With economic uncertainty and apprenticeships becoming more and more competitive to gain, Plymouth’s Focus Training Group is offering a free solution for this as part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs Scheme with the Electrical Skills Bootcamp.
A similar project was carried out in their centre in Exeter with successful outcomes for many on this training.
The scheme is a free 12 week Electrical Bootcamp programme, giving 12 candidates an insight into what it is like to be an electrical apprentice within the construction industry, training them with basic knowledge to allow them to get ahead of the game to gain an apprenticeship within this industry.
The opportunity will provide candidates with sector-specific skills and fast-track them to an interview with a local employer with the view of gaining an apprenticeship.
The government has invested into the National Skills Fund to help adults to train and gain the valuable skills they need to improve their job prospects. The Focus Training Group already support local employers with the training of apprentices so welcomed this new initiative and created a Electrical Skills Bootcamp course to support the scheme.
The Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan, visited Bootcampers at the Exeter training centre to see the difference the government launch of Skills Bootcamps has had on allowing people aged 19 and over who are seeking work to retrain or gain employment.
She was able to see the candidates in action and chat with them about the past experiences and what this scheme means to them to enable to take a different path or to progress into an apprenticeship.
The Minister said:
“I want to congratulate everyone for completing their courses. I wish all those who took part and worked so hard the best of luck for their next steps and encourage anyone looking for a new opportunity to see how a Skills Bootcamp could help them.
“Our Skills Bootcamps are unique, giving people the chance to upskill or retrain for free over a short period of time, with a clear line of sight to a job at the end.”
The course is now complete, and the learners are now with employers on work trials to gain an apprenticeship.
Amy, one of the learners, said:
“I have loved this course! I started with a tiny amount of knowledge about the industry, and I now feel like I have gained essential skills to help me gain an electrical apprenticeship. My confidence has grown so much and the Skills Bootcamp surpassed all my expectations. It has been a really positive experience.”
Ian has also completed the course and is delighted to have secured an apprenticeship position. Like Amy he also commented that he came to the course knowing very little and has left it and immediately gained employment.
“The Skills Bootcamp was amazing, I learnt the basics of the electrical trade to put me in a good place when applying for apprenticeships which the Focus Training Group have helped me get. Going on the Skills Bootcamp is worth it and I would recommend it to anyone looking to get into the industry.”
Due to the success of the Exeter Bootcamp another one will be taking place in the Plymouth Centre. For further information please contact Heidi.e@tftg.org or call 07702858201.
