Technology is moving at an almost frightening speed with the rise of artificial intelligence and digital processing influencing every business sector.
As a result, it has never been more important to stay on top of the latest developments, and a partnership between Buckinghamshire Council, Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF) and local training providers is here to help.
Skills Bootcamps are intensive training programmes designed to equip employees with the skills they need for a particular job, whether it be in agriculture, digital, engineering, construction or the creative industries.
Filling skills gaps
The Bootcamps are a response to skills gaps identified by BBF as the Employer Representative Body for Buckinghamshire. They are designed to be flexible so employees can juggle their studies with work commitments.
They are also good value for employers thanks to Department for Education (DfE) funding via the council, with SMEs paying just 10% of the cost, rising to 30% for larger companies, meaning training costs can be radically cut.
BBF is managing the Bootcamp contract on behalf of the council and is running employer sector-based groups for the county through the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).
Boosting cyber security skills
About 20 firms have participated with 63 workers trained since the scheme started in July 2024. The latest example is a Cyber Security Bootcamp in High Wycombe for information security business Saepio Solutions, which nominated so many staff to take part that a bespoke course was set up, upskilling 26 employees.
The Bootcamp provider, Opportunities Workshop, worked with Saepio to ensure that technical content is delivered in an engaging way that is easily understandable for those new to the sector.
Achieving the necessary skills
Chris Hodson, Opportunities Workshop Managing Director, says: “We have a mix of programmes like this security bootcamp which is for the professional technicians, the engineers who are building and managing the systems.
“But we also have a set of programmes designed for business users such as ‘How do you get the best out of technology’? or ‘How do you use the apps that are on your desktop’?
“The aim is to either improve employees’ performance in their current job or to enable them to progress to more senior roles.”
Boosting career opportunities
With Saepio, the bootcamp was designed to improve the technical skills of about a third of the workforce. The programme content fits employees’ specific requirements, including both junior and more experienced individuals.
“We have provided the skills training to enable those employees to take up more responsibilities, perform better in their current job and be better positioned to progress within the organisation in the future,” explains Chris.
Jenny Prestedge, Head of HR at Saepio Solutions, said: “We’ve found the training provided by Opportunities Workshop to be highly beneficial for our employees. We greatly appreciate the flexibility that Opportunities Workshop has given us, allowing us to fit the training around employees’ work commitments.
“Participants have spoken highly of the quality of the training and believe that what they have learned has been beneficial to them. Many have commented that it has improved their confidence when speaking to customers.”
Praise for BBF team’s support
Chris is full of praise for the support BBF has given the scheme in terms of promotion and engagement.
“The Buckinghamshire Business First team are very easy to work with. They've been a great partner, making it possible for us to deliver successfully by introducing us to the BBF membership and their digital skills group. As a result, we can connect with local employers and make sure the programme is giving them what they want.
“The project has delivered positive numbers and outcomes, and I think it has been a win all round for the companies and the individuals that have taken part, as well as for us as an organisation.
“We’ve had a really good take-up and the enthusiasm for the project has been amazing. Our original expectation was to enrol 20 people, so we've helped three times as many as we originally intended. We hope to do more.”
John Browning, Local Skills Improvement Manager at Buckinghamshire Business First, is keen to highlight the importance of training, particularly in rapidly evolving areas such as technology. “Digital has been identified as a priority sector in Buckinghamshire and the ability to upskill a local workforce with new cybersecurity skills is very important.
“These Skills Bootcamps can only be beneficial, and it is important to emphasise they are open to any business, so I would urge employers to get in touch.”
Learn more about Skills Bootcamps
Read further information on Skills Bootcamps here.
To speak to one of the BBF Business Support Team, email [email protected] or call 01494 927130.