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Skills Bootcamps return to Surrey for 2025

Skills Bootcamps return to Surrey for 2025 – giving you the chance to fast-track your career for free in exciting and growing sectors. Learn new skills in a few weeks via these fully-funded courses.

The government-funded courses allow learners aged 19 and over to gain industry-ready qualifications in super-quick time.

We – as part of Surrey County Council – are offering a range of courses are on offer for this year. This includes construction, cyber security, sustainability and games development.

Training is designed to be as flexible as possible, lasting between two and 16 weeks.

On completing the course, you will have the opportunity of an interview with a local employer – meaning you could take your learning straight into the workplace.

Skills Bootcamps are available to all Surrey adults, whether they are in or out work. Sign up takes just a few minutes. Visit our Skills Bootcamps page to find out more.

Skills Bootcamps in groundworks

Skills Bootcamps’ return to Surrey will see new courses on offer.

This includes an introduction to Groundworks Plant Operations. It’s being run by Farnham-based Construction Industry Safety Training Centre (CISTC).

CISTC specialises in providing construction-specific health, safety and plant training that meets the latest industry regulations.

Its expert trainers bring real-world site experience, ensuring every course is engaging, hands-on, and directly relevant to the workplace.

Angela Fowler, CISTC Operations Director, said:

“This is for people who are looking to move into the sector or those looking to upskill beyond labouring.

“There is a big skills gap and a huge Government drive in terms of construction work. There aren’t enough workers in the industry to provide that, so we’re giving people the skills that are needed.”

Skills Bootcamps success

Last year, more than 500 people signed up for a Skills Bootcamp course in Surrey. Of those who completed courses, more than half said they’d secured new work or a new position in their company as a result.

MTek Solutions used the Solar PV Skills Bootcamp to upskill their staff as the business branched out into the installation and servicing of solar systems.

Kieran Tuck and Michael Slatcher, MTeK Solutions co-founders, said:

“Skills Bootcamps are a great way to upskill and boost your earnings – they help add another string to your bow.

“You have to look beyond today. Investing the time to complete the training has opened doors to much greater opportunities than if we had kept putting things off.”

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said:

“Skills Bootcamps are a great way for residents to gain new qualifications and boost their future earnings, while ensuring employers have access to the skills they need to thrive.

“As one of the UK’s largest regional economies, Surrey’s prosperity depends on having a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of our thriving sectors. By providing pathways to rewarding careers, we’re building a Surrey where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

How do I sign up?

Want to know more about Skills Bootcamps in Surrey? Look at a full list of courses and start dates on our Skills Bootcamps page.

To take part in Skills Bootcamps, you must:

  • Be aged 19 or over
  • Have the right to work in the UK
  • Live in Surrey (with an eligible Surrey postcode)
  • Meet residency requirements (the training provider can check this)

If you claim Universal Credit, you can apply and continue to claim benefits.

Some Skills Bootcamps have additional eligibility criteria.

To register your interest, complete our Get Support Now form.

A man in orange hi-vis sits on a roller in a construction site. Either side are banners for Skills Bootcamps and STEP Surrey.
Two men in orange high vis and hard hats stand in a construction site. Behind them is a yellow plant vehicle.