Buckinghamshire’s Skills Bootcamps exceeding national performance benchmarks

Buckinghamshire Council’s Skills Bootcamps programme is successfully supporting an ever growing numbers of residents, helping them to gain vital skills for employment, targeting skills gaps in local communities and helping to drive economic growth within the county.

A report presented to Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet today (Tuesday 16 December) outlined the success of the programme which has exceeded national targets for the past three years.

Skills Bootcamps offer up to 16 weeks of free, flexible training in areas such as digital, construction, creative industries, green skills, childcare, hospitality, catering, and leadership. They form part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, first started in 2021, providing learners with a guaranteed job interview or confirmation of career progression upon completion.

Since taking responsibility for delivering Skills Bootcamps in Buckinghamshire in July 2023, the Council has secured £7.5 million in national funding across three waves of bootcamp delivery. The most recent full year of successful bootcamps achieved exceptional results:

• 98% of places on their bootcamps were filled (national target: 75%)
• 86% of those who enrolled completed the training (national target: 70–75%)
• 72% of participants secured employment (national target: 70–75%)

Of the 405 learners tracked after they completed their training, 249 have successfully gained employment, including roles in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence and cyber security. The programme has also enabled people to become self-employed and to progress in their current career, reinforcing the role of Skills Bootcamps as a driver of Buckinghamshire’s Economic Growth Plan.

Feedback demonstrates how the programme is helping individuals to build confidence, gain relevant skills and take meaningful steps towards employment. One learner shared: “The course has given me the tools and motivation to pursue a new career path – I feel much more confident now”. Another commented: “The tutor was incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. I’ve learned so much in a short time and feel ready to apply for jobs in the field.”

Reflecting on the success of the programme, Buckinghamshire Council Leader Steven Broadbent said:

“Skills Bootcamps are transforming lives and strengthening our local economy. By equipping residents with the skills employers need most, we’re creating real opportunities for people to progress in their careers while helping businesses thrive. The outstanding results we’ve achieved show the power of partnership and innovation in tackling skills gaps.”

Steven added: “We are grateful to the education partners working with us to run the courses, providing the expertise and knowledge to upskill our residents, helping them to achieve their career goals and shaping a skilled and resilient workforce for the future.”

Skills Bootcamp courses are running now; to qualify you simply need to be aged 19 or over and live in Buckinghamshire. For more information and how to apply, visit: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/skillsbootcamps