Have you ever found the perfect course, got excited…then immediately thought:
“I probably won’t be eligible.”
You’re not alone.
One of the most common questions we hear at Fareport Training is:
“Can I actually apply for a Skills Bootcamp?”
Read on to find out more…
Skills Bootcamps are government-funded training programmes designed to help adults develop the skills employers are looking for today.
They’re practical, flexible and focused on helping you progress. Whether you’re looking to change careers, gain confidence, earn a promotion or grow your business, a Skills Bootcamp could be the next step.
Even better? If you’re eligible, you won’t pay the course fees yourself.
Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
So… am I eligible?
Let’s break it down.
You need to be aged 19 or over
This one’s nice and simple.
If you’re 19 or older, you tick the first box.
There’s no upper age limit either.
Whether you’re 22 and looking to kickstart your career or 62 and ready for a fresh challenge, Skills Bootcamps are designed for adults who want to learn something new.
After all, learning doesn’t come with an expiry date.
To be eligible for a Skills Bootcamp, you’ll need to have the legal right to work in the UK.
In most cases, you’ll also need to have been resident in the UK for the last three years. However, there are now some circumstances where only one year’s residency is required, depending on your individual situation and the funding rules.
Not sure where you fit? Don’t panic.
These rules can sound a little confusing (even we have to double-check them sometimes!), but that’s exactly what our friendly team is here for. We’ll talk through your circumstances, explain the criteria in plain English and let you know whether you’re eligible.
The important thing is don’t assume you’re not eligible without asking. We’ve spoken to plenty of people who thought they wouldn’t qualify, only to find out they did.
Skills Bootcamps are funded by local authorities, so each programme is usually available to people living within a specific county or region.
For example, if you’re applying for one of our Hampshire Skills Bootcamps, you’ll generally need to live within the eligible Hampshire funding area.
If you’re not sure whether your postcode is eligible, just ask. Our team can quickly check it for you.
No!
This is probably the biggest myth surrounding Skills Bootcamps.
Many people think these courses are only for people looking for work, but that’s simply not true.
You could be:
Many of our learners already have jobs. They’re simply looking to develop new skills, progress in their career or move into a completely different industry.
If you’re employed, you can still benefit from a Skills Bootcamp, with up to 90% of the training cost funded when your employer is supporting your application.
The contribution required from your employer depends on the size of the business, but with the majority of the course cost covered by funding, it’s a cost-effective way for employers to invest in their team and develop valuable skills.
Everyone wins.
Great news.
If you’re self-employed, a freelancer or running your own business, you could still be eligible for a fully funded Skills Bootcamp.
Whether you want to attract more customers, improve your digital skills or develop specialist knowledge in your industry, these programmes are designed to help you grow.
Investing in yourself is one of the best business decisions you can make.
If you’re currently unemployed, your Skills Bootcamp can be fully funded, meaning you won’t need to pay the course fees yourself.
Many Skills Bootcamps are designed to help people move into employment or change careers. You’ll usually need to be actively looking for work and committed to progressing into employment after completing the course.
Our team can explain exactly what’s expected for the programme you’re interested in.
Usually, no.
Most Skills Bootcamps don’t require lots of previous qualifications.
Instead, we’ll look at your goals, your motivation and whether the course is the right fit for where you want to go next.
Our aim isn’t to catch people out.
It’s to make sure you’re joining the programme that gives you the best chance of success.
Possibly.
This depends on the funding rules and whether you’ve recently completed another Skills Bootcamp.
If you’ve already taken part in one, don’t automatically assume you can’t apply again.
Every situation is different, and our team will be happy to advise you.
The application process is much more straightforward than most people expect.
Here’s what happens:
We’ll guide you through every step, so you’re never left wondering what happens next.
Don’t let uncertainty stop you from applying. Every year, we speak to people who assume they won’t qualify, only to discover that they do.
Rather than spending hours searching online and trying to work through the guidance yourself, get in touch with our team. We can answer your questions, check your eligibility and point you towards the most suitable Skills Bootcamp.
No pressure. No obligation. Just friendly advice from people who do this every day.
Give our friendly team a call on 01329 825805, email [email protected], or explore our current Skills Bootcamps on our website.
You might be more eligible than you think – and your next opportunity could be just one conversation away.
Don’t wait – we’re here to help. Drop us a message about Skills Bootcamps and we’ll get back to you right away.
Whether it’s a quick question or something more, fill out the form below and let’s connect today!