Skills Bootcamps 2025/26
Gain industry-specific skills and boost your job prospects
What are Skills Bootcamps?
Berkshire Skills Bootcamps are free*, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks,
giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast track to interview with an employer upon completion.
Our Skills Bootcamps are open to all individuals aged 19 and over from all employment backgrounds and of any experience level, focusing on sectors that employers are actively looking to recruit.
Unemployed, recent graduate, career changer, or someone looking to upskill, Berkshire Skills Bootcamps are for you.
Scroll down to see our current Skills Bootcamps.
*Funding criteria and eligibility does apply. Click here for more. For Skills Bootcamps starting between 01/08/2025 and 31/03/2026, learners need to be born before 31/07/2006. Please click here for age eligibility criteria.
“As we enter our third year of delivering Skills Bootcamps, we take pride in the hundreds of participants whose career opportunities we’ve enhanced and those we’ve successfully helped re-enter the workforce.
Our team is excited to collaborate with new sectors, launch innovative Skills Bootcamps, and partner with local employers to address skills gaps and stimulate the local economy.” – Claire Bradbury, Skills Bootcamp Programme Manager.
bootcamp graduates
job interviews created
new job outcomes
For job seekers, job changers & upskillers
If you’re aged over 19 (born before 31/07/2006) and looking to change sectors or progress in your current industry, our free Skills Bootcamp could be your next step to a better job.
Skills Bootcamps will give you the skills you need to pursue a new profession, progress to additional education like an apprenticeship, or generate new opportunities if you’re self-employed.
These flexible courses last up to 16 weeks and allow you to gain the skills employers are looking for. You’ll also have a chance to fast-track your way to an interview with a local employer.
Berkshire Skills Bootcamps are available for those over 19 who are in work, self-employed, unemployed or returning to work after a break. You can see eligibility requirements here.
Scroll down to see all our current Skills Bootcamps.
For providers & employers
Skills Bootcamps are co-designed with employers to respond to skills shortages. You can work with our training providers to develop and deliver Skills Bootcamps to help you fill vacancies or interview and employ one of our Skills Bootcamps alumni.
There are no recruitment fees to employ one of our Skills Bootcamps alumni.
Skills Bootcamps may help your business by developing a skilled workforce, futureproofing your business by supporting new skills development, motivating your team by providing new opportunities to learn and by giving you access to participants who have successfully completed relevant Skills Bootcamps.
If you wish to upskill your own teams, as a business you will contribute a portion of funding (10% for SMEs, 30% for large employers), while the Department for Education covers the rest.
Scroll down to see our current Skills Bootcamps, or contact us to get involved.
For job seekers, job changers & upskillers
Scroll down for the full course list by sector below and sign up direct via the external course links. Alternatively get in touch and one of our team will contact you.
AI
AI For Business
AI is moving fast, and the people who understand how to use it now will be the ones who thrive tomorrow. Whether you run a small business, freelance or have a portfolio of clients, understanding how to use AI tools can create an impressive competitive edge, and this course shows you how to start using AI where it matters most.
Over 15 weeks, our online AI Skills Bootcamp will confidently walk you through everything you need to use AI in your job, business or career. From saving time on everyday tasks, to generating more sales leads, improving decision-making and driving innovation.
Commitment: 15 week course, weeks 2-14 online.
Business and Professional Services
Entrepreneur
More information to follow
Learn more & Apply >
Leadership and Management
Stepping into your first leadership, supervisory, or management role? Our Leadership & Management Skills Bootcamp in Berkshire is the perfect launchpad to help you thrive.
This programme equips you with the foundational knowledge, hands-on strategies, and vital techniques to lead with assurance, motivate your team and manage operations efficiently. Designed to sharpen essential leadership abilities – such as communication, team co-ordination and decision-making, this bootcamp can set you up for success in your new role.
Commitment:Fully online, group-led training and coaching sessions that incorporate a range of interactive activities to keep learning engaging and practical. Runs one day a week, from 9:30am to 4pm, across a 10-week period. The timetable includes regular breaks and a set lunch break to keep you refreshed and focused throughout the day.
Requirements: We’re looking for individuals with a genuine enthusiasm for leadership and management, and a strong commitment to building their skills through this Skills Bootcamp in Leadership and Management. You will need to have your own laptop/PC with a working camera and a strong internet signal to attend each session.
