Five years since we opened the doors, and it's hard to imagine Devonport without Market Hall. It's flown by — yet it's also become such a part of Devonport that it feels like it's always been there.
Market Hall brought together nearly 15 years of Real Ideas' work into one place, with employment and opportunity at its heart. From day one, our mission has been about creating real opportunities: helping people build skills, gain confidence, and find a path into work, training, or a completely new direction.
A team, and a place, that's grown together
Over five years, Market Hall has grown from an idea into a genuine employer. We've built a brilliant team, supported freelancers, and formed partnerships that have shaped unique events and experiences for Devonport. As a Real Living Wage employer, every job we've created here has been a fair one — and that matters in a community we're proud to be part of.
Partnerships that open doors
None of this happens in isolation. Our work with Plymouth Community Homes, the DWP, and Plymouth Youth Hub has helped hundreds of local people take real steps towards employment — through digital and creative skills programmes, careers events, and one-to-one support focused on what comes next, whether that's a job, an apprenticeship, or further learning.
Careers events at Market Hall bring local employers and emerging businesses face to face with Devonport's future workforce — and there's a real energy in that room every time. It's a reminder of what's possible when opportunity is put right on people's doorstep.
Part of something bigger
Market Hall doesn't stand alone. It connects into Real Ideas' wider work supporting people into employment right across Cornwall and Devon, we support hundreds of people into work or education every year — and projects like our collaboration with Plymouth Community Homes have shown just how powerful that connection can be, helping residents build digital and creative skills with a clear focus on their next step.
Looking ahead
Five years in, Market Hall is proof of what's possible when a place, a team, and a community come together with a shared purpose. Here's to the next five — more skills, more opportunities, more people finding their future.
