SKILLS Bootcamps in construction are giving local businesses a boost by training new entrants and upskilling existing staff. 

The Skills Bootcamps, for people aged 19 and over, are designed with employers to meet industry needs. The courses can run for up to 16 weeks.

Their aim is to help fill in-demand jobs and address future skills gaps. In Cumbria, the focus is on construction, digital, green economy, logistics, and project management says Skills Bootcamp programme lead Naomi Morgan from Cumbria LEP.

Naomi says it’s a formula that is proving very effective in addressing the construction industry’s staff shortage and supporting companies to invest in training.

In Carlisle, Mark Moodycliffe managing director of R. H. Irving Construction Ltd said: “We want to develop our workforce. Particularly those who have been with us since we started.

"They’ve gone from working on the ground to dealing with multi-million pound contracts. The solution was a Saturday boot camp for 11 staff run by BTP Cumbria.

"Areas such as delegation, dealing with sub-contractors, and change were particularly valuable.

"The group also benefitted from looking at how construction projects around the world are run as well as the business of contracting. Overall the Skills Bootcamp was a massive success with everyone developing in their roles."

Small businesses have also benefitted from the BTP-run Skills Bootcamps including Cubby Construction in Carlisle.

They say they are helping them to invest and train up-and-coming young people, with the chance for them to work alongside experienced staff.

Keith Dymond from BTP said: "The outcomes we have achieved for companies like Cubby Construction and Leck Construction in Barrow have been astounding. It has convinced me that Skills Bootcamps are the best option for civil engineering companies in Cumbria who are looking for new staff.

"With some intense practical training, learners are more able to quickly 'hit the ground running'. The feedback from companies like L&W Wilson and RH Irving say Skills Bootcamps also demonstrate real benefits for those who want to upskill their existing staff.

"BTP is proud to be involved in a scheme which is making such a difference in Cumbria to the construction skills shortage".