Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps form part of the government’s drive to support more adults to get a better job and gain skills for life. They offer free courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills, including digital, construction and green skills and provide a fast-track to an interview with a local employer.

If you are looking to quickly increase your skills in a specific area and get a new job or get ahead with your current employer, a Skills Bootcamp could be the right choice for you.

They are being developed as part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs in partnership with employers, providers and local authorities, to help people develop the skills that are in demand in their local area and get a new job or better position at work. Skills Bootcamps are available across England for adults aged 19 and above, with a range of digital, technical and green courses, like Electrical Vehicle Maintenance and Construction and Retrofitting, currently on offer.

Skills Bootcamps have been set up to give you the essential sector-specific skills needed to enter a new industry. If you’re considering a new type of work like coding or welding, but you have no previous experience, don’t let this deter you. Skills Bootcamp courses will help you gain the key skills needed.

New figures show that more than half (54%) of the 2,210 adults who completed Skills Bootcamps between September 2020 and March 2021 went on to achieve a successful outcome, such as securing a new job, an apprenticeship, a new role or increased responsibilities with their current employer or, for the self-employed, access to new opportunities.

Skills Bootcamps are designed in partnership with local employers to help meet skills needs in your area. The skills you learn will put you in a strong position to get a better job with more stability and a higher salary in the area you have chosen. Many of your existing skills are also more transferrable than you think and will help boost your employability.

Most Skills Bootcamps are available whilst you’re in employment so you can develop skills to help you get into a new team or role. It’s worth asking your employer about participating in a Skills Bootcamp. They will be able to help you decide if it’s something that could benefit you in work and if they would be happy for you to study alongside your job.

If you claim Universal Credit, you can apply for one of these free courses, provided it will improve your chances of securing work. Many Universal Credit claimants can currently take on full-time training up to 12 weeks, and up to 16 weeks for a full-time Skills Bootcamp in England. Your local Jobcentre Plus can offer further guidance about this and help to identify learning that works for you.

How can I get started?

• Visit Skills for Life to find out if a Skills Bootcamp could fast-track you to a better job.
• To discover more free courses and qualifications that could boost your skills and help you get ahead in work, read the government’s free courses for jobs guidance: gov.uk/free-courses-for-jobs.
• You can also contact the National Careers Service for free, impartial advice and guidance and get help to make informed decisions about learning, training and work. If you would like help choosing a course or advice on your job options, get in touch via webchat or by phone on 0800 100 900.