Further Skills Bootcamps launched to support Greater Manchester manufacturing sector

GMCA has awarded £548,000 funding to three training providers to expand the DfE-backed Skills Bootcamps programmes to Greater Manchester’s manufacturing sector.

While the city-region has a long tradition of manufacturing, skills intelligence has identified local employers are increasingly facing challenges in recruitment and training of skilled workers.

The Skills Bootcamps are designed to address these challenges as part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee and Plan for Jobs. The offer is a flexible, up to 16-week training course which will build sector-specific skills and guarantee an interview with a local employer. The three providers awarded funding to deliver manufacturing bootcamps in Greater Manchester are; 3D 360 who specialise in 3D Printing courses; Rochdale Training who are focusing on welding and Salford City College who are offering training in industrial textiles.

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Greater Manchester’s lead for Education, Work, Skills, Apprenticeships and Digital said: 

“Skills Bootcamps represent such an amazing opportunity for our residents and local businesses. The number of Greater Manchester residents employed in the manufacturing sector is estimated to be between 100,000 – 116,000, representing 7.4 – 8% of the workforce.

“The scheme is designed to help local people gain new skills to pursue exciting careers and places an emphasis on the technical skills welcomed by businesses across Greater Manchester.

“This is not just about manufacturing and technology, it’s about the benefit and value we can provide to our residents and city-region.”

Rochdale Training will offer a five-week course in welding and fabrication, designed in partnership with employers from across Greater Manchester. 3D 360 will deliver three courses, covering 3D CAD skills, digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) at both introductory and advanced levels.

Salford City College Group’s Production Sewing Machinist Skills Bootcamps course has been co-designed with UK Fashion & Textiles Association, to give learners the skills and knowledge needed to start a career in production sewing industry. The rejuvenated textiles industry is enjoying a renaissance, with manufacturers in fashion, interior design, health, automotive and other sectors requiring ethically sourced products to meet demand in a fast-growing industry.