Skills Bootcamps
Helping Employers Build a Skilled, Future-Ready Workforce
Skills Bootcamps are part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, designed to help employers access a pipeline of talent with the skills needed to drive business growth. These free, flexible training programmes, lasting up to 16 weeks, equip individuals with the technical, digital, and practical skills that are in highest demand across key industries.
For employers, Skills Bootcamps offer a cost-effective, low-risk way to upskill existing staff or recruit new, work-ready employees who have completed industry-aligned training.
How Skills Bootcamps Work
Skills Bootcamps are co-designed with employers, ensuring the training directly reflects the current and future needs of local businesses. Learners gain valuable, job-specific skills through intensive short courses, enabling them to quickly transition into skilled employment or progress in their current roles.
Each programme is delivered in partnership with trusted local providers and is designed to support both employers seeking to fill vacancies and employees aiming to advance their careers.
Benefits for Employers
By engaging with Skills Bootcamps, your business can:
- Address skills shortages: Gain access to candidates trained in the exact skills your sector needs.
- Upskill existing employees: Develop your workforce efficiently, boosting retention, productivity, and morale.
- Recruit pre-trained talent: Hire individuals who are motivated, job-ready, and equipped with relevant qualifications.
- Shape the training offer: Work with training providers to ensure the courses align with your operational needs.
- Save on training costs: Skills Bootcamps are fully or partially funded by the Government, depending on your business size.
- For SMEs, the Government funds 90% of training costs when upskilling existing employees.
- For large employers, funding covers 70% of the cost.
- For unemployed learners, training is fully funded, and employers can recruit from this skilled talent pool at no cost.
Course Duration and Flexibility
Skills Bootcamps typically run for up to 16 weeks, with flexible delivery models (including part-time and online options) to fit around working schedules. This makes them ideal for employees looking to learn new skills without taking extended time away from work.
Skills Bootcamps in Surrey and Hampshire
Both Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council have secured substantial funding from the Department for Education to support local learners and businesses through Skills Bootcamps.
Employers in these regions can collaborate with training providers to:
- Co-design or influence Bootcamp content to meet industry demand
- Offer guaranteed job interviews to learners who successfully complete training
- Upskill current employees in areas such as digital, green technologies, logistics, construction, health, and management
Partner With Your Local Provider
To explore opportunities for your business to take part, visit:
- Surrey County Council Skills Bootcamps: Discover available courses and employer partnerships.
- Hampshire County Council Skills Bootcamps: Learn how to upskill your workforce or recruit trained candidates.
- Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT): Explore Bootcamp options and bespoke training support.
- Activate Learning Skills Bootcamps: Find sector-specific courses tailored to business needs.
Invest in Your Workforce Today
Skills Bootcamps give employers a practical solution to future-proof their business, developing local talent, closing skills gaps, and creating long-term employment opportunities that benefit both people and industry.
Partner with your local provider today to shape the skills your business needs tomorrow.
