Abingdon & Witney College Secures OxLEP Funding to Deliver Skills Bootcamps in Green Construction, Sustainability, and Engineering

Abingdon & Witney College is excited to announce that it has secured vital funding from the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) to deliver Skills Bootcamps in Green Construction, Sustainability, and Engineering. This initiative, a significant part of the Department for Education’s ‘Skills for Life’ programme, is designed to address the pressing skills gap within Oxfordshire.

The Skills Bootcamps programme is being spearheaded in Oxfordshire by OxLEP Skills and aims to provide free, flexible courses lasting up to 10 weeks. These courses are available to Oxfordshire residents as well as those working in the area, and tailored specifically to boost employability for jobseekers, individuals returning to work after career breaks, and retirees who may be re-entering employment - many of whom are potentially affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

“Through these Skills Bootcamps, Abingdon & Witney College is committed to supporting career changers, the unemployed, and those currently working in the industry who want to enhance their skills,” said Sadie Criscuolo, Bids and Projects Manager, Business Development at Abingdon & Witney College. “By building foundational knowledge and core competencies in high-demand fields, we are equipping participants to progress further in their roles, ultimately supporting Oxfordshire's economic resilience.”

In addition to supporting individual learners, Skills Bootcamps are a significant benefit for employers. They provide an effective way to upskill the workforce, enhancing growth, productivity, and staff retention. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can access funding for 90% of the course cost per employee, while larger employers benefit from funding covering 70%. Employers can also participate in shaping the skills being delivered, with bespoke training designed to meet specific organisational needs. Alternatively, employers have the opportunity to fill workforce gaps by interviewing individuals completing a Skills Bootcamp, bringing new talent into their organisations.

We’ve developed specialised Bootcamps focusing on Green Construction (Electrical & Plumbing), Sustainability, and Engineering, offering individuals the training needed related to these key sectors. Participants will receive a blend of hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge to prepare them for new roles or advancements in their current careers.

This Skills Bootcamps initiative reflects Abingdon & Witney College’s and OxLEP’s shared vision of fostering an inclusive, skilled workforce ready to support the needs of local businesses. The project not only addresses the skills shortage in critical sectors but also boosts employability and economic growth across the region.

Here’s an overview of what you could learn as part of the Sustainability, Plumbing & Electrical Bootcamp.

For more information about these Skills Bootcamps, businesses and residents are encouraged to email opportunities@abingdon-witney.ac.uk.