WHEN Tom Mann first heard about the Skills Bootcamps funded by the Government, he knew he wanted to get with the programme.
After university, Tom struggled to find his feet. He was working as a kitchen porter, but his heart was never really in it.
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“I would be in work peeling potatoes and loading dishwashers, and while the team were great, I had this feeling there was another career out there for me,” says Tom, 31, from Halifax, West Yorkshire.
During his search for a new position, Tom noticed that a lot of well-paid jobs were available in computer programming. So he borrowed a few relevant books from the library and taught himself the basics of coding. “It was interesting – like learning a new language,” he says.
Still, without professional training or experience, Tom lacked the confidence to apply for programming jobs. Then he saw an advert for a three-month Skills Bootcamp in coding.
Skills Bootcamps are Government-funded courses of up to 16 weeks for adults in England aged 19 or over who are either in work or recently unemployed. The courses provide the opportunity to learn skills in sectors ranging from digital to construction and HGV driving. They are aimed at people seeking a career change, like Tom, and workers who want to climb the career ladder in sectors they’re already in.
Tom’s Skills Bootcamp was provided by training and recruitment experts The Coders Guild. The twice-weekly sessions, each lasting up to three hours, were online, which suited Tom.
“All the classes were recorded, so if I missed one due to work, I could catch up later,” Tom says. “That flexibility was really useful. I built two websites to show prospective employers and share on LinkedIn.”
The aim of Skills Bootcamps is to help participants fast-track into their relevant industry. After receiving his completion certificate in April 2021, Tom was invited on to a two-year apprenticeship as a software developer with Dedalus Group. As apprenticeships are funded by the Government and the employer, he receives free tuition towards a Level 4 qualification, equivalent to a foundation degree, as well as a competitive wage and employee benefits such as holiday pay.
“I’m learning every day,” Tom says. “Dedalus builds healthcare software, so it’s very rewarding. With the right skills, you won’t be short of a job in IT – it’s an exciting industry full of opportunity.”
As well as access to Skills Bootcamps, the Government is also offering more people like Tom the keys to success with the launch of new Higher Technical Qualifications. HTQs are higher than an A Level or T Level but below a degree and are designed alongside industry experts so they equip students with the skills and knowledge employers need. The first HTQs in digital will be available from September 2022 at colleges and universities, with courses in construction, health and science to follow in 2023.
If you’re not sure which opportunity might be right for you, the National Careers Service provides free, personalised advice and guidance to help you take the next step towards achieving your goals.
For more information about these courses and other training schemes, visit gov.uk/skillsforlife
