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.

STEP Surrey gateway goes live

Surrey residents can find work, learn new skills and access employment support in a single, simple and accessible way via Surrey County Council’s new STEP Surrey gateway. 

Latest figures show more than one in six people of working age in Surrey (17.9%) are not currently in work. 

Of these, 22,400 people want to work but are unable to find suitable employment. Barriers include education (30%), long-term health conditions (20.2%) and care responsibilities (19%).  

STEP Surrey aims to change that, providing a single gateway for those looking for work – regardless of their circumstances, background or experience. 

The aim is to make it easier for job seekers to access the help and support they need, while helping local employers fill vacancies and skills gaps. 

Visitors will be able to access a live jobs board. This is updated twice a day and brings thousands of live jobs together into a single platform. 

Those who need extra support will be able to contact dedicated experts who can provide bespoke guidance to find work and learn new skills. 

Surrey Skills Conference

STEP Surrey was launched last week at the first ever Surrey Skills Conference. This brought 200 employers, education, academia and government delegates to discuss how skills can power the county’s future economy. 

It was organised by the council, in partnership with Surrey Chambers of Commerce. There were keynote contributions from Robert West, Head of Employment and Skills at the Confederation of British Industry and Holly Hobbs, a Gen-Z influencer and co-founder of urfuture. 

Key topics included how to make the most of the transfer of skills powers locally from government. And also addressing challenges. This includes driving business growth by equipping those out of work with the skills employers need to thrive. 

Delegates also learned more about upcoming government-funded programmes available in Surrey.  

This includes Connect to Work, supporting 2,500 people with complex barriers to work into employment over the next five years. And WorkWell, which provides coaching to those with health challenges to get into, return to and stay in work. 

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

“Surrey is a diverse, vibrant and well-connected region contributing more than £50 billion a year to the UK economy – we have a great economic story to tell. But beyond those headlines, we know there are challenges. Not least the tens of thousands of residents who are currently out of work but want to work. 

“This renewed focus to work, health, economic inactivity and skills, alongside ongoing devolution. It means for the first time we can shape our approach to skills and employment across a single Surrey footprint.  

“STEP Surrey is central to that mission – making it easier for every resident to access the training, support and opportunities they need to thrive in our local economy.” 

To access skills, training and employment support, visit www.stepsurrey.co.uk

Or you can get in touch with our team of experts via our Get Support Now form.

A group of professionals in suits stand in front of a STEP Surrey banner
Five people sit on a conference stage. Behind them are two banners for STEP Surrey and Surrey Chambers of Commerce

Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival 2025

Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival 2025 is taking place in Staines on Saturday 8 November 2025. This free, one-day event offers a dynamic mix of workshops, performances, and exhibitions designed to inspire and engage young people with the arts and creative industries.

The festival brings together cultural organisations, artists, and educators to showcase the breadth of creative opportunities available to young people across Surrey.

Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival 2025 is running from 11am to 3pm at the newly-opened Surrey County Council Library Hub in Staines.

The event includes:

  • Hands-on workshops
    • Sound Lab with Surrey Arts: Learn music production using Ableton Live and Push
    • Coding Games with Chaos Created: Build your own arcade-style game from scratch
    • Micro-Museum with Amy Stone & Spelthorne Museum: Curate your own mini exhibition
    • Juggling and Object Manipulation: Explore movement and circus arts with Circle of Two
  • Live performances and dance
    • Kathak Indian Dance: Experience classical Indian storytelling through movement
    • SG Troop & Stopgap Dance Company: Inclusive dance performance and workshop
    • Walkabout Puppetry: Meet the Mad Hatter and friends in a magical roaming show
  • Film Festival at Spelthorne Jobs and Skills Hub
    • Macro Filmmaking Workshop: Create a short film starring a snail in a miniature world
    • Industry Insights: Hear from Dr Howard Fine founder of Mindzone Media and a panel of early-career film professionals
    • Film Competition & Awards: View and vote for your favourite on films made by local young people throughout the day
  • Interactive Experiences
    • Missing 10 Hours Virtual Reality: A powerful bystander intervention experience (ages 16+)
    • Design a Film Poster: Get creative with crafts and imagination
    • Live Scribing: Watch artist Annalees Lim capture the day in real-time illustrations
  • Escalate Arts Youth Collective
    • A dedicated exhibition and film review display by young creatives

Why attend Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival 2025?

The Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival 2025 offers something for everyone.

Attendees will gain hands-on experience and meet professionals. They’ll also discover pathways into creative careers.

So whether you’re exploring a future or simply looking for a fun and inspiring day out, do come along!

Denise Turner-Stewart, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities said: 

“The Surrey Youth Arts and Culture festival is a great opportunity to ignite creativity in our young people and help shape the future of our arts and culture sector here in Surrey. By inspiring and empowering our next generation today, we’re investing in a vibrant, inclusive cultural landscape for future generations tomorrow.”

