£6.4m boost for skills training in Cornwall and Devon
Train4Tomorrow receives biggest funding yet from Department for Education to continue successful ‘Skills Bootcamps’ in sectors including tech
Over the past four years, Train4Tomorrow has supported some 3,000 learners aged 19+ to learn new, in-demand skills and so gain new employment. The initiative has been so successful that it’s now seen significant increase in funding, with £6.4m for 2024-25. That will enable a further 2,000 adults to take part.
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The key to the success of the Skills Bootcamps, which are led by Devon County Council and delivered in partnership with Cornwall Council, is that they address needs in well-paid sectors that have high numbers of vacancies in the local area, such as in digital, the environment, professional services, health and social care, construction and technical areas including welding and retrofit. The organisers work with local employers to ensure that training matches what is needed.
In just the past year, Train4Tomorrow worked with more than 100 employers, so that learners benefited from site visits and real-world assignments, as well as support in job interviews and other practical experience.
This year sees new bootcamps covering the creative sector (film production, photography and media) as well as driving heavy goods vehicles and also childcare.
Free, flexible courses lasting up to 16 weeks are available to those aged 19 and above. That includes those who are unemployed or returning to work, and self-employed people looking to develop skills to grow their existing business. The initiative also suits those in employment who are looking to change careers.
Jamie Hanlon, a self-employed access consultant in St Austell, completed the online bootcamp in website design. He says: ‘I wish I had known about the course sooner; after just nine weeks I have built a website from scratch and I am looking forward to supporting new clients.’
Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, Portfolio Holder for Children and Families at Cornwall Council, adds: ‘Bootcamps offer a new flexible approach to upskilling and retraining which is key to giving families with caring responsibilities the opportunity to change their career or get back into work. There is such a wide range of courses available through Bootcamps and our FE provision and the shorter nature of these courses is perfect for people who have typically struggled with traditional training routes, there is something for everyone.’
For more information, see the Train4Tomorrow website.
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