Introduction
Cornwall Council’s "Skills and Employment" team makes sure that our people and businesses have the skills that they need to succeed. We lead on our local Workforce and Skills Strategy and associated plans. By working with employers, education providers and partners, we aim to promote access to good quality jobs and training. We are tackling skills shortages, improving productivity and aligning training with employer demand. Through collaboration, we are helping to shape skills programmes for the future. We aim to ensure that residents and businesses can gain from a skilled workforce that are ready for Cornwall’s evolving economy.
Cornwall Council delivers, commissions and works with a range of stakeholders. We do so to deliver adult learning and employment initiatives across Cornwall. We also help individuals to gain new qualifications. And we help employers fill critical skills gaps. We deliver key services and projects as well as commissioning skills delivery.
“We aim to build a future ready workforce, reduce barriers to employment, and drive inclusive growth across Cornwall. We can do this by helping to shape local skills policy and investing in training.”
Strategies and Plans
The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Workforce and Skills Strategy is a key piece of work. We are setting out our approach to helping people, communities, and businesses thrive. Across the Duchy, we are funding a wide range of programmes. These programmes give residents the opportunities that they need to build the skills that they need to find quality jobs.
Read the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Workforce and Skills Strategy
The Get Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly Working Plan is about creating opportunity for everyone. We aim to tackle barriers to work, and improve skills. It also links health and employment support. The Plan aims to help more people find good jobs and build a stronger, fairer economy across our region.
Read Get Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Working Plan
The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Skills Improvement Plan sets out how training and education can match the needs of our industries. It focuses on giving people the right skills for good jobs, supporting growth in sectors.
Find out more about the Local Skills Improvement Plan
Work and Health
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly People Hub is a free service for Cornwall. It helps residents aged 16 and over with employment and skills support. Our Skills Connectors help to make it easier for you to access what you need. Whether that is the right training to learn, work and progress.
Visit People Hub | Cornwall & Isles of Scilly
Skills
Adult Skills Fund & Free Courses for Jobs
Cornwall is investing in skills to help people access jobs and career opportunities. Adults can gain new qualifications or improve existing skills at minimal to no cost. These programmes focus on areas where employers need talent most. But they are also focused on supporting wellbeing and building confidence. This ensures that we are helping adults to learn locally and progress in work.
Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps are short, flexible training programmes. They help people to gain in-demand skills quickly. They are developed with employers and often leading directly to interviews for jobs. They are focused in growing sectors like construction, digital and green energy.
Find out more about Adult Skills Fund
Visit Cornwall Opportunities for information about Skills Bootcamps
Construction Skills Hub
The ‘Building Cornwall’ Construction Skills Hub supported providers within the construction sector. It has been established in partnership with the Cornwall College Group and Truro & Penwith College. It also works with specialist providers in The People Hub, as well as stakeholders within the construction sector. It aims to deliver sector relevant skills that are needed to support the construction pipeline of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Overall, the funding for the Construction Skills Hub will be used to support a number of key aims. From investing in existing local educational facilities, to providing green construction training. It also aims to enhance learner engagement, and boost employability skills and careers in construction.
Digital Badges
Digital Badges are online credentials that recognise your skills and achievements. They’re easy to share with employers and on social media, helping you showcase what you’ve learned and stand out when applying for jobs.
Careers
Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Careers Hub
The Careers Hub Cornwall work with schools, colleges and employers in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It aims to connect learning to real-world careers. We are making sure that every young person in Cornwall leaves school with the skills, confidence and opportunities to succeed.
Find out more about the Careers Hub
Apprenticeships and Career Pathways in Cornwall
Apprenticeships combine paid work with training, offering recognised qualifications and clear progression routes. They also support Cornwall’s priority sectors. From construction, health and social care, digital, and green energy - all while helping employers grow talent. Open to all ages and levels, apprenticeships provide practical experience. They also offer an inclusive way to earn, learn, and build future-ready careers. Explore opportunities via Cornwall Opportunities, the one-stop platform for jobs, training, and guidance. Employers can access non partial information from our dedicated Employment & Apprenticeship Officer, including:
- Driving employment and skills policy across Cornwall Council and the Workforce & Skills Board.
- Promoting apprenticeships, inclusivity, and career pathways in key sectors.
- Supporting employers and partners to engage in skills development.
- Aligning local and national programmes with jobs and social inclusion priorities.
- Researching and inform commissioning to avoid duplication.
- Developing Skills Escalators and coordinate Good Growth initiatives.
- Increasing apprenticeship starts and promote the Growth and Skills Levy.
- Communicating opportunities to businesses and schools.
- Maintaining links with economic and skills investment programmes.
- Developing and promoting Cornwall Opportunities.
- Organising events like Skills and Careers Fairs to connect employers, providers, and residents.
Cornerstone Employers also work together across the region to promote a variety of opportunities. From career pathways, to upskilling educators, as well as parents and carers.
Find out more about Cornerstone Employers
Check out eleven of Cornwall's biggest industries
Cornwall Council’s Skills and Employment team works closely with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Workforce and Skills Board. Encompassed within the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Economic Forum, we are working to boost the local economy. Cornwall Council and the employer-led sector groups play a crucial role in the region's economic development.
Cornwall Opportunities
Cornwall Opportunities is a one-stop shop where you can search for the latest jobs, apprenticeships and courses. You can get information and advice on finding work or starting and developing your career.
Developed and operated by Cornwall Council, this site has all you need to find your ideal job and build a career.