To find out more visit Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival page on the Surrey County Council website.

Two young people looking at a video camera at the Surrey Youth Arts and Culture festival

Teacher Encounters with Surrey businesses to highlight future opportunities

Teacher Encounters returns to Surrey for 2025. It sees teachers become students for the day visiting some of Surrey’s brightest and best businesses as part of broader efforts to inspire the region’s future workforce

As this academic year begins to draw to a close, a number of schools, special schools, and colleges across Surrey are taking part in Surrey Careers Hub’s 2025 Teacher Encounters initiative.

This dynamic series of workplace visits connects educators with leading Surrey employers. It has seen enthusiastic participation from teachers across a wide range of Surrey educational settings across the county, helping to bridge the gap between education and the world of work. (See full list of participating institutions below.)

These educators are taking up the opportunity to visit and engage with a diverse range of Surrey employers, including Wates Group, Royal Holloway University, CGI, Supermassive Games, Home Counties Carers, AtkinsRéalis, Yunex Traffic, ramsac, Macro and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.

What’s involved in a Teacher Encounter?

The visits offer valuable insights into the skills, knowledge, and attributes that employers are seeking in the future workforce. It helps educators to understand the wide range of career opportunities available and gain a deeper understanding of how their subject is applied practically in the workplace.

They can take this back to their classrooms to enrich their curriculum with real-world industry examples, while enabling them to build ongoing relationships with employers.

Following each Teacher Encounter, participating teachers will develop bespoke teaching resources that will translate newly acquired industry knowledge into practical classroom applications or resources to share with their teaching colleagues. The initiative aims to produce a diverse and inclusive suite of materials, tailored to a wide range of subjects and adaptable to the needs of students from all types of institutions.

Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, praised the initiative:

“The Teachers Encounters programme is a vital investment in the future of Surrey’s economy. By equipping our teachers with up-to-date industry knowledge and meaningful employer connections, we empower them to better guide their students in making informed career choices. This initiative not only benefits our young people but also strengthens the talent pipeline for local businesses, ensuring Surrey remains a thriving hub of innovation and opportunity.”

Views from Teacher Encounters participants

Tim Browning, Recruitment Lead at Supermassive Games said:

“This programme is a fantastic way to bridge the gap between education and industry. Equipping teachers with industry knowledge is crucial for inspiring and preparing students for their future careers. We’re already looking forward to next year’s programme!”

Ellie Smith, AtkinsRéalis Social Value Consultant shared:

“The Teacher Encounter programme highlights the importance of collaboration between educators and industry professionals in shaping a skilled workforce and AtkinsRéalis is proud to have taken part.”

A delighted teacher from East Surrey College added:

“It was both enlightening and informative to hear about the company’s early careers programme. The insights and perspectives shared will undoubtedly be incredibly valuable for our students as they look to progress into their careers after completing their college studies.”

The programme is part of Surrey Careers Hub’s ongoing commitment to enhancing careers education and ensuring that young people are well-prepared for the rapidly evolving world of work.

By fostering stronger links between education and industry, the Careers Hub is helping to create a more informed, inspired, and future-ready generation.

Find out more

Surrey schools and colleges taking part in 2025 Teacher Encounters

  • Ashcombe School
  • Brooklands College
  • Carrington School
  • Collingwood College
  • East Surrey College
  • Epsom College
  • Esher Sixth Form College
  • Fox Grove School
  • Freemantles School
  • George Abbot School
  • Godalming College
  • Guildford County School
  • Heathside School
  • Hoe Valley School
  • Nescot
  • Pond Meadow School
  • Reigate College
  • Rosebery School
  • St Pauls Catholic College
  • The Beacon School
  • Therfield School
  • Thomas Knyvett College
  • Warlingham School
  • Wishmore Cross Academy
  • Woking College
A group of professional people wearing teal lanyards stand in an office smiling at the camera.

Runnymede Open Doors inspires dozens of young people about their futures

Theme parks, fun football games and caring for the elderly are some of the experiences gained by Surrey students as part of the Runnymede Open Doors programme.

Open Doors provides young people with a chance to explore potential career paths in different industries, learn about the skills employers are looking for, and enhance their own skills.

About 180 young people from six secondary schools took part in the 2024 programme. They heard what it takes to design a rollercoaster at Thorpe Park, care for the elderly, run a football themed arena and cut people’s hair.

It was created and delivered by Runnymede Borough Council, Business Runnymede and Surrey Careers Hub. It was supported by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth said: “We are delighted to be able to run Open Doors in Runnymede to enable young people to gain first-hand experience of differing workplaces and have genuine conversations with local employers.

“Programmes of this type, investing in the workforce of tomorrow, are vital in ensuring the long-term success of our regional economy, and we appreciate the time and energy the participating businesses have invested into the success of the scheme.”

