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Retraining and upskilling the Solent’s workforce

Looking to boost your career or try something new? Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible training courses designed to help adults aged 19 and over gain valuable skills that local employers are looking for.

Whether you’re looking to retrain, upskill, or take the next step in your career, these short courses are a great way to get hands-on experience and build confidence in a new area.

If you live or work in the Solent region, you could be eligible to join one of these exciting opportunities – and most importantly, they’re designed with real employers, so you’ll be learning the skills that are actually in demand.

We are looking for individuals from across the Solent region seeking to upskill in Artificial Intelligence and Software Development.

Skills Bootcamps are free to those unemployed, self-employed, or looking to move company for a promotion/alternative role.
If the Bootcamp is being used as training within your company then you will need to make a contribution to the £6,000 fee - 10% for SMEs (£600), 30% for larger Companies (£1800).

Applications closed on Thursday 9th October

To be added to a waitlist please contact us on businesssupport@port.ac.uk

Please select the Skills Bootcamp you are interested in:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Software Development

You must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

You must be 19 years of age or older
Maintained residency in the UK for the last 3 years and have evidence of the right to work in the UK
Not attended another Skills Bootcamp in this financial year (April 1st 2025 to March 31st 2026)
Committed to engagement in 60 hours of training
Accept mentoring support and work shadowing of up to 8 hours
Provide a portfolio that demonstrates your skills and experience
Be open to relevant job opportunities across the Solent region if unemployed

Any questions? Please contact us on businesssupport@port.ac.uk

Solent Partners has successfully secured funding from the Department for Education (DfE) to support the running of Skills Bootcamps in the Solent region. This funding will boost the Solent's workforce, ensuring employers have access to new talent, and individuals acquire the skills to get the type of jobs that they aspire to.

If the learner is unemployed or self-employed then the programme is free.
If the learner is employed and they want to stay within the same company then their employer should co-fund them, 10% for SME or 30% for larger company.
If the learner is employed but looking to move company for a promotion/alternative role then they are independent and the programme is free.