Free, flexible training to power your career
Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and an offer of an interview with an employer upon completion.
You can join a Skills Bootcamp if you are:
✔ Unemployed
✔ Employed and looking to upskill or change career
✔ Self-employed
If you're currently employed and want to upskill in your role, your employer may be asked to co-fund the course—talk to your manager to find out more.
Skills Bootcamps are available in these areas:
🔧 Construction
💻 Digital
🌱 Green industries
🩺 Health
🍴 Hospitality
📊 Professional services
“There’s absolutely nothing to lose, other than a bit of time. There’s no argument that it really helped me, and it was good fun as well!”
Website designer Digital Peninsula Network, PenzanceWho can do a Skills Bootcamp?
Skills Bootcamps are open to anyone aged 19 and over. Most don’t require any previous experience—just a good level of English and a willingness to learn.
(Some courses may have extra requirements—check the course info for details.)
Qualifications you'll get
Some Skills Bootcamps offer recognised qualifications, others don’t. It depends on the course and provider.
Even if you don’t get a formal qualification, you’ll gain real-world skills that can lead to a job, further training, or an apprenticeship that does.
What comes next...
Once you've finished your Skills Bootcamp, you're guaranteed job interview with local employer.
You could also:
- Step into a new job or apprenticeship
- Progress in your current role
- Unlock new opportunities if you're self-employed
“I wanted a change of direction and the bootcamp was a great way to learn a set of new skills in a supportive environment. I think the bootcamps are a great idea and I like the fact I had the opportunity to go on a fully funded course to learn something new. We’re really lucky to have this available to us.”
Welder Truro and Penwith College
Funded by the Department for Education, Skills Bootcamps are part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, helping people across the country gain valuable skills for life. In Cornwall, the programme is led by Cornwall Council.
*Free for individuals looking to upskill or switch careers. Employers looking to train existing staff may need to contribute to costs.
