Length
Up to 16 weeks
They are funded by the Department for Education. If you are not being trained by your own employer, the government pays the full price of your place.
Quick facts
- Length
- Up to 16 weeks
- Age
- 19 or over
- Where
- England
- At the end
- A job interview with an employer
- Find one
- National Careers Service
Who can do one
You need to be 19 or over, have the right to work in the UK and live in England. Bootcamps must be open to people who are employed, not in work or self-employed.
For most Skills Bootcamps you do not need any previous knowledge of the subject. You need a good level of English and a willingness to learn. Some courses list extra entry requirements in their course details.
What it costs and what you get
If you do not have an employer paying to train you, the Department for Education fully funds your place. If your own employer puts you on a bootcamp to upskill you, the employer may have to pay part of the price. That does not apply if you are self-employed.
Not every bootcamp gives a qualification, so check the course details. When you finish, you get a job interview with an employer.
How to find and apply
Pick the kind of skill you want
There are hundreds of Skills Bootcamps, in areas such as digital, technical, green, health and social care, and HGV driving.
Search on the National Careers Service
You can find the right Skills Bootcamp through the National Careers Service course search.
Apply on the training provider website
You then apply directly through the training provider website.
Check the course details before you start
Course details list any extra entry requirements and whether you get a qualification.
Things to watch
Bootcamps can be at a college, another training provider or online. They are flexible, so you can fit learning around your family or other commitments.
If you live in Scotland or Wales, you can only be funded if the specialist training is only available in England and you plan to work in England afterwards.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- DWP careers adviser (aged 18 or over, living in England)
- 0800 072 0288
- Find a Skills Bootcamp (then apply on the provider website)
- National Careers Service: find a Skills Bootcamp
From the official pages (nationalcareers.service.gov.uk, skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
What is a Skills Bootcamp?
A course of up to 16 weeks that teaches skills employers want, with a job interview at the end.
Are Skills Bootcamps free?
If no employer is paying to train you, the Department for Education fully funds the place. Employers upskilling their own staff may pay part.
Can I do an HGV Skills Bootcamp?
Yes. HGV driving is one of the bootcamp areas, including if you are new to HGV driving or want to return.
Who can do a Skills Bootcamp?
Adults aged 19 or over who live in England and have the right to work in the UK.
How do I find a Skills Bootcamp near me?
Search the National Careers Service course finder, then apply through the training provider.