Hampshire’s Skills Bootcamp employment training is to run again for a further year, thanks to an award of £3.8 million from the Department for Education (DfE). 

 This free, fast-track employment training programme is offered to Hampshire residents and employers, enabling both those in work and job seekers to gain further training and secure higher paid roles, with employers benefitting from upskilled employees.

Councillor Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to support the development of a workforce equipped with the skills to meet the needs of industry and business – both now and in the future. It will give working adults confidence in their ability to advance their careers and create a more secure future for themselves and their families, which is vital to enhancing economic and social prosperity for all.”

Skills Bootcamp training will boost Hampshire’s economy and increase productivity by helping businesses fill specific vacancies which require skills that currently are in short supply.

During the 2023-24 financial year, with the DfE’s £1.8 million grant, the County Council reached 100 per cent of its annual sign-up target, enrolling 380 learners onto Skills Bootcamps in digital marketing, data analytics, engineering, retrofit and green skills such as installing heat pumps and electric vehicle repair and maintenance.

This latest round of funding will enable training to be offered to at least 1,000 learners and will additionally include training in coding, construction, engineering, project management, early years education, health and social care, and hospitality and tourism.

Councillor Adams-King added: “We are fortunate in this county to have so many well-established leading businesses and industries including those in emerging industries like advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, digital and tech as well as and health and life sciences. I am delighted that the first round of the programme was so successful and was even showcased as a model of good practice at a Construction Industry Training Board National Skills Academy event.

“This stands us in really good stead for this next roll-out and we are working closely with providers to deliver Skills Bootcamps across the whole of the county. The training will be developed in partnership with local employers, ensuring a joined-up approach to addressing skills gaps and job vacancies across Hampshire. With no costs involved to residents, Skills Bootcamps are truly a win-win for businesses and for employees.”

The courses are flexible with learning planned to fit around professional and family commitments allowing people in different circumstances to gain the skills employers are looking for.

For most Skills Bootcamp courses, no previous knowledge in the subject is needed. Courses can be classroom-based, on-the-job or online and unemployed participants are guaranteed a job interview at the end of their course.

More information and guidance is available for residents and businesses online at hants.gov.uk/business/skillsbootcamp, including on how to find a course and how to apply.

For those who need help deciding on suitable courses, an online National Careers Service Skills Assessment is available to establish an individual’s existing skills and match them to potential careers.