A new report evaluating the second wave implementation of the UK government’s Skills Bootcamps program has identified several problems with the courses – both on the students’ and the trainers’ side.
Skills Bootcamps are intensive training programs designed to help workers gain new skills and enter new industries. They are part of the government’s broader skills and training agenda, aimed at addressing skills shortages and promoting economic growth.
Most Skills Bootcamps in Wave 2 were in Digital Skills and HGV Driving, but some Skills Bootcamps in Green, Engineering, Construction and Technical Skills were also delivered. More than 3,000 learners participated in the programs, with 78% of them completing the full course.
The good news is that, according to the evaluation carried out by CFE Research, 67% of completers gained new employment or progressed in their existing roles within six months of finishing the program. The average salary increase for completers was £4,500 per year.
However, the researchers discovered several discrepancies within the program. For example, while the report found that Skills Bootcamps were found to be particularly effective for learners from underrepresented groups, it also mentions that the program struggled to reach and recruit learners from these disadvantaged and underrepresented groups, such as those with disabilities and from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Also, the report highlights some other areas for improvement, including the need for better marketing and communication to reach potential learners, and the need for more employer engagement to ensure that the programs are meeting the needs of the industry.
The report noted that some bootcamps lacked clear learning outcomes and were not aligned with industry needs, which could result in learners not acquiring relevant skills and knowledge. In addition, some courses were found to be too intense and not suitable for all learners.
The report found concerning results about the quality and consistency of the delivery of the bootcamps, with some providers not meeting the required standards. There were also issues with the quality of teaching and learning materials, and a lack of support for learners during the program.
Another key issue highlighted by the report was the limited employer engagement in the program. As a result, some bootcamps did not provide enough opportunities for learners to gain practical experience or access job opportunities. This lack of engagement could lead to a gap between the skills that learners have gained and the skills that employers require.
Data collection and evaluation were also identified as challenges. The evaluation found it difficult to measure the impact and effectiveness of the program due to a lack of data collection and evaluation. This makes it harder to make informed decisions about the future of the program and to identify areas for improvement.
The Skills Bootcamp program is still going on, and HGV driver training, both those that are for people new to lorry driving and those who would like to upgrade their current licence are in “extremely high demand”.