Adults in Cornwall who want to develop new skills, change careers, or progress in their current roles are being encouraged to take advantage of free Skills Bootcamps available through Truro and Penwith College.
The flexible training programmes, which run for up to 16 weeks, are designed for adults aged 19 and over, giving them practical, industry-relevant skills and knowledge to help achieve their career goals.
One success story is Alicia Body, whose journey from a Skills Bootcamp learner to a qualified Nursing Associate shows the opportunities on offer. After completing the Clinical Pathways Skills Bootcamp in 2024, she progressed onto a Nursing Associate apprenticeship. She has since finished the programme and is due to graduate in October. Throughout her training, she was supported by her employer, The Park, which has now helped three employees complete the Nursing Associate programme and a further seven undertake the Clinical Pathways Skills Bootcamp.
Jonathan Steed, Director of Care and Registered Manager at The Park, praised the impact of the training. He said: "The training has proven to be just the tonic, significantly boosting the confidence and performance of The Park team, empowering them to excel in their roles."
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The Skills Bootcamp programme is available across a range of sectors, giving learners the chance to gain valuable experience in industries including Construction, Digital, Engineering, Hospitality, and Health and Social Care.
For Charlie, completing a Welding and Fabrication Skills Bootcamp helped him develop his abilities and take on greater responsibilities within his family's repair business. He said: "The course completely exceeded my expectations. Between the brilliant facilities and the collaborative atmosphere, it was the perfect place to gain real-world skills."
A number of new Skills Bootcamps are due to begin this September, including:
The courses are free for eligible individuals. Small and medium-sized employers contribute just ten per cent of the course fee, while larger organisations contribute 30 per cent.
Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the programmes are designed to help address skills shortages while supporting adults to gain the qualifications and experience needed to advance their careers.
Those interested in finding out more about available Skills Bootcamps or booking a place can visit the Truro and Penwith College website.
Free Skills Bootcamps Offer Vital Career Pathways in Cornwall