Adults across the North East are invited to take part in a series of ‘Skills Bootcamps’ that aim to give you the skills and knowledge you need to get a foot in industry.
Our Skills Bootcamps have been launched in partnership with, and with funding from, both the North of Tyne Combined Authority and North East Local Enterprise Partnership. Plus, they've been developed alongside employers who have committed to giving participants a guaranteed interview on completion.
The courses are open to anyone aged 19 and over, and as long as you live in the North East, you can study for free. If you already work in a related industry and want to upskill, you can ask your employer to refer you.
Courses start on a range of dates between September and January and include:
- Welding Bootcamp: Welding Skills
- Chef Bootcamp: Hospitality and Catering Principles
- Creative Bootcamp: Rigging, Lighting and Live Sound
- Automotive Bootcamp: Electrical Vehicle Diagnosis and Maintenance
Our Creative Bootcamp: Rigging, Lighting and Live Sound also ran throughout last year, and included the chance to work on real shows in venues across the region.
Participant Nicola Cutter, aged 50, commented: “Over the 12-week course we got such an incredible range of experiences, including four theatre visits and the opportunity to work on the set-up for Beyonce’s gig at the Stadium of Light, which was amazing.
“The theatre visits were all brilliant because we got to go backstage and meet the technical staff who shared their passion and enthusiasm for what they do, but getting to work on the Beyonce set up and seeing what goes into setting up a show as big as that was incredible. “
After getting a taste for the industry, Nicola has now enrolled onto a Foundation Degree in Live Performance Technical Production at Newcastle College University Centre, where she will pursue her renewed passion for the industry.
Jo Phillips, Director of Adult Education at Newcastle College said: “We know that returning to education is an investment of time and what our students really value is the knowledge that they are going to feel work-ready at the end of their qualification. With the backing of local businesses including Northern Stage, WD Close, the Maldron Hotel and Blackfriars, to ensure the quality of the Skills Bootcamp, students can feel confident they are going away with valuable skills that employers are looking for, as well as the opportunity to interview for a role, gaining either experience or employment.”
The Skills Bootcamps are also available for employers to refer their employees to for a small proportion of the fee. Large employers are asked to contribute 30% of the course cost, and SMEs just 10%.
Jo added: “With the cost of doing business rising, organisations might look at reducing CPD and training spend to manage their budgets. Investing in training can make employees feel more valued and increase retention rates and reduce recruitment costs. We’re delighted that the skills bootcamps offer employers a low-cost way to upskill their teams.”
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Metro Mayor, said: “Everyone is good at something. Everyone has a talent. Our job is to help unlock it. Skills Bootcamps help us do that. Giving people both in and out of work the practical training they need for a good job so they can earn a good wage.”