How you will be assessed:Certification of completion from Fareport Training & The Skills and Business Hub.
Learn more & Apply >
Project Management
This course will equip you with essential skills, tools, and techniques to keep projects on track and teams organised. Plus, you’ll gain the APM Project Management Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) to boost your career prospects. For a more detailed look at our Skills Bootcamp modules, please visit our website.
Commitment: Entirely online group-based training and coaching, featuring a variety of engaging, interactive exercises. Runs one day a week, from 9:30am to 4pm, across a 10-week period. The timetable includes regular breaks and a set lunch break to keep you refreshed and focused throughout the day.
Requirements: A strong interest in project management and a genuine commitment to developing your skills through the Skills Bootcamp is essential. During the programme, you’ll study the theory and key concepts required for the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification, leading up to a 60-minute exam.
Don’t worry, you’ll receive plenty of support, guidance, and expert coaching throughout. You will need to have your own laptop/PC with a working camera and a strong internet signal to attend each session.
How you will be assessed: Find out more about exams, assignments and assessments. You’ll complete weekly tasks and quizzes aligned to each topic to reinforce your learning. The course concludes with the final PFQ exam to assess your overall understanding.
Learn more & Apply >
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Construction
Construction
What will you learn –
- Manual Handling
- Environmental Awareness
- L1 Health and Safety Awareness including Screen Test and CSCS Card (green labourers card)
- Asbestos Awareness
- Abrasive Wheels including face fit
- Fire Marshal or First Aid
- Traffic Marshal
- Substance Misuse Awareness
- Effective Communication and Team Work
- Interview Techniques – for unemployed learners
- Job Search Techniques – for unemployed learners
- CV creation, update and tailoring – for unemployed learners
For employers looking to upskill they can select which of the above courses are most suited to their employees and they have the option of replacing the above industry courses with the following options should they more closely fit their skills gap needs:
- Working at Heights
- COSHH Awareness
- Hand-Arm Vibration
ATS will ensure that employers’ above selections, coupled with the courses in the chosen pathway below, meet the required minimum 60 GLHRs.
In addition to the above courses, learners will select a specific pathway based on their career goals:
- Pathway 1 = Excavations – 360 Excavator
- Pathway 2 = Groundworks – Forward Tipping Dumper and Ride on Roller
- Pathway 3 = Fork Lift Operations – Counterbalance and Telescopic Handler
Learn more & Apply >
Data
Data Analytics
Our comprehensive 12-week Data Analytics course transforms people with existing spreadsheet skills into job-ready data analysts. Through hands-on, practical training, you’ll build the technical capabilities and business understanding that employers in Reading and Berkshire actively seek.
The data skills gap continues to grow across all industries, creating exceptional opportunities for those who can effectively organise, analyse, and communicate insights from data. Our course focuses on the practical application of these skills in real business contexts, ensuring you graduate ready to add immediate value to employers.
Commitment: 12 week course, in person twice a week.
Requirements: A passion for data, problem solving and some previous experience with spreadsheets. This is not an introduction to spreadsheets – we’ll be building on existing knowledge to develop professional data analytics capabilities. You will need a laptop (we can provide one if you don’t own one) and a willingness to learn.
What will you learn: Data Foundations, Analysis Techniques, Data Visualisation & Communication, SQL & Database Skills, Introduction to Python.
How you will be assessed: Online assessments.
Data Citizen
This course is aimed to upskill those in employment only. It introduces data analytics fundamentals for domain experts looking to drive business impact through data-driven decisions. Key topics include descriptive statistics, data cleaning and analysis in Excel, and advanced visualisation with Power BI. Participants will also explore data readiness, business alignment, responsible data management practices, and GDPR compliance.
With hands-on exercises and a focus on practical application, this program equips professionals to align analytics initiatives with business goals and deliver actionable insights.
Commitment: 16 week course. Our approach blends practical learning with personalised guidance, offering you tailored support every step of the way. Learners on this course combined around 4 hours per week of self-directed study and 1 day per week as contact time with your tutor.
Requirements: No experience required, you will need access to a computer and internet connection, we recommend that the device has at least 4Gb RAM – 8Gb RAM is even better..
