WHAT ARE SKILLS BOOTCAMPS?
Skills Bootcamps provide flexible hands-on training courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer or progress in their current workplace. For employers, they give you the opportunity to upskill existing employees or recruit from a talent-pool of recently trained individuals to fill vacancies.
Training is part of the Skills for Life fund by the Department for Education and developed locally by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, working closely with local employers and training providers.
LCR SKILLS BOOTCAMP COURSES
This round of Skills Bootcamps finishes shortly. A New programme will be announced in the Spring with further training available from May 2026.
Some Skills Bootcamps will require learners to have certain pre-requisites which training providers will detail. Individuals are only eligible to attend one Skills Bootcamp per funding period.
| Skills Bootcamp | Training Provider | Information | Enquire |
| Early Years – Maths for Early Years Settings | Kids Planet Day Nurseries | This Skills Bootcamp is designed to give early years practitioners the skills and knowledge to be able to support children with maths. You’ll explore how young children develop mathematical thinking, learn to use playful, evidence-informed approaches, and gain tools to plan, assess, and reflect on meaningful learning experiences. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to nurture confident, curious, and capable young mathematicians — while reducing maths anxiety for both children and adults. 10 weeks Part time Blended learning – L18 1HQ | Enquire Here |
| Logistics – International Freight Forwarding | TRS Training | This Skills Bootcamp is designed to give learner the skills and knowledge to gain roles in the freight and logistics sector. Training will be an ideal foundation for gaining employment in the freight forwarding sector or for businesses to upskill their staff to industry standards for the movement of freight. i.e. importing and exporting. This online course is exclusively available through TRS, with two of the modules delivered by the British International Freight Association (BIFA). 8 Weeks Part time Online | Enquire Here |
| Digital – Digital Marketing (Upskilling) | Bauer Academy | This Skills Bootcamp is designed to give learners the skills and knowledge to develop their understanding of digital marketing. Training will help professionals build practical expertise in content creation, SEO, campaign strategy, analytics, and emerging trends like AI. Learners gain hands-on experience in marketing strategy, consumer behaviour, communication, and data analysis. This programme will build confidence and capability to drive business results and career growth. This Skills Bootcamp is aimed at those with some prior knowledge or looking to be upskilled by their employer. For more information, please contact the training provider. Part time 12 weeks Blended learning – L3 4AD | Enquire Here |
| Professional Services – Civil Service Officer | USP | This Skills Bootcamp is designed to give learners the skills and knowledge to gain roles in the Civil Service at Administrative Officer or Executive Officer level. Training will include understanding the Civil Service values and behaviours, essential digital business skills, and security, confidentiality and legislation. Full time 2 weeks In person – L16 | Enquire Here |
| Construction – Streetworks Operative | SB Skills | This Skills Bootcamp is designed to give learners the skills and knowledge to gain roles as streetwork operatives or supervisors. Training will include the CABWI New Road and Streetworks operative or supervisor, Emergency First Aid at Work, Manual Handling and Abrasive Wheels. Part time 2 weeks In person – L40 4BP | Enquire Here |
| Construction – Site Management | SB Skills | This Skills Bootcamp is designed to give learners the skills and knowledge to gain roles at construction site managers. Training will include the CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS), Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) and Temporary Works Coordinator. Learners should already hold or be operating at site supervisor level and looking to upskill to site management level. Part time 2 weeks In person – WN8 8EF | Enquire Here |
| Construction – Site Supervision | Construction Helpline | This Skills Bootcamp is designed to give learners the skills and knowledge to gain roles as construction site supervisors. Training will include CITB Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS), BIM, modern methods of construction awareness and mental health awareness. Learners should have experience in the construction sector with either a trade qualification or equivalent experience and looking to progress to the next level. Part time 8 weeks Blended learning – Venue TBC | Enquire Here |
| Green – Renewables (Electrical) | Hybrid Technical Services | The Skills Bootcamp is designed to give learners the skills and knowledge to gain roles in the installation and maintenance of green heating systems. Training is aimed at electrical engineers and will involve EV Charging Points, Solar Photovoltaic, 18th Edition Amendments and Fundamental Requirements of Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS). Learners should have a minimum Level 3 qualification in an electrical installation related field – for more information please contact the provider. Full or part time 8 weeks Blended learning – L30 6UR | Enquire Here |
| Green – Renewables (Heating) | Hybrid Technical Services | The Skills Bootcamp is designed to give learners the skills and knowledge to gain roles in the installation and maintenance of green heating systems. Training is aimed at domestic and commercial gas engineers or plumbers and will involve Water regulations, Energy Efficiency (Part L), Unvented Hot Water, Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Thermal Hot Water. Learners should have a minimum Level 2 qualification in a related field (plumbing, gas or heating) – for more information please contact the provider. Full or part time 7 weeks Blended learning – L30 6UR | Enquire Here |
ELIGIBILITY
INDIVIDUALS
Skills Bootcamps are the modern, practical way to build your skills to get the job you want.
