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County councils

East Sussex Secures £2.6m Government Funding for Skills Bootcamp Programme

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

East Sussex County Council has partnered with the Department for Education to launch the Skills Bootcamp programme, a £2.6m government funding boost aimed at providing adults with sector-specific and professional skills training. Available for the first time in East Sussex, the scheme offers flexible vocational courses for self-employed individuals, employees, and the unemployed, with courses ranging from level 2 (GCSE) to level 5 (foundation degree level). The programme is designed to address local skills gaps, support local businesses, and move people from unemployment into work.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Skills Bootcamp programme is a £2.6m government funding boost secured by East Sussex County Council.
  • The scheme offers flexible vocational courses for self-employed individuals, employees, and the unemployed, with courses ranging from level 2 (GCSE) to level 5 (foundation degree level).
  • The courses are open to anyone aged 19 or over living or working in East Sussex and are free of charge for unemployed people.
  • Employers only need to make a small contribution to the course cost for their staff, an investment that will pay dividends in increased efficiency and skills.
  • The programme addresses key local skills gaps across various sectors, including construction, engineering, digital skills, and more.
  • On completion of a Skills Bootcamp course, those who are unemployed or looking to change career are guaranteed a job interview with an employer for a current vacancy.
  • The programme is designed to support local businesses, move people from unemployment into work, and provide opportunities for individuals to access expensive, professional training free of charge or for a small contribution from their employer.

Statistics:

  • £2.6m: The government funding boost secured by East Sussex County Council for the Skills Bootcamp programme.
  • £3,500 to £5,500: The value of the courses, inclusive of training and materials, for the majority of candidates.
  • 16 weeks: The maximum duration of the courses.
  • 10%: The contribution required from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) towards the course cost.
  • 30%: The contribution required from larger employers with over 250 employees.
  • 19: The minimum age for eligibility to participate in the programme.

Sources:

  • East Sussex County Council
  • UK Government

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