What will you learn: HTML Essentials; CSS Essentials; UX Essentials; Bootstrap: Core CSS & The Grid System; Bootstrap Walkthrough Project; Classroom Hackathon + Careers Workshop; JavaScript Iteration; JavaScript Walkthrough Project; API module conclusion; First Look at an RDBMS; PostgreSQL & Python; Django Frameworks.
How you will be assessed: This programme runs on a model of continuous assessment and group assignments via hackathons. There is a Final project in which learners develop a detailed data analysis project, including data sourcing, cleaning, analysis, visualisation, and reporting.
Learn more & Apply >
Digital
High Performance Full Stack Software Developer
This course is suitable for unemployed / independent learners only. The full-time training programme prepares learners for careers in the digital workforce as Software Developers, covering common technical skills, including the creation of interactive, front-end websites utilising industry-standard technologies, e.g., HTML, CSS and ES6 JavaScript; an understanding of creating and managing cloud-based databases natively and via an ORM, and full-stack web frameworks utilising Python. In addition, learners acquire job-ready skills, such as Agile team management, collaborative pair programming, verbal presentation skills, and immersive career coaching content, all of which ensure learners have both the technical knowledge and behavioural skills to succeed in the workplace.
Commitment: 16 week course, training is delivered entirely online, encompassing a combination of live delivery and self-directed study..
Requirements: No experience required, you will need access to a computer and internet connection, we recommend that the device has at least 4Gb RAM – 8Gb RAM is even better..
What will you learn: HTML Essentials; CSS Essentials; UX Essentials; Bootstrap: Core CSS & The Grid System; Bootstrap Walkthrough Project; Classroom Hackathon + Careers Workshop; JavaScript Iteration; JavaScript Walkthrough Project; API module conclusion; First Look at an RDBMS; PostgreSQL & Python; Django Frameworks.
How you will be assessed: Learners will complete two collaborative hackathon challenges. In addition to a stetch and challenge final capstone project. Each step will create a portfolio of work that can be shown to prospective employers and support future employment opportunities.
Digital Innovator
More information to follow
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Cyber Security
Whether you’re beginning a career in IT, overseeing digital systems, running a business, exploring a new professional direction, or actively looking for work, the Berkshire Cyber Security Skills Bootcamp can help you move forward. This programme equips you with essential knowledge and practical skills to recognise threats, safeguard data and manage cyber risks. You’ll also gain industry-recognised competencies that can enhance your CV and boost your prospects in the rapidly evolving cyber security field.
Commitment: The Skills Bootcamp in Cyber Security runs one day a week, typically from 9:30am to 4pm, across a 10-week period. Each day includes regular breaks and time set aside for lunch.
Requirements: A keen interest in Cyber Security and a strong dedication to building your skills through the programme is essential. Don’t worry, you’ll receive plenty of support, guidance, and expert coaching throughout. You will need to have your own laptop/PC with a working camera and a strong internet signal to attend each session.
What will you learn: Fully online, this group-based training & coaching experience includes a mix of dynamic, hands-on activities designed to keep you engaged and actively involved.
How you will be assessed: Work towards CompTIA Security+ industry recognised accreditation. Certificate of completion from Fareport Training & The Skills and Business Hub.
Learn more & Apply >
Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing
Our Digital Marketing Skills Bootcamp provides comprehensive, hands-on training for the self employed ready to launch new ventures or grow existing businesses. Whether you’ve got a brilliant business idea you’ve never acted on, want to turn a side hustle into something that pays the bills, or you’re a creative looking to sell more work – this course will equip you with the digital marketing skills you need to succeed.
Led by Louize, a business owner herself who understands exactly what you’re juggling, the course emphasises practical digital marketing strategies alongside fundamental business principles, ensuring you can find and serve customers effectively in today’s competitive landscape. The bootcamp runs twice weekly at our central Reading location, combining structured learning with individualised application to your specific business. This in-person format creates accountability, enables peer learning from other entrepreneurs, and provides direct access to experienced business mentors.
Commitment: 12 week course, in person twice a week.
Requirements: Ready to join our 12-week Digital Marketing Bootcamp? All you need is to be comfortable with everyday tech basics – like opening a laptop, sending emails, creating simple documents, and finding your way around Google! You will need a laptop (we can provide one if you don’t own one) and a willingness to learn.
What will you learn:Website Design & Optimisation, Social Media Strategy & Management, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Email Marketing & Newsletters, Content Marketing & Creation, Marketing Strategy & Implementation.
