Skills Bootcamps are short, flexible training courses that are free for eligible adults aged 19 or above. They are designed to help you gain in-demand skills that can lead to a new job, career progression, or retraining in a different sector. These programmes are funded through the government's National Skills Fund.
Delivered through Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA), our Skills Bootcamps provide practical, job-focused training in sectors where employers need skilled workers.
What are skills bootcamps?
Skills Bootcamps are short, intensive training programmes lasting up to 16 weeks. They help you build the practical skills and knowledge needed in growing industries.
Courses are created with employers so you learn real-world skills that can help you move into work, progress in your current role, or retrain in a new sector.
When you complete a Skills Bootcamp, you will be guaranteed an interview with an employer in the same sector as your training.
Bootcamps available with BESA
BESA offers Skills Bootcamps in several sectors.
Early years
Our Early Years Skills Bootcamps are delivered by the BESA team and designed with local early years employers. They help you develop the skills you need to start or grow a career in early years education and childcare.
Find out about upcoming early years skills bootcamps
Other sectors
We also work with trusted training providers to offer Skills Bootcamps in areas including:
- digital - such as AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics
- construction and engineering
- health and social care
- hospitality and catering
These programmes help you gain the technical and professional skills needed to progress in these expanding sectors.
You can browse all available Skills Bootcamps on our course directory.
Who can apply?
You can apply for a Skills Bootcamp if you live in Central Bedfordshire or Bedford Borough and you are:
- aged 19 or above
- unemployed, self-employed or employed
- looking to gain new skills, change careers or progress at work