The government has announced plans to transform the training and skills system in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire in a bid to make it fit for the 21st century economy and help the country build back better from coronavirus.
In the written Ministerial statement released yesterday afternoon, the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been confirmed as one of three regions that will deliver an extension of the government’s Skills Bootcamps programme.
The programme will be funded by the Department for Education and developed locally by the D2N2 LEP working with local employers, providers and local authorities.
Skills Bootcamps are short flexible courses of around 12 weeks that have been designed to give people the opportunity to build up their digital skills and fast-track them to an interview with a local employer.
The courses are not for digital experts – participants need a good grasp of the English language and a willingness to learn new skills. The training programme has been developed with local employers and participants who complete the programme will have the opportunity of an employer interview and support to apply for relevant jobs.
The scheme is open to anyone aged 19+ in these local areas, whether they’re looking for work, already in work, or are returning to work after some time out. Courses are particularly being designed to encourage more women into digital roles and training will fit flexibly around existing commitments.
Recruitment for the Skills Bootcamps will start on 7th December, and the courses must be completed by the end of March 2021.
Elizabeth Fagan CBE, Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership said: “Delivering and increasing skills at all levels is critical to our region’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and our long-term growth.
“Training in the skills of the future and the skills we know our employers want and need is an important way to help our communities and our people bounce back into employment quickly.
“Today’s announcement will complement the many local schemes that are already up and running across our region. I would urge anyone who is out of work or who is concerned about their future employment, to please see what training and course options are available through the D2N2 website.”
Delivery of this work will be undertaken by a partnership of 10 providers, each with differing specialisms, industry links or geographical focus.