Enterprising Cumbria Skills Bootcamps empower local workforce
Enterprising Cumbria's innovative Skills Bootcamp Programme has reached an incredible milestone of 1,000 learners!
The achievement marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide accessible, high-quality training to individuals seeking to enhance their skills and career opportunities in today's rapidly changing job market.
Launched in 2022, the Skills Bootcamp Programme was designed to empower learners with the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in high-demand industries. Through a combination of hands-on training, expert-led workshops, and real-world projects, participants have gained the expertise necessary to succeed in fields such as project management, digital marketing, construction, green skills and more.
The programme’s success has been driven by its flexible and accessible format, which caters to a wide range of learners, from recent graduates to mid-career professionals. Skills Bootcamps are designed to be completed in just 16 weeks, allowing participants to quickly upskill or reskill and enter the job market with confidence.
The Skills Bootcamps initiative provides fully-funded, flexible training programmes aimed at upskilling employees and job seekers, enabling them to develop employer-demanded skills.
These intensive courses are delivered at Levels 2 to 5 through online, face-to-face, or blended learning methods. This initiative forms a core part of the Government's Lifetime Skills Guarantee, helping to bridge skills gaps, support recruitment, and boost career prospects within the local workforce.
A shining example of the success of these Skills Bootcamps is the journey of Jim Carey, a driver at WM Armstrong Group. Through Enterprising Cumbria’s Skills Bootcamps and with support from SP Training, Jim undertook training to become a Low Carbon Driver Champion - equipping him with the skills to train and develop WM Armstrong’s drivers to higher standards with a focus on environmental efficiency.
Jim’s personal development through the programme has been transformative. Not only has the company invested in him, boosting his confidence and professionalism, but Jim has also been able to mentor and coach new drivers - an area that had previously been lacking at WM Armstrong.
“Jim is a very conscientious driver and a big believer in driver development and training along with training up of new drivers so that we can have the ‘next generation’ of drivers to keep this industry operating.” Said a spokesperson from WM Armstrong.
“While Jim was very driven in relation to supporting existing drivers in his role as a Driver Champion within the WM Armstrong group, we were conscious that we as a company were not fully tapping into Jim’s knowledge, experience and commitment on driver development. With that we embarked on developing Jim via SP Training & Enterprising Cumbria’s Skills Bootcamps to become our Low Carbon Driver Champion and for Jim then to train and develop our own internal drivers to a higher standard and more environmentally efficient.”
“We are extremely proud to celebrate this milestone of 1,000 learners,” said Kelly McAlone, Skills Bootcamp Programme Lead of Enterprising Cumbria “Our goal has always been to create an inclusive and dynamic learning environment where individuals can build the skills they need to thrive in their careers. Reaching this number is a testament to the dedication of our learners, the passion of our service providers including the University of Cumbria, our local Colleges, Independent Training Providers, and the support of our partners.”
The hard work and commitment Jim has demonstrated has put Wm Armstrong in a very good position in helping develop and grow the driver pool and the driver standards while at the same time also aiding the business in its commitment to attain environmental targets in relation to improved fuel efficiencies and reduction in carbon emissions.
Enterprising Cumbria remains dedicated to supporting local businesses and learners through targeted skills training, driving growth, innovation, and sustainable development in the region’s workforce.
Find out more about Enterprising Cumbria’s Skills Bootcamps here: https://enterprisingcumbria.org.uk/training-and-skills-support