What are Green Skills Bootcamps?

The word ‘Bootcamp’ can raise images of cliché military-style workouts with a harsh coach. Thankfully, this is far from the reality of the Government-funded Skills Bootcamp program, launched in 2020 to upskill the nation and deliver positive work outcomes.

We’re now in our third ‘Wave’ of delivering the Skills Bootcamp in Sustainability & Environmental Management alongside our partners PECT. We’ve supported over 60 participants into new work opportunities so they can launch their career or further embed sustainability into their role and organisation.

We do find frequently the same questions arise when it comes to Bootcamps, so in this blog, we’ve compiled our insight and experience to help you recognise (a) what you can gain from a Green Skills Bootcamp; (b) whether they’re the right course for you and your team.

“I gained a deeper understanding of sustainability principles, explored innovative solutions like renewable energy and circular economy models, and developed critical thinking skills through engaging virtual projects. The experience equipped me with practical tools and methodologies for real-world applications and strengthened my passion for creating positive environmental impacts all while collaborating remotely with diverse participants.”

What is a Green Skills Bootcamp?

Skills Bootcamps were launched in 2020 as a Government-funded training program aiming to fill skills gaps in priority areas. They aim to meet the in-demand skills and employer needs in your area, ranging from digital to construction, healthcare to green skills. They vary in scope, delivery mode and sector, but all comprise at least 60 hours of tutor-led learning over 16 weeks.

Green Skills Bootcamps are one of the priority areas for many local areas, designed to equip participants with the skills needed for a successful green transition. Many remain rooted in the ‘green sector’, preparing for roles in renewable energy, electric vehicle technology or retrofitting.

Increasingly, we are seeing Bootcamps like our own which recognise the vital role played by all sectors and the need for transferrable skills. For example, our Skills Bootcamp in Sustainability & Environmental Management blends the technical know-how of the ISEP Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management and Carbon Literacy training with our skills- and values-based Sustainability Leadership Skills Programme to nurture dynamic, proactive creators of a greener transition.

What can you gain from a Green Skills Bootcamp?

1.       Career-ready qualifications + skills

All Skills Bootcamps are tailored to local needs, so you should leave with the qualifications and/or skillset that will enhance your career progression. For example, our graduates leave with three certificates to showcase for their efforts. As a result, 100% agree that it has supported them with career aims and/or professional goals, and that they have developed green/sustainability skills as a result of the course.*

“I did have a job interview where the hiring managers' response was 'wow' when I told them that between application and interview I'd got the IEMA Foundation Certificate” 

2.       Direct positive work outcomes

This isn’t all, though. The key success measures of a Skills Bootcamps aren’t the qualification, but your positive work outcomes. In fact, the funding is dependent upon it. That means any provider should be supporting you with the following ‘milestones’:

Type of Learner	Positive Work Outcome
Unemployed	An interview and job offer for a relevant new role
Employed	Formal progression within your current role that uses your new skills
Self-Employed	Creation of a green action plan and new, relevant work gained

Every provider will support you a bit differently. We support this through one-to-one discussions over a six month period, which includes a mix of career coaching, application support, skills mapping and confidence-building. 45% of our cohort agreed that they had already gained positive work outcomes at the point of the course finishing, before this six-month journey!

It was “instrumental in my career journey by equipping me with practical tools and methodologies. It … broadened my perspective on how to integrate sustainability into professional roles."

3.       So much more!

Now, we can only speak for our Skills Bootcamp, but we have really recognised profound wider benefits of participating in this program for our learners. For example:

• 100% gained confidence as a sustainability professional

• 100% felt a sense of community with other learners

• 82% agreed it helped their wellbeing

• 97% would recommend participating to others

“The Skills Bootcamp has been a great support in my career journey ... making me more confident in my abilities. Before the bootcamp, I wasn’t very comfortable communicating with others, but participating in discussions and group tasks helped me overcome that fear. I learned how to collaborate effectively, which is essential for any workplace. Additionally, the insights from my mentors and peers have broadened my perspective and prepared me for future opportunities.”

Is it right for you?

We’d suggest there is a perfect Skills Bootcamp out there for everyone, but if you're uncertain whether it's for you compared to other training courses, ask these key questions:

1.       Do you have capacity and interest to progress in the next six months?

One learner described our course as “The most effective 10-day programme to learn and carve your sustainability path, no matter your current level.” Skills Bootcamps can be full-on by consolidating 60 learning hours into less than 16 weeks, but if you have the capacity and interest to develop, it reaps rewards.

“It's intense, especially as a career changer, but a great way to build your knowledge and give an insight into the world of sustainability and environmental management. The help and support around professional development is great.”

2.       Are you clear about your positive work outcomes?

This allows you to pick the right Skills Bootcamp for you. Whether it be getting a role or developing your own, it really helps to narrow down to ensure the Skills Bootcamp aims match your own. Though we’d of course shout about our own, there are plenty out there!

3.       Are you organisation-minded?

Skills Bootcamps aren’t just for individuals. If you’re an organisation or self-employed, funding is available for you. They can be a fantastic opportunity to upskill whole teams and transform your business quickly and holistically.

4.    Is the right one available in your region?

Though many Skills Bootcamps are delivered virtually like ours, they are offered regionally. This is great as it means courses are tailored for local opportunities, though it does mean that you won't be eligible for all Skills Bootcamps as you'll have to live or work in the region of the provider. Take a browse of which are available, but pop in your postcode first to make sure you can join.

The time is now!

Skills Bootcamp providers are advertising courses through to March, so take a look and book one in now if you want to be in a different career space by summer 2026.

If you do feel our Skills Bootcamp in Sustainability & Environmental Management is right for you, we have cohorts for our Skills Bootcamp starting across Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire + Peterborough in February. You can find out more and apply here or reach out to us by emailing skillsbootcamp@changeagents.org.uk where we'd be happy to chat.

Though we'd love ours to be the perfect fit for you, we know if it's not, there will be one out there.