New wave of free courses to help adults upskill and find work
ADULTS in East Sussex can access more free, flexible training courses following a government funding boost for Skills Bootcamps.
East Sussex County Council has secured £1.5 million in funding from the Department for Work and Pensions to deliver the latest wave of Skills Bootcamps, supporting residents to gain skills that are in demand across the local economy.
The programme offers courses of up to 16 weeks for employed, self-employed and unemployed adults aged 19 and over, with training ranging from Level 2 to Level 5. Courses are free for all participants, while employers wishing to upskill existing staff are asked to make a small contribution towards the cost of training.
New courses in this latest wave include AI and digital analytics as well as introductory engineering pathways, reflecting employer demand and emerging skills needs.
Training providers across East Sussex will deliver a wide range of courses covering key sectors, including construction, engineering, digital, education and early years, land-based industries, business, hospitality and health and social care.
East Sussex County Council’s lead member for economy, Cllr Pete Morley, said: “We are delighted to be bringing back Skills Bootcamps for a second year and hope even more adults living and working across East Sussex will take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.
“Whether you're looking to start a new career, develop your existing skills or build your confidence in the workplace, there is something for everyone. The courses cover a wide range of subjects, from business management and engineering to horticulture, digital marketing, AI and vineyard operations, as well as specialist areas such as autism awareness, dementia awareness and small animal hydrotherapy.
“The bootcamps can open doors to new opportunities and help people take the next step in their career journey, while giving employers access to a more skilled and confident workforce.”
Cllr Morley added: “Learners who are unemployed or looking to change career are guaranteed a job interview on completion, while those already in work can gain new skills to progress in their roles. We encourage job seekers to explore the many courses available, and we hope once completed people will feel confident and empowered in their search for work. We also encourage employers to invest in the long-term productivity and efficiency of the workforce by registering staff onto one of the courses.”
The training providers delivering Skills Bootcamps in East Sussex are: East Sussex County Council, Plumpton College, East Sussex College Group, Brighton & Hove Education Academy, Brighter Horizons Training & Development, TechNative Digital, Insite, Creative Process Digital and Skills Provider.
For more information about the available courses and how to enrol, email SkillsBootcamps@eastsussex.gov.uk
or visit www.careerseastsussex.co.uk/information/adults/skills-bootcamps.
ENDS
Rebecca Durrant
Thursday, 9 July 2026