£1.5m Skills Bootcamp Boost for Middlesbrough College: A Game Changer for Tees Valley Businesses

In today’s fast-moving, technology-driven economy, upskilling is no longer a choice but a necessity. Recognising this need, Middlesbrough College has secured a £1.5 million investment, initially sourced from the Department for Education as part of a Skills Bootcamp pilot known as ‘Project S’, and supplemented by additional funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA). This dual funding stream provides a significant boost to Skills Bootcamp offerings, supporting a wide range of local industries.

The up to 16-week programmes focus on upskilling the local workforce in critical areas such as digital marketing, electric vehicle maintenance and welding. For Tees Valley businesses, this initiative offers a unique opportunity to address current skill shortages and future-proof operations.

Moreover, the Skills Bootcamps can be leveraged to recruit new entrants to the business, equipping candidates with the specific skills required to seamlessly step into vacancies. Co-created by employers and colleges, the bootcamps are designed to be flexible and effective, ensuring that participants gain the practical skills needed to excel in their roles within the organisation.

Collaboration with Local Businesses

The £1.5 million funding allows Middlesbrough College to offer training at Levels 3, 4 and 5 across a range of industries. Crucially, these bootcamps are developed in partnership with local businesses, offering bespoke training solutions that directly address the workforce needs of each company.

James Barwick, Head of Business Development at Middlesbrough College, emphasises the programme’s flexibility: “Our skills bootcamps are designed with flexibility in mind, offering employers and learners the chance to upskill in a delivery model that suits all, while balancing work and personal commitments “

This flexible delivery model is essential for industries such as manufacturing and engineering, where withdrawing employees from production to upskills can be costly. Skills Bootcamps offer an opportunity to design a programme that works for the employer and employee, enabling workers to acquire new skills while remaining on the job.

Upskilling the Existing Workforce

For businesses seeking to recruit brand-new candidates from a bootcamp, the programme is fully funded with no contribution from the employer required. However, if a business is using the programme to upskill its existing workforce, there is a 10% cost for businesses with fewer than 250 employees, and a 30% cost for businesses with over 250 employees. The cost of the bootcamp is variable, dependent upon the content and duration.

Middlesbrough College has already started working with companies to co-create bespoke bootcamps. It is also an opportunity for groups of employers to work together in a particular sector, to develop the required skills in the workforce.

Targeting Key Growth Sectors

As Tees Valley attracts investment in advanced manufacturing, many employers require skilled welders, where there is currently a shortage of these skills. The welding bootcamp will prepare the workforce to meet future demand and help businesses maintain their competitive edge.

One success story from this bootcamp is Daniel Basham, who recently secured a position with Lionweld Kennedy Group. After completing the programme, Daniel gained several qualifications, including the L3 Certificate in Welding and Welding Coding Procedures.

Alison Rock, HR Manager at Lionweld Kennedy Group, praised Daniel’s readiness for the job. She said: “Daniel has been a great addition to our team. The training he received at Middlesbrough College Adult and Community Learning has prepared him well, and we believe he will do very well in his role.”

Upcoming bootcamps in process technology, electrical inspection and testing and digital marketing also reflect the region’s priorities. With Tees Valley positioning itself as a leader in green technology and digital innovation, these programmes will ensure the region has the skilled workforce necessary for continued growth.

Click here to find out more about Skills Bootcamps