The highly successful Hampshire Skills Bootcamps programme is set to run again for a third year, thanks to funding of £7 million secured by Hampshire County Council from the Department for Education (DfE) – almost double that of the previous year.

This funded, fast-track training benefits Hampshire’s residents aged 19 and over, enabling job seekers, as well as those in work to gain further training, while employers across the county can benefit from upskilling their workforce. Based on local employer demand and the skill-sets currently in short supply, the Bootcamps provide a direct path to employment upon completion, with a guaranteed job interview at the end of each course for those who are unemployed.

Councillor Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council said: “The Bootcamps are a brilliant way to help local people – whether already in employment or seeking work – gain skills for life, while meeting the needs of industries and businesses across Hampshire. This extra £7 million funding we’ve secured for an additional year will further develop the local workforce increasing Hampshire’s productivity by helping businesses fill specific vacancies, where currently they may be struggling to recruit appropriately qualified staff.

“Creating opportunities for residents to access training and learn the skills needed by industry is just one way we’re working with valued partners to boost the economy and enable Hampshire to prosper. Over the last two years, Skills Bootcamps training has given hundreds of working adults confidence in their abilities and helped advance their careers for a more secure future for themselves and their families.”

The latest round of funding will enable training to be offered to at least 1,750 learners to study across a variety of subject areas, including AI, leadership and management, teaching assistant, data analytics, and B2B sales. All courses are flexible and include a minimum of 60 hours of learning across a maximum 16-week period.

Residents in Hampshire can benefit from this learning and development training offer by simply signing up for a course and completing at least 60 hours of learning over a period of up to 16 weeks. The courses are flexible with learning planned to fit around professional and family commitments allowing people in different circumstances to gain the skills employers are looking for.

For most Skills Bootcamp courses, no previous knowledge in the subject is needed. Courses can be classroom-based, on-the-job or online and unemployed participants are guaranteed a job interview at the end of their course.

More information and guidance is available for residents and businesses online at hants.gov.uk/business/skillsbootcamp, including how to find a course and how to apply.

For those who need help deciding on suitable courses, an online National Careers Service Skills Assessment is available to establish an individual’s existing skills and match them to potential careers.

In 2024/25, the County Council enrolled over 1,000 learners onto the Bootcamps in project management, digital marketing, data analytics, coding, construction, early years, health and social care, hospitality, film and TV, engineering, and green skills – such as installing residential heat pumps, and electric vehicle repair and maintenance.