Skills Bootcamps launch to boost job prospects in west Cumbria

SKILLS Bootcamps designed to boost skills and fast-track people to secure a job or apprenticeship have been launched by Lakes College.

The college is delivering flexible courses of up to 16 weeks in welding, computer-aided design, cyber essentials, robotics, joinery and brickwork.

The Skills Bootcamps programme is free for people who are aged 19 or over, resident and legally entitled to work in the UK, and either working, unemployed in the last 12 months, or looking for work.

The 16-week courses incorporate practical skills at Level 2 or 3, employability, continuing professional development and entry to sector training.

They have been designed to help people to gain the in-demand skills employers are looking for in order to fill skills gaps.

Skills Bootcamps are also a great way for employers to build sector-specific skills in their workforce.

Micro, small and medium employers can save 90 per cent of the costs of having their employees complete a bootcamp, while large employers can see the costs reduced by 70 per cent.

The Skills Bootcamps are part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee to improve skills and job prospects.

Chris Nattress, principal at Lakes College, said the launch was a sign of ‘exciting times’ in West Cumbria.

He said: “We are delighted to be working with Cumbria LEP and local employers on our Skills Bootcamps programme starting this summer.

“Many key sectors in Cumbria are experiencing challenges with attracting sufficient talent to meet various demands.

“The Skills Bootcamps programme is an excellent way for a broad cross-section of people to engage in specific, flexible, intensive training courses to get them match-fit for employment in growing sectors in our regional economy.

“We are looking forward to working with that cross-section of the local community to help them develop employability and work skills with the specific job training needed to get them started in an employed role in an area of skill shortage and growth.”

Spaces will be limited so interested learners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible by emailing admissions@lcwc.ac.uk

Employers can contact the Business Development team by emailing team-sales@lcwc.ac.uk