We’re excited to announce that in February we will be running our first Skills Bootcamps. These 12-week programmes are for individuals who are able to work at Level 3 and above (this is broadly in line with A-Levels) and who are looking to change career, enter employment or advance in their current role. The aim is for participants to gain valuable skills and knowledge that will provide them with a fantastic base to move into new employment opportunities. Skills Bootcamp participants could be employed, unemployed or self-employed.

 We are offering Skills Bootcamps in the following three sectors:  

• Project Management for Construction: providing participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage projects, including initiating a project, project planning, and delivery.
• Digital Marketing: participants will learn how to define, design, build, and implement digital marketing campaigns across various online and social media platforms.
• Early Years: participants will gain a solid foundation in safeguarding, supporting children with special educational needs and child development in theory and practice. 

As an employer Skills Bootcamps could support your workforce recruitment and development in the following ways:

New hires: 
If you are seeking new hires in one of the above sectors, we can match you with individuals undertaking one of our bootcamps. By offering them an interview for a current or pending vacancy, you are supporting them to not only achieve their programme but also move into new employment.  This new employment could be further supported with an ACL apprenticeship programme at either level 3 or 4.

New recruits:
A Skills Bootcamp could be used as a 12-week recruitment and induction programme for new recruits into your business. This is a model being adopted by some larger firms in the UK. If you’re considering a bulk recruitment campaign a bootcamp could be tailored to your specific need.
 
Existing staff:
Investing in existing staff can be a great way to increase productivity and instil a sense of value in the workforce. Although Skills Bootcamps aren’t free for your existing employees, they could be a great way to upskill staff that are showing potential and interest in moving into new opportunities. You’ll pay between £432 and £1476 depending on the Skills Bootcamp and the size of your organisation. 

Find out more about ACL’s skills bootcamps and how they can support your business here or email skills.bootcamps@essex.gov.uk