Transforming Skills and Lives Through Upskilling
The Skills and Business Hub’s Skills Bootcamps Wave 4 (2023/24) have delivered outstanding results for both participants and employers across Berkshire. Our digital impact report reveals how these innovative programmes are addressing critical skills gaps in Berkshire while providing valuable upskilling and reskilling opportunities for individuals looking to advance their career path or transition into new sectors. The report comprises of key statistics and case studies from participants and other stakeholders who engaged with the Berkshire Skills Bootcamps throughout 2023/24.
Addressing SME Skills Gaps Through Targeted Employment Training
The latest Edge Foundation Skills Shortage Bulletin reveals alarming trends in the UK’s skills landscape, with skills gap vacancies doubling between 2017-2022 to over 500,000 positions. For training providers and employers invested in Berkshire Skills Bootcamps this “skills crisis” represents a critical opportunity to demonstrate their value. Berkshire LEP has identified local priorities for Skills Bootcamps, built strong partnerships with trusted delivery partners, and effectively managed programmes to ensure maximum impact. The initiative supports Berkshire’s ‘good growth, good jobs’ economy while promoting lifelong learning throughout communities and directly addressing the need for “stronger support for apprenticeships, vocational training, and digital upskilling to meet future job demands,” identified as essential by the Edge Foundation.
Jack Hammond, Skills Bootcamps Programme Coordinator, explains what makes the Berkshire Skills Bootcamp programmes stand out:
The Berkshire Skills Bootcamps really shine because they offer genuine opportunities for people to upskill, reskill, and land meaningful jobs. By working closely with employers, training providers, and learners, we make sure the courses are relevant to the industry and lead to actual job opportunities or career growth. The programme is flexible, making it accessible to a wide range of people. Plus, our partnerships with expert training providers guarantee a high-quality learning experience that helps participants gain skills for life.
Sector-Specific Skills Meeting Industry Demands
The Skills and Business Hub have carefully coordinated their Skills Bootcamps to align with growth sectors, ensuring that participants gain sector-specific skills that are in high demand. Local companies work with training providers to help them design, develop and deliver Skills Bootcamps to help fill vacancies. This targeted approach creates a direct pathway from training and development to employment, benefiting both learners and local businesses while supporting economic growth across Berkshire.
The digital impact report highlights the advantage for Berkshire businesses to get involved. Employers can use the Skills Bootcamps to build a highly-skilled workforce, future-proof their business, and inspire and motivate their teams for long-term success. Berkshire Skills Bootcamps focus on developing not just technical abilities but also essential workplace qualities like building resilience and adaptability. In today’s rapidly changing employment landscape, these attributes are increasingly valued by employers seeking candidates who can navigate uncertainty and embrace continuous learning.
Another key focus of the Berkshire Skills Bootcamps is developing critical thinking and problem solving skills that transcend specific roles. These transferable skills make participants more versatile and valuable in the workplace, in addition to their sector-specific skills. The problem solving process taught during the Skills Bootcamps equips learners to approach workplace challenges with an open-minded perspective, enabling them to make informed decisions in their professional lives.
Our training providers recognise the importance of emotional intelligence in the modern workplace. The benefits of upskilling through these programmes extend far beyond immediate employment, providing participants with a foundation for long-term career success. Participants develop communication, collaboration, and leadership skills that complement their technical knowledge, creating well-rounded professionals ready to contribute effectively in team environments.
Why This Impact Report Matters
Jack Hammond further explains the purpose behind creating this impact report:
The team is dedicated, friendly, and passionate about making a real difference. Everyone is focused on helping learners succeed, building strong relationships with employers, and making sure the program runs smoothly. It’s a fast-paced, dynamic environment, but there’s also a real sense of teamwork and shared purpose.
We want to celebrate our successes by highlighting the impact we’ve made by helping people gain valuable skills and find employment. This report also recognises our partners by acknowledging the vital role our training providers and employers play in making the program a success. Together, we’re showing how investing in skills development helps strengthen the local economy to support Berkshire’s growth and build a sustainable workforce.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Opportunities
The Skills and Business Hub are expanding collaboration with diverse participants and employers for upcoming waves of Skills Bootcamps. This continued investment in skills development reinforces our commitment to addressing evolving workforce needs and creating pathways to meaningful employment for community members and participants looking to achieve new career goals.
Would you like to be part of this empowering initiative?
Discover how Skills Bootcamps are transforming Berkshire’s workforce and how you can get involved by reading the full impact report here> Skills Bootcamps Impact Report 2023/24 | Berkshire Opportunities
Skills Bootcamps are free*, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks for people aged 19 and above, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and an offer of an interview with an employer upon completion (or generate new opportunities for you if you are self-employed.