Rachel O’Connor, Director at Force4Good Consultancy, joined the Skills Bootcamp: Future Climate Leaders at the University of Plymouth to strengthen her knowledge of sustainability and enhance the advice she provides to clients.

Working as a communications adviser, Rachel supports organisations in making responsible decisions, and she saw the course as an opportunity to deepen her understanding of environmental challenges and build the skills needed to help businesses take meaningful action.

From the outset, Rachel found the course to be a rich and engaging learning experience. A key strength of the programme was the breadth of expertise involved. Guest speakers brought together academic insight with lived and professional experience, giving participants the chance to explore sustainability from multiple perspectives. Rachel found this particularly valuable, as it introduced her to new ideas and approaches that she had not encountered before, such as concepts around shared resources and community-led approaches.

At the same time, expert-led sessions on infrastructure and policy provided detailed, practical insight into how systemic change can be delivered.

Alongside this, Rachel highlighted the importance of the course tutors in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. Despite being delivered largely online, the programme fostered a strong sense of connection between participants. The course leaders were able to create a space where learners from different backgrounds felt comfortable sharing ideas and experiences, which Rachel described as a significant achievement.

This supportive environment was particularly important for her, as it allowed her to stay engaged with the course even when personal challenges arose.

The flexibility and understanding offered by the team enabled her to complete the programme and get the most out of the experience.

The structure of the course also played a key role in its success. Rachel found the delivery to be carefully designed, balancing complex subject matter with an accessible and engaging format. Sessions combined teaching, group discussions, and breakout activities, ensuring that learning was interactive and collaborative.

The availability of recorded sessions meant that participants could revisit material when needed, helping to reinforce understanding and accommodate busy professional schedules. This flexibility made it easier for Rachel to integrate the course into her working life while continuing to absorb and apply new knowledge.

One of the most valuable aspects of the experience for Rachel was the diversity of the cohort. The programme brought together people from different industries, age groups, and professional backgrounds, creating a unique learning environment where ideas could be shared openly. Rachel found this collaborative dynamic both inspiring and reassuring, noting how supportive and generous other participants were in sharing their perspectives. This exchange of ideas not only enriched her learning but also reinforced the importance of collaboration when addressing sustainability challenges.

As the course progressed, Rachel began to see a clear impact on her professional confidence and capability. The knowledge and skills she developed gave her a stronger foundation for advising clients on responsible business practices. She describes gaining a deeper understanding of how organisations can balance commercial goals with their environmental and social responsibilities, and how these decisions affect people, communities, and the wider ecosystem.

This broader perspective has strengthened her ability to provide strategic advice and support meaningful change within the organisations she works with.

For Rachel, the most significant outcome of the course has been the confidence it has given her. She now feels better equipped to shape conversations around sustainability and to guide clients in making informed, responsible decisions.

 Reflecting on her experience, she describes the programme as “an incredible opportunity to engage, learn, and develop new skills,” highlighting both the personal and professional growth it enabled.

Rachel’s story demonstrates how Skills Bootcamps can support professionals across Cornwall and the South West to build new skills, expand their knowledge, and take a more active role in shaping a sustainable future.

By combining practical learning with expert insight and a collaborative approach, the programme provides learners with the tools and confidence they need to make a real difference in their careers and organisations.

Thinking about your next step?

Skills Bootcamps are designed to help people across Cornwall build confidence, gain new skills and make a real difference in their careers - whether that’s progressing in your current role or moving into a new opportunity.