Explore Careers. Develop Skills. Discover Opportunities.
20-22 July 2027 | New County Hall, Truro
Are you curious about the different careers available in Cornwall and how organisations make a positive difference to local communities?
Our enhanced three-day Talent Development Experience is designed to help young people explore careers, develop employability skills, and discover future opportunities. Through a combination of career development sessions, practical workshops, and real-world projects, participants will gain valuable insight into the world of work.
Whether you're considering an apprenticeship, college, sixth form, university or entering employment in the future, this programme will help you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to support your next steps.
What to expect
Throughout the three days, you will take part in a range of activities designed to help you explore careers, develop workplace skills and understand future opportunities. You will have the opportunity to:
Learn about the wide range of careers available within Cornwall Council.
Meet professionals from different services and professions.
Take part in practical workshops designed and delivered by specialist teams.
Work on projects and activities that reflect real workplace challenges.
Develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving and presentation skills.
Learn more about apprenticeships, career pathways and future opportunities.
Receive guidance on CVs, applications and interview techniques.
Details of the specialist workshops and participating service areas will be announced closer to the programme launch. Please see Year 10 work placement role profile for further details.
Why take part?
This programme has been designed to help you:
Explore career options and discover roles you may not have previously considered.
Understand how different skills and subjects can lead to future opportunities.
Build confidence in a professional environment.
Gain experiences that can support future apprenticeship, college, sixth form and university applications.
Gain valuable insight into the workplace and the expectations of employers.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to Year 10 students who are interested in learning more about careers, developing new skills and exploring future opportunities.
We are looking for students who are curious, enthusiastic and willing to get involved.
Students must either attend a secondary school in Cornwall or be resident in Cornwall.
Applying for the programme
As part of the application process, students will have the opportunity to develop skills commonly used when applying for jobs, apprenticeships, internships and further education opportunities.
Applicants will be asked to:
Complete a short application form -
Create or update a CV.
Write a short supporting statement explaining their interests and motivations for joining the programme.
Apply online for a work experience placement
Year 10 work experience application guidance notes and resources will be provided to help students complete their application.
The aim is to give every applicant the opportunity to gain experience of recruitment processes and develop confidence in presenting their skills, interests and aspirations.
How does the experience work?
It is a three-day programme. The first day is dedicated to career skills and activities which will help you in your future career pathways – this will include workshops on CVs, applying for jobs, developing your online brand and where to access potential career opportunities.
The next two days will be spent with a specialist team, working in a group to learn more about the work that they do whilst contributing towards a Cornwall Council-led work project.
All participants who complete the experience will receive a letter of reference, which can be used to support your future endeavours.
What happens next?
This programme forms part of Cornwall Council's wider Early Talent Pathway. Students who participate may wish to explore further talent development opportunities with Cornwall Council, including project-based experiences, supported internships, apprenticeships and early career opportunities as they progress through their education and into employment.
Selection criteria
Where applications exceed available places, applications will be reviewed and scored against the programme criteria in the role profile as a selection mechanism.
Accessibility statement
We are committed to making the programme accessible and encourage applicants to discuss any support requirements as part of the application process.
To learn more
Take the first step in exploring your future career journey and discover the opportunities available within Cornwall Council and the wider community.
For more information on this opportunity, please e-mail hrtalent@cornwall.gov.uk in the first instance.
Programme timelines
Application window opens Tuesday 27th October 2026
Application window closes Monday 4th January 2027
Shortlisting commencement Tuesday 5th January 2027
Outcomes announced Friday 8th January 2027