How you will be assessed: Online assessments.
Digital Marketing with AI
More information to follow
Learn more & Apply >
Education
Teaching Assistants – Supporting SEND needs in the Classroom
This 10-week Bootcamp in ‘Teaching Assistants – Supporting SEND needs in the classroom’ forms part of Activate Learning’s suite of Business Leadership & Management Bootcamps and is primarily aimed at those who are economically inactive, unemployed or career changers. Feedback from local schools also suggests that parents/guardians of existing school pupils may well be attracted to this course and for employment opportunities at their child’s school. This provision will be run by our Educator Academy, which delivers Teacher Training provision internally and externally including the appropriate apprenticeship provision.
Commitment: 10 week course, two online sessions a week, term time only.
Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths qualification, basic working IT knowledge.
What will you learn: The role of the Teaching Assistant in supporting SEND; Development and SEND (Typical and Atypical Development); The EHCP process and the role of the Teaching Assistant; Collaborative working: TAs and other professionals; Technology and resources for supporting SEND learners; Support strategies for TAs working 1:1 with SEND learners; Strategies for working with groups of SEND learners; Supporting holistic needs: emotional development and the role of the ELSA; Using teacher’s planning and adapting to support individual needs; Career opportunities and next steps for TAs.
Pathway to Accelerated Apprenticeships in Early Years
Accelerate your progress: This Skills Bootcamp offers you a unique, direct path, to our accelerated level 3 early years educator apprenticeship, saving you up to 6 months of learning time and helping you start your dream role much faster. Gain your paediatric first aid qualification, which is essential to work in an early years setting. You will be allocated a Career Coach who will work with you throughout your time on the Skills Bootcamp to provide you with support right up until your interview. Other topics that you will cover are safeguarding, EYFS, Child Development, communication and lots more!
Commitment: 6 week course. It is designed to be flexible and accessible. Whether you prefer face-to-face learning or online study, you’ll gain valuable experience and knowledge to prepare you for this next step.
Requirements: Working at a level 1 standard in Maths and English. You will need a laptop to attend your online classes.
Learn more & Apply >
Engineering
Engineering
This 10-week machining and bench fitting course is designed for engineers who wish to enhance their skills with basic machining techniques. The course covers topics such as hand and power tools, correct filing techniques, drill bit and cutter RPM for different materials, materials and properties.
Entry Requirments: Learners who enrol on the Skills Bootcamp should possess an engineering qualification at Level 3 or above. Learners with previous relevant work experience but no formal qualification will be considered on an individual basis. The ability to read technical drawings is needed. Any machining skills will be an advantage. Knowledge of mathematics at level 2 is essential.
What you will need: Safety glasses, steel toe cap boots and a dust coat/or lab coat. Please ensure that this a good fitting as you will be wearing it all day.
How you will learn: The programme includes learning technical drawing by hand, understanding of tolerances, and using measuring equipment like the Micrometre, Vernia height gauge and Vernia calliper, all analogue versions. Finally, you will learn how to operate machine tools such as centre lathe, milling machine, drill press, power band saw and surface grinder, and make components out of metal to a tolerance of 0.1mm or greater and internal and external threads.
How you will be assessed: Your progress is assessed through completion of components made to tolerance from a technical drawing.
Green Skills
Design and Installation of Air Source Heat Pump
This Skills Bootcamp is designed for candidates interested in energy efficiency and working or looking for work as an Energy assessor and desire to develop or improve their knowledge of retrofit in the construction industry. The Domestic Energy Assessor produces an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) using the most recent version of RdSAP when a building is sold or let and an accredited Assessor can deal with both the sales and lettings markets.
Commitment: 10 week course, combination of remote learning and face to face.
Requirements: Basic Skills Level 2 or above in any discipline. You will need a notebook and pen!
What will you learn: Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment and Level 2 Award in Retrofit.
How you will be assessed: Short answer exams, written assignments and portfolio.
Domestic Energy and Retrofit Assessor
This Skills Bootcamp is designed to give existing employed/self-employed as well as unemployed engineers the chance to acquire new knowledge in or improve their Air Source Heat Pump installation and maintenance skills and has been developed to the requirements of the National Occupational Standard Assessment Programme for individuals who wish to demonstrate competence in this field. This is coupled with the integration of Energy Efficiency and Sustainability qualification to support installers to aid clients with sustainable choices during installation.
