£1.3m bootcamps launched to boost tech and digital skills in Yorkshire

A series of free workshops have been launched to support adults in West Yorkshire to retrain in the digital and tech sectors.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) have today announced the launch of free skills bootcamps in a bid to support adults to retrain and upskill in the digital and technical sectors and support the economic recovery.

The Combined Authority has been awarded £1.3m by the Department for Education to deliver the bootcamps as part of its FutureGoals initiative, targeting disadvantaged and underrepresented groups including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, women and those unemployed due to COVID-19.

Roger Marsh OBE DL, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and the NP11, commented: “The impact of the pandemic on our region’s businesses and people has been devastating.

“The LEP will continue to offer support to individuals and businesses with skills and training as a key part of our economic recovery plan to ensure everyone can benefit from a productive economy that works for everyone.”

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council, said: “Investing in skills development and training programmes that address our changing economy needs both now and, in the future, will benefit our region’s people, businesses and communities.

“As we look to recover from the pandemic, we want everyone to be able to get on with life and rebuild a more inclusive and sustainable economy.”