Looking for inspiration about your future? Visit our Inspire pages to learn more about Surrey’s jobs and employers.

What is Runnymede Open Doors?

A total of 10 Runnymede businesses took part in the 2024 edition of Runnymede Open Doors.

Each business devised their own unique itinerary to help the students experience a little of what it would be like to work there and hear more about the career pathways available.

At Avery Healthcare the students met several of the home’s residents, toured the premises and watched an exciting match of Balloon Tennis. They also had the opportunity to ask staff and residents for their own views.

Groups of students who visited Kick-X were first able to let off a bit of steam and understand the customer experience by trying out the various hybrid football facilities at the venue. They then took part in an interactive workshop where they brainstormed solutions to real-life challenges and opportunities faced by the business.

One teacher said: “We all absolutely enjoyed today’s visit to Kick X. Max has been fantastic. The session was very well planned, delivered. Max was enthusiastic, well-spoken and captured the student’s attention. He talked about the business, jobs, skills and values in a very exciting way and the students have got a lot from the session. They not only enjoyed the practical part but also the theory where they were taking part in some business ideas, offering advice and creativity. All our learning objectives were met thanks to Max. We are very grateful for this valuable opportunity.”

The young people visiting Thorpe Park were tested on their knowledge of the theme park’s history and heard the career stories of several key members of staff before undertaking an eye-opening behind-the-scenes tour of the park.

Almost every student who completed an evaluation form responded that the visit had helped them to understand more about the jobs and careers available with that employer, and 100% said they’d like to attend more employer visits in the future.

Who took part in Runnymede Open Doors?

Businesses

  • Thorpe Park
  • Avery Healthcare
  • Kick-X Football Arena
  • Geek Retreat
  • Stanhope-Seta
  • Snap Fitness
  • Achieve Lifestyle
  • Egham Orbit
  • Chop & Change Hair Salon
  • Page Personnel

Schools

  • Chertsey High School
  • Phillip Southcote School
  • Magna Carta School
  • Walton-Leigh School
  • Jubilee High School
  • Fullbrook School
Young people and adults wearing high vis jackets pose in front of a theme park attraction.

Surrey Colleges construction skills competition 2025 showcases student talent

The Surrey Colleges Construction Skills competition saw dozens of future trades professionals face off in the annual showcase of future talent. It took place at at Brooklands Technical College in Weybridge.

Students from three Surrey Further Education colleges – East Surrey, Brooklands, and NESCOT – showcased their skills in brickwork, carpentry, and insulation installation.

The event provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate their technical abilities while adhering to the latest building regulations and installation standards.

With tasks tailored for different levels of expertise, the competition proved to be an excellent learning experience and a platform for future talent in the construction industry.

In line with SurreyFE’s core values, the competition also emphasised collaboration across the colleges, with students, staff, and mentors coming together to share knowledge, exchange skills, and work towards a common goal of excellence in construction.

Tasks for Surrey Colleges construction skills competition

The competition was divided into three key areas: brickwork, carpentry, and insulation installation. There were separate tasks designed for Level 1 and Level 2 students.

In brickwork the task involved constructing two distinct wall structures. Students had to construct a wall and install insulation to meet specific guidelines.

Level 1 first place went to Josh Tucker, followed by Isaac Martin and Rocco Sartori. First place for level 2 went to Alfie Jones with Emmanuel Meehan in second and Billy Sleath in third.

In the carpentry category, students had to build a planned structure, including a roof installation, and then applying insulation.

The winners were East Surrey College with Brooklands Technical College and NESCOT in joint second.

The insulation segment saw students had to follow detailed installation guidance to meet the latest building regulations. Each student was given a guidance sheet outlining the proper techniques and standards for installing insulation.

The winners of the insulation tasks were Alfie Jones (Gold), Emmanuel Meehan (Silver) and NESCOT Carpentry Team (Bronze).

The event concluded with a ceremony to celebrate the winners and recognise their efforts.

While the competition was fierce, the focus was on fostering learning and professional development among aspiring builders.

A special thank you to Kingspan for their vital support and sponsorship of the Surrey Colleges Construction Skills competition.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants. And thanks to the staff from East Surrey College, Brooklands Technical College, and NESCOT for their commitment to preparing future tradespeople.

The SurreyFE construction skills competition continues to be an outstanding platform for students to showcase their passion and skills in a collaborative and challenging environment.

Looking for further support?

There are hundreds of free or subsidised courses available to people who live in Surrey. So it’s never been easier to learn new skills.

Find a list of local providers via our easy-to-search provider directory.

Or you can look at current opportunities via our training and courses page.

Need further support? Get in touch with our team of experts via our Get Support Now form.

This story first appeared on the Surrey FE website in April 2025.

A construction worker stands looking at a newly-built wall. He holds a trowel in one hand and a spirit level in the other.
A group of three construction workers complete work on insulating a stud wall. One is stood on a yellow ladder.