Plymouth is leading the way to becoming one of the first ‘Cities of Learning’. We’re piloting a new approach with local schools, colleges, employers and learning providers to transform the way we recognise learning and connect opportunities together.

2. Breaking new ground...
Plymouth is leading the way to becoming one of the first
‘Cities of Learning’.
We’re piloting a new approach with local schools, colleges,
employers and learning providers to transform the way we
recognise learning and connect opportunities together.
Launching in early Summer 2020, our digital app will put
the city’s young people in control of their learning journey.
Developed in partnership with the RSA, Navigatr and led in
Plymouth by Real Ideas Organisation (RIO).

3. The Challenge
For employers:
● 44% of employers say that those
leaving formal education are not
work-ready
● 63% of employers face a skills
shortage, mostly around ‘soft’ skills
such as communication, creativity
and problem solving.
For our young people:
● Opportunities to develop ‘soft’ and
work-readiness skills are not easily
discoverable
● There is no accreditation or
recognition of these skills or others
learnt outside of formal education
● No clear routes to progression

4. Our Solution
Visible
By making the all the points of
learning in a city visible, learners
are empowered to discover and
take advantage of the opportunities
on their doorstep
Measurable
Using digital badges to track what
learning takes place and where,
learners have a new currency
(beyond exam results) to showcase
their talents.
Connected
The platform connects learners
with learning providers and
employers, creating pathways
into further learning
opportunities and employment
whilst also helping employers
find the people who are right for
the job.

5. And bringing it all
together in an app...
● Curated learning opportunities in the
city - many of them opportunities to earn
badges
● The app connects badges together and
suggests pathways, based on the user’s
stated goals and previous interests
● Users can use pathways to progress their
Career Path, Master a Skill, Make a
Difference or Improve Wellbeing
● Learners create a digital portfolio of
skills to use alongside CVs and on social
media

6. Using a digital skills credential...

7. Cities of Learning can support the digital sector
We have an opportunity to shape this together.
A digital sector focus

8. “There is a need to
stop relying on
standardized
out-dated formal
qualifications and
instead work towards
real world briefs and
projects as a way of
recruiting more
diversely.
Generation E Big Conversation - Real Ideas Org 2019

9. ““Job seekers
need a complete
package of skills
for success in the
economy, both
digital and
non-digital.”
‘No Longer Optional:
Employer Demand for Digital Skills’
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachm
ent_data/file/807830/No_Longer_Optional_Employer_Demand_for_Digital_Skills.pdf

10. Digital Skills
What transferable skills are you looking for?
How easy are these to spot?
What values and attitudes are you and your
organisation looking for?
Do you have any activities to support young
people being interested in the digital sector?
What insight can you or your organisation
bring to the digital sector and other sectors?

12. Example Digital sector pathway
Apprentice
In IT
Destination
Customer Service
Technology
Enthusiastic
Arduino
C++
Software
Developer
Communication
Cyber crime
Digital
Tech support specialist
Networker
Influencer
Industry knowledge
Data player
Civic awareness
Attention to detail

13. Get involved with the pilot
If you feel you can inform digital pathways
in Plymouth and Cornwall or…
If you would like to become a badge issuer
or earner in the Cities of Learning
project..
Please complete some or all of our survey
at : https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VDB6C9W

14. Thank You!
Simon Wainwright - simon.wainwright@plymouth.gov.uk
Edward Hart - edward.hart@realideas.org
thersa.org/cities-of-learning