condition, plus help with CV writing and job search skills.
To be eligible for this support people should be:
• Aged 16 years and over • Have a home, GP or Job Centre address in Cornwall • Have a physical and/or mental health struggle • Be in work, off sick from work or recently out of work due to health issues
Following the conversations with her WorkWell coach, Suzy felt more confident, resilient, positive, and prepared to have productive conversations with her employer. Suzy could also demonstrate her commitment and passion for her work by being involved in the WorkWell programme. Suzy was able to move forward and reduce her anxiety about her upcoming operation. Knowing that a robust plan of action was put in place meant that her return to work would be positive, with her manager having a fuller understanding of her health and wellbeing needs.
More information about the project can be found at www.cornwallvsf.org/connecting/services/welcome-to-workwell/ including information on the referral routes.
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Cornwall Opportunities
www.cornwall-opportunities.co.uk
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Beginners Coding Workshop for Adults – 14th June From 10am at the Fibre Hub, TR15 3GF Adult Taster Day for FdA/BA in Games Design – 18th June From 10am at Cornwall College, TR15 3GF Newquay University Centre Cornwall College Open Day – 21st June From 11am to 1pm at Newquay University Centre Beginners Coding Workshop – 21st June From 10am at the Fibre Hub, TR15 3GF
Our Renewable Future: Innovation and Leadership – 23rd June From 12pm, Online
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Multiply - Truro and Penwith College Unlock your potential - Skills for Life Employment Support The People Hub Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Access to Work: support if you have a disability or health condition Government JobHelp - Support, training and advice on finding your next opportunity Longer term Unemployment Support Restart Scheme - Seetec Pluss Jobs Jobs - Cornwall Opportunities Find a job - dwp.gov.uk Apprenticeships Search for Apprenticeships - Cornwall Opportunities Library Services Libraries - Cornwall Council Mental Health
Art Summer School – 28th July From 10am to 3pm at Truro and Penwith College UK Careers Fair – 1st October From 10am to 2pm at the Alverton Hotel
For information on all these events and more, please head to our website: www.cornwall-opportunities.co.uk
Mental health support for people at work People Hub - supporting mental health Support for older workers Midlife MOT - Check the status of your work, health and money
Do you have other events for our Cornwall Opportunities website? Email them to peopleandskills@cornwall.gov.uk
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