Skills Bootcamps open for learners

A fresh wave of fully funded Skills Bootcamps are now open for applications across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, helping people gain in-demand skills that employers need.

Backed by a £5m grant from the Department for Education, the Skills Bootcamps programme – delivered by Lincolnshire County Council – offers flexible, short courses at no cost to learners.

Training is available for high-demand sectors including:

• Digital Skills
• HGV Driving
• Health and Care
• Agriculture
• Leadership and Management
• Hospitality
• Construction
• Education
• Manufacturing and Engineering
• Business Improvement

Courses typically last 60+ hours and are delivered at Level 2 to 5. Learners must be 19 and over, based in Greater Lincolnshire or Rutland, and unemployed, self-employed, or seeking a new role.

Employers can also upskill their teams through the programme, with just a small contribution to training costs. Businesses can even create bespoke training to address specific skills gaps—and benefit by interviewing newly qualified local talent.

Cllr Liam Kelly, executive member for Growth, said: “Skills Bootcamps are a great initiative to develop our residents’ skills in areas that local businesses need.

“Over 2,000 people have already completed prior Skills Bootcamps in the area, gaining new jobs, taking on extra responsibilities, or securing permanent contracts – showing that upskilling can make a real difference.

“For anyone looking to change careers, secure a promotion, or grow your business, there’s a course to help you get there.”

Grimsby-based, Hilton Seafoods UK is one employer already seeing the benefits.

They spotted talent in their employee Catherine Allan who was encouraged to complete the ‘Future Seafood Leaders’ Skills Bootcamp, run by the University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing.

Catherine said: “I thought it was a great opportunity, as I am still learning and want to improve my communication and leadership skills.

“It gave me the confidence to lead more tasks and strengthen communication within my team—it’s been a real positive experience all round.”

James Jones, from Reepham near Lincoln, also benefited after becoming unemployed at the end of 2023.

Despite actively looking for new jobs, he realized that employers in his sector were looking for workers with a Green CSCS Labourer Card – an entry level card demonstrating the ability to work in manual jobs on construction sites.

After enquiring at the job centre, he applied for the Skills Bootcamp in Construction, run by Abbey Access Training. James said:

“I gained exactly what I wanted from taking the course. I needed to update my CV and improve my confidence. The course allowed me to show my time management knowledge and skills and allowed me to improve as well.

“The course was put over brilliantly and help was there when needed. The tutors were helpful and seemed determined to get me back into employment.”

Since taking the course, James has secured a job as a landscape operative on a full-time fixed term contract, and would “100 per cent recommend” the Skills Bootcamp in Construction to others looking for work in the sector.

View the full range of courses and join the growing list of people developing their skills with Skills Bootcamps at: 2aspire.org.uk/greater-lincolnshire-skills-bootcamps/.