Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks for adults aged 19 or over *. They give people the opportunity to build up valuable sector-specific skills based on local employer demand and provide a direct path to a job on completion.

*Large employers contribute 30% of the cost, and small or medium employers (SMEs) contribute 10%.

Skills Bootcamps are primarily aimed at delivering flexible training at levels 3-5 (medium to higher level technical skills), and level 2 in some sectors.

They are co-designed or shaped with employers to respond to their skills shortages.

This training is for adults who are either in work, self-employed, unemployed or returning to work after a break.

Skills Bootcamps are also open to serving prisoners due to be released within 6 months of completing a Skills Bootcamp and those on temporary release.

Skills Bootcamps are available in:

• Digital courses such as digital marketing or coding
• Technical training in areas like construction, logistics (HGV driving) or engineering
• Green skills, for instance solar energy or agriculture technology

Employers can work with training providers to develop and deliver Skills Bootcamps to help them fill skill shortage vacancies.

Save time and money on recruiting staff by employing the right skill set from the beginning without the cost and gain access to a talent pool of Bootcamp graduates. Options to enrol multiple cohorts of learners, or to interview learners graduating from these programmes.

Skills Bootcamps are an intense programme of study including the need for independent learning, all learners have already shown their resilience and commitment to the subject area. Taught by experts, learners will have worked on live industry projects and have had the opportunity to work with an industry mentor.

Candidates are selected for you that have already demonstrated their commitment to the relevant subject. All learners will have undertaken a skills assessment to demonstrate their capabilities and will have been supported by a careers team throughout.

Employer cost

There is no cost to employers who recruit individuals who have completed a Skills Bootcamp.

Employers contribute to the cost of training if they want to use Skills Bootcamps to train their existing employees.

Large employers contribute 30% of the cost, and small or medium employers (SMEs) contribute 10%.

Existing employees may need time to study and attend classes depending on their working hours and status and the flexibility of the course.

Employer responsibilities

Employers’ responsibilities may include:

• a safe work environment
• an induction which includes explaining relevant policies and procedures
• a line manager to support, supervise and mentor the student
• a guaranteed interview as part of the Skills Bootcamp provision

Benefits of Skills Bootcamps

They help your business:

• develop a loyal and talented workforce with the skills you need quickly
• futureproof your business in a rapidly changing labour market
• improve your productivity; learners are motivated to learn new skills, provide new ideas and a fresh perspective
• recruit staff with the right training and skills from the outset
• get access to a pipeline of skilled adults by working with existing Skills Bootcamp providers