Commitment: 10 week course, combination of remote learning and face to face.
Requirements: Minimum Level 2 in Plumbing, Gas, H&V and related profession or 3 years working experience in similar industry. You will need a notebook and pen!
What will you learn: Level 3 Award in the Installation & Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pumps and Level 1 Award in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability.
How you will be assessed: Online multiple choice plus practical assessments.
Domestic Ventilation Systems Design, Installation, Services and Maintenance
More information to follow
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Low Temperature Heating and Domestic Heat Networks
More information to follow
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Retrofit Assessment
More information to follow
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Retrofit Domestic Energy Assessment
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Retrofit – Wall Insulation
More information to follow
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Solar Photovoltaic and Electrical Energy Storage Systems design, installation, service and maintenance
More information to follow
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Sustainability and Carbon Management
This 10-week course provides simple, practical guidance on how you can embed sustainable practices within a business. Designed for individuals with a passion for sustainability, the course will give you the confidence you need to drive positive change. Each week covers essential sustainability topics through lectures, webinars, and group discussions, helping you build a comprehensive sustainability action plan.
Commitment: 10 week course, a face to face session week 1 and 10 with two online sessions weeks 2-9.
Requirements: Level 2 English and Maths qualification, basic working IT knowledge with an awareness and interest in Sustainability.
What will you learn: An Introduction to Sustainability; How sustainable is your business currently; Energy: Powering Down; Energy: Powering Up; Resource efficiency and waste; Transport; Sustainable supply chains; Stakeholder engagement; Certification, regulation and upcoming policy; Finalising your action plan.
Sales
Sales
More Sales = More Profit
What is one new customer worth to you per year? If you learned how to sell, how many customers do you think you could gain per month?
In today’s competitive business landscape, the ability to sell effectively is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or a corporate professional, your success hinges on your ability to persuade and influence others.
That’s where our online Sales Skills Bootcamp comes in.
Commitment: 16 week course online starting 4 September 2025, weeks 1 and 16 are held in person at the Village Hotel, Bracknell.
Learn more & Apply >
Register your Interest
For providers & employers
Employers recruiting Skills Bootcamps graduates have saved an estimated £887,000 in recruitment fees!
All subject to availability.
Engineering
The programme includes learning technical drawing by hand, understanding of tolerances, and using measuring equipment like the Micrometre, Vernia height gauge and Vernia calliper, all analogue versions. Learners will understand how to operate machine tools such as centre lathe, milling machine, drill press, power band saw and surface grinder, and make components out of metal to a tolerance of 0.1mm or greater and internal and external threads.
Upon completion of this Skills Bootcamps course, learners will have a solid understanding of machining and bench fitting techniques and will be able to apply this knowledge to improve their job performance.
Do your engineers have an identified Skills Gap which could be addressed through a 60-hour Skills Bootcamp delivered by a local education provider? Get in touch with one of our team today!
Digital Skills
“The Data Analytics Skills Bootcamp was amazing! We covered all areas of Data Analysis from research to cleaning data and finally visualising data in Tableau. The course provides everything you need to start in Data Analysis.” – Graduate in Data Analytics
The Skills Bootcamp in Data Analytics provided by The Curious Academy is designed for career success with:
- Industry-Curated Curriculum: Learn the latest data analytics skills that employers actually need and want. Our content is co-created with experts in the field.
- Real-World Projects: Develop critical soft skills and build your portfolio through project work.
- Ongoing Support: Access to our study zone for six month after completing the program. Plus, join our graduate peer network for continued learning and networking.
- Convenient Schedule: Attend classes in-person just 1 day per week. Complete additional live virtual sessions weekly from the comfort of home.
Other courses include Digital Marketing provided by The Curious Academy, Software Development provided by Code Institute and Cyber Security provided by Activate Learning.
Did you know Skills Bootcamps may be the perfect way to find a new recruit? Get in touch today with one of our team for the chance to speak to our recent graduates.
Green Skills
Windsor Forest College Group have opened a Green Skills Academy which focuses on developing skills in green technologies to help businesses grow. They are offering three Skills Bootcamps in this priority sector: Electrical Installation and Ventilation, Plumbing and Heating Renewable Technology and Retrofit.
If any of your plumbing or electrician team would benefit from further Skills supporting Berkshire in progress towards net zero, please contact our team…
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