Decision details

Delegated authority has been granted to the Combined Authority’s Chief Executive to take decisions on the award of grants through the Skills Bootcamp initiative. Decisions were reached in consultation with Chief Executives of the Combined Authority’s constituent councils.

1.      The second of three funding calls for Wave 3 of the DfE Skills Bootcamps attracted seven unique bids. All bids were assessed using a matrix system and a panel of assessors.

2.      Seven unique bids from five unique providers were recommended for funding. Each bid required some clarifications. These clarifications were provided in full.

3.      The total funding amount for the seven recommended bids totalled £614,958.64 leaving a further c.£1.707m of the total allocation to be used against call 3 (which closed on 15 Aug – assessments will take place w/c 22 Aug with recommendations taken to CEOs). Funding for this call (2) will reach 249 residents, benefitting the Green Skills, Technical and Digital Sectors.

Funding South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, YTKO, Bath Spa University, University of the West of England and Bath College completes a funding portfolio valued at £614,958.64. Reasons for funding are outlined as follows:

a)     South Gloucestershire and Stroud College – Upskilling to Retrofit

·       South Gloucestershire and Stroud College are the lead provider working in partnership with a range of Retrofit SMEs across the purpose-built Berkeley campus and the wider LEP Geographical region. Previous experience running Skills Bootcamps retrofit training includes solar panel installation, modern methods of battery storage, introduction to heat source pumps and cavity installation. Each module is 14 hours long and their learners will undertake enough modules to meet the minimum of 60 Guided Learning Hours through a mixture of blended and face to face tuition. Total funding is £150,000.

b)     YTKO – Organisational Sustainability

·       Lead provider YTKO has developed an organisational sustainability course to deliver sustainability training to 30 learners over a 10-week period. Co-designed with 10 local SMEs the course sets out to upskill employees with the skills to lead the company in becoming more sustainable through its everyday operational work practices. Employers will provide delivery master classes, site visits and workshops throughout this blended course commencing September 2022. Total funding amount £27,500.

c)     Bath Spa University– Organisational Sustainability

·       Lead provider Bath Spa University has co-designed this sustainability course with input from 14 different organisations. 10 local employers will contribute to the running of the course to include assessment and expert guest speakers. The two cohorts of 15 unique learners will upskill those within industry, providing the confidence and leadership qualities to enact sustainable change within their place of work and take a lead on how to make an organisation more sustainable. Total funding is £28,500.

d)     YTKO – Digital Marketing

·       Lead provider YTKO, working with six local SMEs, will deliver a Skills Bootcamp that will develop digital marketing skills for those who do not possess such skills within the organisation and potentially lack a competitive edge because of this. The Skills Bootcamp seeks to upskill 35 employees over 12 weeks and 100 hours of blended learning. Training will include data handling; e-commerce; social media advertising and website optimisation among others. The course will offer key 1-2-1 support for those who require it. The first of three cohorts commence in September. Total funding amount £91,600.00.

e)     University of the West of England – Digital Marketing

·       Lead provider University of the West of England, working with 41 identified local providers, will upskill employees/learners in digital marketing techniques. Consisting of two cohorts and around 120 Guided Learning Hours, courses can last up to 14 weeks. The curriculum focuses on the upskilling of both technical and softer skills to include Website Optimisation; Data Analytics; Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Social Media content; communicating; collaborating and presenting; writing and documentation; professional behaviours; and working with others. Courses are non-accredited but are under pinned by professional standards within the Diploma in Digital Marketing qualification. The first cohort commences in September. Total funding is £112,331.

f)      Bath Spa University – Digital Marketing

·       Lead provider Bath Spa University will lead a membership group of six organisations and 28 employers all offering genuine employment opportunities. This 10-week, 160 Guided Learning Hours course will upskill 45 unique learners who may or may not be employed operating three cohorts with the first commencing in August. Delivered in a blended fashion the course will fit around existing adult commitments and the opportunity for an accredited Digital Marketing Associate (CDMA) is available. Learners will gain new skills and develop existing skills around emerging advances in digital technology, changing consumer expectations, benefits and risks of social media, and the importance of an online presence and UX for customer acquisition. Total funding amount £135,000.00.

g)     Bath College – Welding

·       Lead provider Bath College are working with two employers to develop and deliver this Skills Bootcamp in welding. Experienced in Skills Bootcamp delivery, Bath College benefits from state-of-the-art welding booths and expert tutors. 24 employees/learners will be upskilled in MIG or TIG welding techniques all of whom will have access to interview on successful completion of the learning outcomes. The course is blended and last around 76 Guided Learner Hours over a 12-week period. Currently there is one start date for one cohort commencing in September. Total funding is £70,627.

Delegated authority has been granted to the Combined Authority’s Chief Executive to take decisions on the award of grants through the Skills Bootcamp initiative. Decisions were reached in consultation with Chief Executives of the Combined Authority’s constituent councils.

1.      The second of three funding calls for Wave 3 of the DfE Skills Bootcamps attracted seven unique bids. All bids were assessed using a matrix system and a panel of assessors.

2.      Seven unique bids from five unique providers were recommended for funding. Each bid required some clarifications. These clarifications were provided in full.

3.      The total funding amount for the seven recommended bids totalled £614,958.64 leaving a further c.£1.707m of the total allocation to be used against call 3 (which closed on 15 Aug – assessments will take place w/c 22 Aug with recommendations taken to CEOs). Funding for this call (2) will reach 249 residents, benefitting the Green Skills, Technical and Digital Sectors.

Not applicable in relation to this specific decision, i.e., this was the option

Considered due to the nature and specifications of the national funding requirements.