9th February 2021
The UK is focusing in on skills and training to build back better and digital is at the heart of the government’s investment in education moving forward.
Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education, gave a statement in line with the release of the Government’s whitepaper, titled ‘Skills for Jobs: Lifelong Learning for Opportunity & Growth’, that outlines the future approach to education.
“To give ourselves the best chance of success we must make sure everyone has the skills which will allow them to get good jobs, both now and in the future.”
He continued to highlight how further education colleges like South Devon College will be an important part of this skills training.
“These are the skills that further education is perfectly placed to provide but we have historically not always made the best use of it. We will move on from previous underestimations of further and technical education and reinforce its pivotal role as a pathway to a bright future.”
But the essential area to focus on developing skills is in digital, and Williamson also recognises this.
“As the rate of technological change increases, further education will be crucial to building an agile and adaptable workforce. Provision will be flexible – whether full-time or part-time; on-the-job or off-the-job; a first ever job, or a change of career. Everyone will have the chance to retrain, update their skills and move into growth sectors, when they need to.”
To achieve this, employer-led Technical Bootcamps have been launched by the Government and you can apply to start one as soon as the end of February 2021 at South Devon College.
Steve Caunter, Assistant Principal at South Devon College, states: “These Technical Bootcamps, courses that are between 2-6 weeks long, have been co-designed with employers in key sectors; sectors that are looking to reinforce their workforce with new talent and/or increase the skill of the existing workforce. Photonics, Optics, Microelectronics, Marine and Automotive are all key areas within this. The purpose of these programmes is to support transition into employment, further develop skills increasing progression opportunities, and open pathways to further and higher education such as an apprenticeship at level 4.”
The Bootcamp courses available are:
- Automotive Engineering Diagnostics Bootcamp (Electronic control and digital diagnosis)
- Marine Technical: Electronics, Autonomous, Satellite Control Bootcamp (Supporting Progression)
- Photonics, Optics and Microelectronics Bootcamp (Retraining – Transition into Employment)
- Photonics, Optics and Microelectronics Bootcamp (Apprenticeship Progression to Higher Skills)
- Photonics, Optics and Microelectronics Bootcamp (Reskilling – Employment Progression)
(update 23/03/21: some of the courses above may have already begun but may be running again in the future)
These courses will provide you with the skills to thrive in sectors that are in demand of skilled workers, meaning these courses can lead you into readily available employment opportunities beyond your studies.
For more information and to see if you’re eligible, visit southdevon.ac.uk where you can find all of the courses on offer. If you have any questions, get in touch by calling 08000 380 123 or email [email protected].
For more employer information, including apprenticeship funding, visit southdevon.ac.uk/employers.
