With unemployment levels in the UK at their highest since the Covid pandemic, according to recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the opportunity to receive free skills training and kickstart a new career has never been more important.
Many people are looking for more secure work, while employers across the region are facing acute skills shortages.
Train4Tomorrow, funded by the Government’s Skills For Life programme and delivered by us, meets both needs. It offers *free, flexible Skills Bootcamps designed with employers to fill real jobs in the local economy and operates in the sectors where the region needs new talent most.
People are being urged to act quickly, as many Skills Bootcamps starting in January 2026 still have places available — although some popular courses are already full.
Learners gain skills in as little as 2–16 weeks, with a guaranteed interview at the end and training arranged to fit around work, childcare or other commitments.
Clare Hargreaves reached a point many people recognise: working hard, juggling jobs, but feeling like she’d stopped moving forward. A Train4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamp gave her the chance to change that.
Today, Clare works at the Apricot Centre in South Devon, applying her newfound skills every day in the farm’s floristry and regenerative agriculture teams. Her story is one of nearly 5,000 personal transformations across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, as Train4Tomorrow marks its sixth wave of delivery.
These thousands of adults have benefited from free, flexible training, and many have moved straight into employment as a result.
Speaking about her journey, Clare said: “I went into the Skills Bootcamp with an open mind. I didn’t quite know where it was going to lead. Now I’m growing flowers as part of the floristry team at the Apricot Centre and it’s really exciting. I’m applying the skills I learned every day.
“I’m incredibly grateful because it was free. I mean, who wouldn’t want to do it?”
Clare’s story reflects a wider movement of people retraining into high-growth sectors including digital and tech, construction, early years and education, green and net-zero skills, engineering and healthcare.
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, said:
“Right now, many people across the UK are anxious about work, rising costs and the uncertainty in the job market. Train4Tomorrow is one of the most effective responses we have – free training, guaranteed interviews and employers ready to hire.
“What we’re seeing is transformational; nearly 5,000 people have already used these Skills Bootcamps to rebuild their confidence, secure new careers, and provide stability for their futures.”
Places on Skills Bootcamps in January remain in several high-demand sectors, including:
● Technical and digital roles
● Construction and trades
● Early years and education
● Green and net-zero skills
● Engineering and manufacturing
With the latest wave of Skills Bootcamps aiming to support over 2,000 adults, the programme continues to help residents step into secure roles, while giving employers access to job-ready candidates and upskilling routes for their workforce.
Because for thousands of learners like Clare, one decision didn’t just change their job, it changed the direction of their life.
Councillor Cottle-Hunkin adds: “My message is simple, if you want to upskill, find a job or change careers – joining a Skills Bootcamp could provide you with the new start you really need in 2026.”
[*Please note, for employers looking to upskill their staff there is up to 90% funding available.]
