MORE free training is now available for those looking to start a new career in digital, health and green industries after the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) was awarded an £11,25million skills grant.
The cash has been secured from the government’s National Skills Fund expansion to expand the delivery of ‘bootcamps’ in key sectors of our regional economy.
The bootcamps are free of charge for learners and equip West Midlands residents with digital skills, giving them to access roles in areas like coding, cybersecurity and digital marketing.
They support the unemployed, those seeking a career change and employed people looking to gain the digital skills required to secure more responsibility or a promotion with their current employer.
Bootcamps have been successfully delivered within the West Midlands region since 2019 with over 1,000 residents achieving a positive outcome after receiving training. The figure includes 50 per cent of participants being from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Based on this success the WMCA has bolstered its bootcamp provision with more funding.
This new funding will support a further 3,500 West Midlands residents to upskill and reskill in some of the regions priority sectors and key areas for growth.
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “A key part of my mayoral mission is to help young people right across our region find routes into work as part of my 100k jobs plan.
“Our bootcamps have been a very effective way of doing just that.
“That’s why it’s great news we’ve managed to secure this new £11.25 million funding package from the Government’s National Skills Fund to expand our provision.
Clare Hatton, director of employment and skills at WMCA, said the bootcamps provided an amazing opportunity for the region’s businesses.
“With unprecedented pre-pandemic growth in our economy, the West Midlands has been the place to locate and grow businesses over recent years.”
She added with thousands of new jobs created and companies bringing their flagship operations to the West Midlands, there had never been a more important time to make sure residents had the skills they needed.
Coun George Duggins, the WMCA portfolio holder for productivity and skills and leader of Coventry City Council, added: “A skilled workforce is a productive workforce, and it is only through giving them the relevant skills, training and support, they can play their part in driving forward the West Midlands’ economy. “
