Skills Bootcamp Wave 7 Grant Funding Call Launched

Leicester City Council, working with Leicestershire County Council and the Business & Skills Partnership, has launched Wave 7 of Skills Bootcamps grant funding (2026/27).

The goal is to enable individuals to either upskill or achieve employment through the delivery of the Skills Bootcamps provision to 402 learners across Leicester and Leicestershire. 

The programme, uses a single-stage grant application process:
•    Submit your proposal for delivering a Skills Bootcamp 
•    Applications are assessed against priorities e.g. employer demand, delivery capability, and alignment with local labour market needs.

We are looking for a broad mix of provision, with particular interest in:
•    Construction
•    Digital
•    Logistics
•    Green Skills (e.g. energy-efficiency installation; green transport; waste management and recycling, agriculture) 
•    Technical Core (e.g. engineering)
•    Other sectors – if backed by strong employer demand and aligned with local labour market data.

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible training courses designed for adults aged 19 and over. They are funded programmes aimed at helping people quickly gain practical, job-ready skills in specific sectors where employers need staff.

Most Skills Bootcamps:
•    Deliver at least 60 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) 
•    Run over a maximum of 16 weeks 
•    Can be delivered in-person, online, or blended 

What counts as Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
GLH refers to the time a learner spends actively engaged in learning under direct supervision 
or guidance, such as:
•    Teaching sessions with a tutor or trainer 
•    Live online classes 
•    Workshops, practical sessions, or supervised activities 

Important:
Pre-recorded or self-paced content does not count towards GLH.

What is the purpose of Skills Bootcamps?

Skills Bootcamps are designed to:
•    Build sector-specific skills aligned to local employer demand 
•    Support people into new jobs, career progression, or increased responsibilities 
•    Provide a clear, fast-track route into employment or further training (such as apprenticeships).

Grant Application Indicative Timetable

•    8th June 2026 – deadline for any queries in relation to this call.
•    12th June 2026 @ Midnight (12.00 O’clock) – ‘Skills Bootcamps’ proposals to be submitted to regeneration.programmes@leicester.gov.uk
•    End of June 2026 / early July – assessment (scoring) of proposals received,
•    Mid July -- suppliers will be notified,
•    End of July / Early August – Pre Contract Meetings commence.

Application Documents:
Grant Application Guidance
Grant Application
Leicester City Council Evidence Requirements