The ever-increasing cost of living is proving to be a tight squeeze for us all, and students are increasingly feeling the financial strain of going to university. Despite a quarter of university students saying they keep a strict budget to stay afloat, their overall financial stress has increased by 29 percent year upon year (NatWest Student Living Index Survey 2023).
To support students with the cost of living, a quarter of UK universities are having to operate food banks to sustain their students or offer food vouchers for free meals – a method that 1 in 10 UK universities have adopted (Higher Education Policy Institute).
With university tuition fees and student expenses on the increase, alternatives to university are needed now more than ever.
As part of the government’s Skills for Life initiative, our Skills Bootcamps provide an alternative to traditional university degrees. As an opportunity open to the public, they offer an invaluable opportunity to gain the skills needed to break into the job market, quickly and affordably.
What is a Skills Bootcamp?
Our Skills Bootcamps are 10-week courses designed to help people learn or refine in-demand skills quickly and successfully. They are becoming increasingly popular as a way for anyone aged 19 or over to upskill in a particular subject and secure a job in little time and a no cost. With a number of courses available, people can enrol on a course that appeals to their interests or career goals.
We run Skills Bootcamps in:
What are the benefits?
One of the biggest advantages of our Skills Bootcamps is that they can provide people with the skills they need to enter the job market but in a fraction of the time it takes to gain a university degree. They are also beginner friendly with no previous experience needed.
Our Skills Bootcamps are also fully-funded by Department for Education (DfE) making them free for learners and a good option for those who may not have the money to pay for university expenses.
When on the course, learners are taught by industry experts and can choose a morning or evening live session meaning the course can fit around their schedule.
Skills Bootcamps are also delivered remotely, so there is no need to factor in travel time or cover travel expenses.
Unlike the theory learnt at university, Skills Bootcamps provide candidates with an understanding of how to use skills in different contexts, such as industry-specific projects and other job scenarios. By completing one of our a skill-based courses, learners become more competitive in their job search and stand out from the crowd, enhancing and developing their portfolio of work as they go.
Throughout the course, learners also gain the opportunity to network with our range of employers who provide job roles exclusively for our Skills Bootcamp learners. Networking is great for any job search, helping learners get their foot in the door. Once learners have completed their course, they receive 6 months of support to secure a new role. This support includes CV writing and interview advice.
Not only are our Skills Bootcamps great for those who have recently finished Sixth Form or College, but they are also beneficial to people of any age who are looking to upskill themselves or move into a different career path.
Given the current cost of living for students and need for food banks, it’s clear that Skills Bootcamps offer the perfect solution to learn skills and enter the job market quickly and affordably. At no cost, and with a wide range of courses, our Skills Bootcamps can provide students with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen career path.
If you're interested in learning new skills and starting a career, apply to one of our Skills Bootcamps here.
