The City of Plymouth, UK is embarking on a journey of discovery. Historically positioned as the place where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World, Plymouth is now developing as a place for learning, innovation and knowledge, for all future pioneers and adventurers. Working together with young people, employers, education, and community organisations towards a City of Learning that recognises and captures skills and competencies wherever they are.

With its rich heritage, maritime links and growing economic and cultural status, Plymouth is at the cusp of this exciting programme with the RSA, DigitalMe and local partners, Plymouth City Council and Real Ideas Organisation. Together we’re building a grass roots, mass engagement movement that glues all the opportunities for learning across the city and presents it in a way that encourages and rewards participation. We know how much talent we have in the city, but often it's hidden, misunderstood or undervalued, creating a disenfranchised group of young people disconnected from what the city has to offer. We want to change that by empowering a network of learning providers to issue digital credentials that capture the breadth of relevant learning taking place. These digital badges will provide a window into the range of skills and competencies that we all, as lifelong learners possess and aim for, towards progression in education, employment a prosperous life.   

By promoting and co-ordinating a range of opportunities, or ‘playlists’ we can demonstrate the multiple routes that can be taken for an individuals learning journey. Whether based on a specific interest or via a collection of existing skills, learners can be helped to ‘show what they know’ through an accessible and universal platform containing their own collection of achievements. More than just a portfolio of ‘awards’, digital credentials, using the Open Badge standard, contain a wealth of information on how, when and why its been earned, giving future educators or employers an insight into the range of accomplishments and how they’re relevant to employability and further opportunities. 

Plymouth has a rapidly growing digital sector with wide representation from key stakeholders including small businesses and large international companies. Through a co-design approach we’re focusing on developing a digital skills pilot that demonstrates how useful and important these skills are, not just for the digital sector, but all sectors and disciplines. We want to connect people with opportunities so that they can follow their passions and develop a love of learning, supported by a city wide platform to discover, promote, and celebrate all kinds of learning, wherever it takes place.