Skills Bootcamps: A Briefing
Published: 14th February
Skills Bootcamps: A Briefing (Provided by Jack Semple of EAMA)
Skills Bootcamps started in 2020 and are delivered across 6 areas of England, they focused on digital skills including cyber security, coding, software development and engineering, data analysis and digital marketing, according to gov.uk.
In 2022-23 (latest figures), there were 40,000 starts, of which 5,000 were for HGV driving, but other courses include CAD and welding.
National procurement in E&M lines up with “occupational routes descriptors” and have included lean manufacturing and skilled track operative. But DfE is also keen to hear about demand for emerging skills that might not be covered by an occupational standard. (IfATE’s route panels also have an interest.)
Bootcamps training is mostly at levels 3-5, mostly, with some L2, gov.uk says. Courses span up to three months and typically have 60 guided learning hours. They can be either for people wanting a job with a new employer, or for upskilling existing employees towards a clearly improved role in the firm. Funding for upskilling courses is reduced can be 70% for large firms, 90% for SMEs, with the firm paying the rest.
Bidding for bootcamps funding is complex and is both national, through DfE, and local. DfE runs competitions on its “dynamic purchasing system” (DPS) but funding can also be through metro mayors, local authority or LEP, which are unlikely to offer training to firm form another area – although that is not excluded as a possibility. DfE has no date for the next funding round but is keen to see the programme continue.
Bootcamp contracts can be with FE colleges, independent training providers or employers. Courses can be in-person, online or hybrid. FE Week reports that the FE colleges feel that bootcamps do not suit them and that they have only about 20% of the “market”.
Links:
Guidance: Bid to supply Skills Bootcamps
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What are Skills Bootcamps?
- Free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks in sectors where there are evidenced skills gaps nationally or locally, which require a training intervention and meet the sector suitability assessment criteria.
- For adults aged 19+ who are independent learners, existing employees or self-employed, to build sector-specific skills.
- Fast track learners to an interview with an employer to gain a positive outcome within 6 months of completion of training, i.e., a new job/new role or responsibilities/new opportunities.
- Employers can reskill their own employees (subject to a financial contribution of 30% for large employers, 10% for SMEs).
- Skill levels 3-5 or equivalent (although in some exceptional cases, we allow some flex to level 2 or equivalent).
- There are 2 routes to market: DfE-led procurement and grant-funding Mayoral Combined Authorities and Local Authorities to procure locally focussed Skills Bootcamps.
- Pathway to Accelerated Apprenticeships model enable learners to progress onto Accelerated Apprenticeships.
