£3.9M Investment Launches Skills Bootcamps to Strengthen Cornwall’s Workforce

The funding will support the expansion of Skills Bootcamps delivered by Truro and Penwith College, designed to equip adults in Cornwall with in-demand skills and fast-track them into high-growth sectors and meet the region’s evolving skills needs.

The College’s latest Skills Bootcamps form part of the Department for Education’s national initiative and mark the continuation of a successful programme that has already supported more than 200 adult learners since 2021.

Now in its sixth wave and underpinned by local investment, the initiative aims to strengthen Cornwall’s workforce and support economic growth through targeted, employer-led training.

Charli Styles, Head of Future Skills at Truro and Penwith College, said:

“Having seen the incredible impact that Skills Bootcamps have made on career development opportunities for local Adult Learners and partner businesses, Truro and Penwith College is delighted to have been awarded additional capacity to deliver Skills Bootcamps by Cornwall Council.

The new summer offer of Skills Bootcamps spans a range of key sectors and skills needs, and we are excited about the potential of these, and hopefully further future Skills Bootcamps, to make a real difference to people in the Duchy.”

These intensive, employer-backed training programmes are aligned with Cornwall’s economic priority areas, focusing on sectors facing critical workforce shortages. The College’s expanded offer includes five programmes: Property Maintenance, Digital Marketing, Welding, Clinical Pathways for Primary Care, and Future Leaders.

To help potential learners explore their options, the College is hosting free Taster Days for each programme, an opportunity to meet tutors, experience course content, and assess suitability.

Open to adults aged 19 and over, the Bootcamps are fully funded or low-cost depending on the learner’s employment status or the size of the participating business.

Jobseekers are guaranteed a job interview with a local employer upon completion, while those in work can gain valuable new skills to progress their careers.

Thanks to funding from the Department for Education, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are only required to cover 10% of course fees, while larger organisations contribute 30%. For independent or self-employed learners seeking re-training or upskilling, the programme is fully funded.

Comprehensive details regarding course fees can be found on the Application Page.

Anyone seeking advice and support is encouraged to contact Truro and Penwith College’s Future Skills Institute Adult Learning Team on 01872 308000 or futureskills@truro-penwith.ac.uk.

Photo: Hotel Director, Veryan Palmer, Guest Lecturer At Future Leaders Skills Bootcamp Course.