• Swindon & Wiltshire Education, training and skills
• Wednesday July 2 2025

West invests record £11.3 million to boost skills

Over £11 million has been awarded to local training providers and employers across the West of England for Skills Bootcamps – the largest investment the region has ever received for the scheme.

Around 3,300 local people are expected to benefit from free, flexible courses available in sectors including digital, creative and culture, health, and logistics.

Skills Bootcamps offer this training for up to 16 weeks, with participants fast-tracked to an interview with a local employer or able to secure progression in their existing role.

The funding, secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, will allow for the expansion of existing training programmes and the introduction of new courses in key sectors.

The Bootcamps help local people to gain the skills they need to thrive in industries across the West and meet growing demand across the region from businesses.

Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said: “This is a significant investment in people’s futures across our region: record funding that will open doors for thousands of residents, giving them the chance to gain the skills they need to get a better-paid job.

“We’ve already seen great results, with 87 per cent of recent learners supported by their employers to attend a Skills Bootcamp furthering their careers.

“The West of England has the strongest recent economic growth of any combined authority region thanks to our workers and our businesses. People here are ambitious and want to build better futures for themselves and their families.”

Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said: “Funding on this scale is going to make a significant difference in supporting Bristolians to develop skills that are relevant for our city’s key business sectors and therefore improve their opportunities for employment and progression.

“It’s a win-win situation for local employers and those seeking employment or looking to learn more in a specific sector.

“With Skills Bootcamp offering courses for those aged 19 and over, this initiative will complement our involvement in the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer helping young people across Bristol into work, education and training.”

Funding has been approved in the following areas, with a further £0.4 million remaining:

• Professional services: £2.8 million
• Digital: £2.3 million
• Creative and culture (including visitor economy and hospitality): £2 million
• Logistics: £1.9 million
• Construction in the built environment: £1.5 million
• Early years, education and training, and health: £0.4 million
• Advanced manufacturing and engineering: £0.3 million