Free courses at Market Hall signal Plymouth’s rise as a creative technology hub
Plymouth residents are being invited to take part in a series of fully funded creative technology training courses this September at Market Hall in Devonport, supported by Plymouth City Council and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Delivered by Real Ideas, the organisation behind the regeneration of the Grade II listed Market Hall which transformed the building into one of the UK’s most exciting immersive tech spaces, the Devonport Futures programme offers hands-on, industry-led training in spatial audio, projection mapping, Unreal Engine 5, and 360° filmmaking — all completely free to attend for eligible participants.
These short courses are designed to equip participants with in-demand digital and creative skills in a supportive, accessible environment. With places limited to just 10–12 learners per course, the opportunity offers an immersive and high-impact learning experience at zero cost to local people.
“This is about removing the barriers to opportunity and creating new pathways for local people into the creative and tech industries. Plymouth has all the ingredients to become a regional leader in immersive and creative technology – and we want to make sure the people who live here benefit from that future,” said Lindsey Hall, CEO of Real Ideas.
Devonport Futures is an innovative skills programme developed in celebration of Devonport’s 200th anniversary. Delivered by Real Ideas in partnership with Plymouth Community Homes (PCH), the project supports Plymouth residents – particularly those who are unemployed, economically inactive or looking to retrain – with tailored opportunities to build future-ready skills in digital technologies. By connecting learning with real work experience and employer networks, the programme aims to break cycles of disadvantage and create lasting opportunities for the community.
Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Tudor Evans OBE added: “What an opportunity! Free training in some of the most exciting digital fields which could unlock a whole new career.
These courses are worth hundreds of pounds but are on offer to our aspiring creators, musicians, sound engineers and game developers. We have stated that as a city we need to focus more on giving people the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow as well as today and Devonport Futures is helping to make this happen – and making it fun too!”
The Courses
All workshops take place at Market Hall – home to one of Europe’s only immersive 15-metre domes and fast becoming the beating heart of Plymouth’s emerging creative technology quarter. Each course is completely free for eligible participants, with only a £30 refundable deposit required to secure a space.
Introduction to 360° Filmmaking. Date: Monday 8th September. Time 11am – 1pm
This hands-on, 2-hour taster session introduces the exciting world of immersive storytelling. Participants will explore the differences between traditional and 360° filmmaking, use Insta360 X2 cameras to capture footage, and learn the basics of editing in Insta360 Studio.
Typical value: £210 – free for eligible participants.
Unreal Engine 5 – One-Day Course. Date: Tuesday 7 October. Time 10am – 4pm
Led by an Unreal Authorised Instructor, this beginner-friendly, full-day workshop explores one of the most powerful tools in the games and virtual production industry. Learn how to navigate Unreal Engine 5, create and manipulate 3D assets, and build simple interactive environments using visual scripting (Blueprint). Perfect for aspiring game developers, artists, and digital creatives.
Typical value: £250+ – free for eligible participants.
Intermediate Spatial Audio – Two-Day Course Dates: Thursday 11th & Friday 12th September. Time: 10am – 4pm
In this immersive audio workshop, learners will collect and record sounds to create their own 3D soundscapes. Perfect for musicians, sound designers, theatre-makers or anyone interested in immersive storytelling through sound.
Typical value: £400 – free for eligible participants.
Intermediate Projection Mapping – Four-Day Course. Dates: 15th, 16th, 22nd & 23rd September. Time 10am – 4pm
Over four days, participants will explore the dynamic world of projection mapping using MadMapper software. From fundamentals to real-world applications, this course teaches participants how to transform everyday surfaces into powerful visual installations — ideal for artists, VJs, performers, and creatives working in public spaces or events.
Typical value: £600+ – free for eligible participants.
Eligibility and Booking
These courses are open to anyone aged 18+ who lives in Plymouth and can demonstrate their Right to Work in the UK. A range of documents can be used to verify eligibility, including current or expired UK or Irish passports, or birth/adoption certificates.
Places are limited and expected to fill quickly, so early booking is essential.
Refundable deposit: £30 (returned upon attendance)
The programme is supported by Plymouth City Council and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Building Plymouth’s Creative Tech Quarter
This new training offer is part of Real Ideas’ wider ambition to build a thriving Creative Quarter in Devonport — linking Market Hall with nearby creative industries, artists, technologists, and social enterprises. Through investment in skills, enterprise, and accessible programming, Real Ideas aims to create a visible pipeline for local people into future-focused careers.