If you’re aged 19+, in work, self-employed, unemployed, or returning to work after a break, and looking to quickly increase your skills in a specific area and fast-track into a new role a Skills Bootcamp could be the right choice for you.
If you want to work in rapidly growing sectors or get a job that needs skills you don’t have, these short courses can help you progress quickly. They are designed to improve your employability, and to be flexible, fitting learning around your family and other commitments.
And the best part – IT’S COMPLETELY FREE!
Who can apply?
Anyone who is:
- Living in the Liverpool City Region (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens or Wirral)
- Aged 19+ (by 31st August 2025)
- Has the right to work in the UK and has a National Insurance number
- Not enrolled on other funded training that offers similar skills and knowledge
- Registered unemployed and can demonstrate a readiness to return to work, or returning to work after time out (e.g. looking after adults or children)
- Currently employed and looking to re-skill or change career.
- Employed full time wanting to develop with your current employer (in this scenario, your employer is required to register as an Employer)
- Self-employed looking to develop your existing business or get an idea you have for a business started.
- Can commit to the full length of the Skills Bootcamp enrolled on
- Has not attended another Skills Bootcamp this funding period
What you’ll get
- A fully funded skills training programme, lasting up to 16 weeks
- An opportunity to receive careers guidance and support to gain a job interview
- Flexible training, to allow you to take part if you are working or have other repsonsibilities
EMPLOYERS
Skills Bootcamps will help employers play a leading role in the skills system by enabling them to fill skills gaps at a local level.
You can play a key role in designing and developing bespoke training to fit the skills needs of your organisation. You can encourage your existing staff to take a Skills Bootcamp, helping your business to fill skills gaps whilst also investing in retaining your people. Alternatively, you could look to offer a job interview to an individual who completes a Skills Bootcamp and recruit new talent into your organisation.
- Is your organisation experiencing skills gaps?
- Do you want to develop roles in your organisation to support business growth?
- Do you want to recruit new talent to fill vacancies?
Who can apply?
Employers who:
Have a workplace in the Liverpool City Region and:
- Have existing employees who require upskilling to significantly develop their role responsibilities
Or
- Are looking to recruit new talent to fill skills gaps
What you’ll get
Opportunities to work with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and training providers to input into the design and development of bespoke Skills Bootcamp training that meets the individual needs of your organisation.
Upskilling existing employees:
- A Training Needs Analysis completed by one of our Skills Brokers
- 90% of the skills training funded for SMEs with less than 250 employees
- 70% of the skills training funded for larger employers
- Existing employees who feel valued, with new skills to implement into your organisation
Looking to recruit new talent:
- Access to new external candidates, freshly trained in the skills you need
What you’ll need to do
Upskilling existing employees:
- Provide details of the skills you need for your existing employees
- Offer of a new or enhanced role for a job that utilises the new skills acquired through the Skills Bootcamp
Looking to recruit new talent:
- Work with our Skills Brokers to provide details of the skills your organisation is looking for
- Agree to provide job interviews to an agreed number of candidates who have completed training
- Interview people fairly and support their retention and development
THE IMPACT SO FAR…
MARIANA: “THE TRAINING CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR ME”
Ukranian artist and medical interpreter Mariana Potetenko showcases the amazing billboard designed and created for Eurovision.
Mariana had accessed a design course via LCR Skills Bootcamps to further her skills to assist in her creation.
KODI: “I’LL NEVER HAVE TO WORK ANOTHER DAY IN MY LIFE”
Kodi Benson shares her story of how at the age of 32 she left her job and pursued a new career with Clan Industry, made possible via LCR Skills Bootcamp training.
Kodi is now working on the restoration of heritage buildings such as the Town Hall in Manchester and loving every minute of it!
RYAN: “I DEFINITELY FEEL MORE CONFIDENT NOW”
Ryan shares his experience having finished a Lab Skills Bootcamp Skills course.
Having not had the opportunity to practice hands on skills due to the pandemic, Ryan explains how Skills Bootcamps have transformed this for him.
TRAINING PROVIDERS
We are looking for experienced training providers who can deliver Skills Bootcamps at minimum Level 2 (Construction, Rail & HGV only) or Level 3 standard up to Level 5 for up to 16 weeks.
What you’ll need to deliver
- Complete a structured diagnostic Careers, Employment, Information and Guidance approach with individuals
- Deliver training that has been designed and developed with local employers to address the needs of local businesses and the wider Liverpool City Region economy
- Flexible training arranged around people’s lives to allow those currently in work, looking for work, or with caring or other responsibilities to take part
- Work with employers, learners, and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to gather data as part of the DfE funding requirements
In order to deliver Skills Bootcamps, training providers are required to meet the minimum requirements of the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).
To register and have access to our tender opportunities via the DPS please click here.
Additionally, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will look to work with training providers who can demonstrate existing requirements from local employers. Training providers will still be required to register via the DPS but can contact the Skills Bootcamp delivery team for further information [email protected].
