SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY SECURES £3M IN FUNDING TO DELIVER MORE SKILLS BOOTCAMPS IN 2024

Published 1 February 2024 at 3:34pm

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has been awarded £3m from the Department for Education to continue and expand its Skills Bootcamps provision across the region.

Skills Bootcamps form part of the Government’s Skills for Life strategy, designed to help those aged 19+ onto the career ladder, transition back into work or progress in work while also helping employers meet skills needs across the region. 

The courses are flexible and can last up to 16 weeks, whilst providing individuals with the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and an offer of a guaranteed interview with a local employer upon completion of the course. 

Skills Bootcamps are a great opportunity for South Yorkshire residents to upskill and explore new careers opportunities in a variety of sectors. 

Designed with employers, Skills Bootcamps courses are aligned to industry needs, bridging the gap between the regional skills demand and its supply.

This funding allows the SYMCA to offer accessible, life-changing opportunities that will enable individuals to:
•    Learn new skills, setting them on a path to a rewarding career
•    Kickstart their careers or transition back into the workforce
•    Progress further in their career

From April 2024 those eligible for the Skills Bootcamps will be able to apply directly to the providers who will be delivering across the following areas:
•    Digital
•    Green Skills
•    Construction and the Built Environment
•    Business and Administration services
•    Creative

Fliss Miller, Director of Skills at SYMCA, said: “This next set of funding we are announcing today is a huge achievement in helping to address the skills requirements of South Yorkshire. 
“This £3m in funding will help to deliver skills development for people across the region who have a keen interest in specific career areas.  

“It is essential that we continue to be able to offer full-time, part-time, and short courses that develop the skills and knowledge of all learners, no matter where they are at in their career.
“This is just another step for us to help meet skills gaps in the region and help with industry demand in the future.”

Chris Scott, 20,  is just one of many success stories in South Yorkshire after enrolling in a Skills Bootcamp course. Being recommended for the programme through the Job Centre, Chris was determined to pursue a career in plastering. 

He enrolled in the Skills Bootcamp in Thermal Wall Insulation Installation and Plastering at Rotherham Skills Academy, funded by SYMCA, and swiftly moved into employment upon completion.

Chris Dalling, Instructor at Rotherham Skills Academy, said: “Chris’ transformation from an aspiring plasterer to a skilled professional is a testament to his hard work and the comprehensive training provided by the Skills Bootcamp.

“Chris successfully passed the exam, and his confidence grew. Chris started with confidence issues regarding plastering but left a totally different person with confidence in his construction knowledge and skills to enable him to complete any plastering work on his own."

Some of the Skills Bootcamps, which will be on offer from April 2024, include software development, digital marketing, renewable energy installation, project management and business analysis. 
Skills Bootcamps will also support individuals across priority groups including:

•    Low paid workers
•    The unemployed or out of work
•    Veterans
•    Ex-offenders
•    Women
•    Ethnic minorities
•    The over 50s
•    Those returning to work after a break/maternity leave
•    People living with a health conditions or disabilities

Find out more about these courses by visiting https://southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/skills-bootcamps

Find out more about the Government’s Skills for Life strategy and Skills Bootcamps by visiting https://skillsforlife.campaign.gov.uk/courses/skills-bootcamps/