Local people are to have the opportunity to learn skills which could lead to a new career.

Bournemouth & Poole College, are offering adults in Dorset the chance to upskill or re-train through government funded Train4Tomorrow skills bootcamps, which are designed to meet regional skills gaps in digital and technical sectors.

As part of the Train4Tomorrow programme, ten training providers across the South West, including Bournemouth & Poole College, are offering adults access to 12-16 week intensive training courses to help them to boost existing skills or retrain for free.

The courses are open to adults aged 19 plus who are employed or self-employed, career returners or those who have been unemployed for less than 12 months and looking to upskill or re-train.

The Bournemouth & Poole College is offering free 12-week bootcamps in welding and marine electrical. Both courses are taught two days a week, and offer a guaranteed interview with a local employer upon completion.

The bootcamps have been developed alongside industry partners to upskill adults who have no prior experience in the sectors, and are looking to retrain for a new career.

The college’s welding bootcamp introduces learners to equipment and materials for Metal Inert Gas (MIG) and Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, as well as engineering skills including drawings, measuring, and marking. No experience is needed prior to joining the course.

The bootcamp in marine electrical offers an introduction to installation, commissioning, and repair works for marine electrical systems and vessels, and principles of marine electrical engineering. The bootcamp is designed for anyone interested in working in the marine industry, with no prior experience needed.

Simone Tyrie, employment & skills project coordinator at Train4Tomorrow, said: “The Train4Tomorrow programme offers adults in Dorset access to free and flexible training programmes with little or no experience required. The courses, which are worth up to £3,000, have been developed in response to regional skills gaps and help to support people into secure and well-paid employment. As well as being free, the courses run for an intensive 12-16 weeks, meaning people juggling employment, and or caring responsibilities can gain skills really quickly, and start putting them into practice as soon as they complete the course.”

During the bootcamps, learners will gain practical skills and knowledge in welding or marine electrical to prepare them for progression onto an apprenticeship, further study, or employment.

One learner who has taken advantage of the opportunity to retrain in welding is Jac Bunney. After trying her hand at a number of different careers, Jac wanted to pursue metal work, which she remembered enjoying in her school days. She said: “I loved metal work when I was at school in the 80s, but a career in welding just wasn’t something which was considered an option for girls back then.

“Now that my children have grown up and left home, I felt it was time to do something for me. I absolutely love it and it’s definitely the way I want to take my career.”

Nigel Smalley, director of learning for Engineering & Construction at Bournemouth & Poole College, said: “Train4Tomorrow bootcamps offer a fantastic way for adults to learn new skills and pursue a new career. It will be brilliant to see learners upskilling in something they’re passionate about, and launching a career in what they love.

“The bootcamps are also crucial in helping employers meet industry demands, and encouraging more people in the area to develop in-demand technical and digital skills.

“We are delighted to be partnering with local employers Sunseeker and Iracroft to fast-track our learners to interviews, and meet local labour needs.”

If you’re looking to learn new skills or to update your existing knowledge, visit train4tomorrow.org.uk to discover a range of digital and technical courses. If you’d like to apply directly to the courses at Bournemouth & Poole College, starting on the 18 January (welding) and 19 January (marine electrical), go to www.thecollege.co.uk/skills-bootcamps