Greater Manchester has launched a series of new skills bootcamps so that residents looking to retrain or upskill can access free training opportunities.
The skills bootcamps initiative was launched by The Growth Company. The flexible courses run for up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to a guaranteed interview with a local employer.
The Skills Bootcamps initiative aims to support residents’ progress in their careers by providing them with access to in-demand skills training and fast-track to interviews for higher-skilled, quality jobs. The programme significantly benefits employers by assisting them in filling specific skills shortages and vacancies, thereby increasing productivity within their organisations.
The Skills Bootcamps were launched by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham at an event at Contact Theatre on Thursday 15 June 2023 who outlined the strategic context and aims of the new initiative.
The Mayor discussed Greater Manchester’s plans to become a technical education city region and position itself as the key place for businesses seeking a skilled workforce to invest in whilst also providing advanced and higher technical skills the UK and GM economies need
He was then joined by GMCA lead for Technical Education and Skills Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Vicky Burgess from Rochdale Borough Council, Venetia Knight from Groundwork Greater Manchester and Nicki O’Connor from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for a panel session discussing how the bootcamps will support residents and sustain good employment across the city-region.
Following the session, a marketplace event allowed educational providers to showcase their courses and connect with attendees.
Technical and post-16 education is a core component of Greater Manchester’s new trailblazer devolution deal.
The latest wave of Skills Bootcamps cover a wide range of sectors including construction and green, digital, manufacturing and engineering, hospitality, logistics, education and health and social care. Collaborating with 13 training providers, Skills Bootcamps deliver high-quality training that equips participants with sought-after skills aligned with the rapidly evolving job market.
The list of the latest Skills Bootcamps providing specialised training in the following sectors in full:
Digital, Technology & Creative: IN4.Group (Data Analytics, Cloud Engineering. & Software Engineering), The Growth Company (AWS, Software Development, Content Creation & Branding, Data Analytics, Cloud Engineering & Cyber Security) and We Are Digital (Digital Marketing & Digital Analyst)
Construction & Green Skills: The Growth Company (Construction Multi Trading Learning & ANZO.2), Mantra Learning (Construction Skills & Green Skills (EV Maintenace), SB Skills Solutions (Construction Plant Operative) and Groundwork (Construction Skills for Building Repairs & Retrofit, Prison Construction and Retrofit Skills)
Manufacturing & Engineering: Rochdale Training (Maintenance & Welding) and Salford City College (Industrial Textiles Technician)
Logistics: Realise (Logistics Route to Success – Bus Drivers)
Education, Health, & Social Care: The Growth Company (Health & Social Care Management & Introduction to Teaching), Think Employment (Teaching Assistants with SEND, Health and Social Care) and Hopwood Hall College (Allied Health Occupations – GPs, Dental & Pharmacy)
Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism: Barfection (Hospitality Horizons) and The Growth Company (Hospitality Management)
Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Greater Manchester’s lead for Technical Education and Skills said: “The latest wave of Skills Bootcamps underscores our commitment to equipping residents with the skills they need to thrive in today’s dynamic job market.
“We believe that by providing accessible training opportunities and empowering individuals to excel in their careers, we can drive economic growth, reduce inequalities, and create a prosperous future for all residents of Greater Manchester.”
Residents are encouraged to explore the diverse range of Skills Bootcamps available and take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their careers and achieve their professional goals. Whether individuals are out of work, in work and seeking a career change, or self-employed, Skills Bootcamps provide valuable training options.
Employers who are interested in training their existing workforce are required to contribute towards the training costs. The contribution is set at 30% of the total training costs, with a reduced rate of 10% applicable to employers with fewer than 250 employees.
To learn more, visit the GMCA website.
