Over the past year, the Skills Bootcamps landscape has seen significant changes. A shift in funding structures and increasing employer demand for AI and data skills are reshaping how colleges deliver Bootcamps. These developments present both challenges and opportunities for FE colleges looking to ensure their Bootcamps remain locally impactful, employer-aligned, and financially sustainable.
The devolution white paper highlights that from 2026, Skills Bootcamps funding will no longer be ringfenced, giving mayoral combined authorities greater control over how it is allocated. This shift means colleges should work more closely with regional authorities and employer bodies to shape provision effectively.
At the same time, Skills England is playing an increasing role in shaping policy, ensuring that adult skills training aligns with local and national workforce needs. As a result, FE colleges delivering Bootcamps should take a more strategic approach to employer engagement and curriculum planning.
Alongside policy changes, digital skills demand is accelerating. The World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights that AI and machine learning specialists, software developers, and data analytics professionals are among the fastest-growing job roles.
What This Means for FE Colleges
While demand for Skills Bootcamps remains high – with over 42,000 learners enrolling in the period — only 37% secured a positive job outcome, according to the latest Department for Education data. This highlights the need for continuous refinement in how Bootcamps are structured, delivered, and aligned with employer needs.
FE colleges are approaching Skills Bootcamps in different ways, tailoring their models to fit regional priorities, student needs, and industry demand. Some institutions are revising their learner selection process to ensure participants are fully prepared for the intensity of a Bootcamp. Others are expanding employer engagement to improve graduate progression into jobs, while some are adjusting their delivery formats. Colleges looking to strengthen their Bootcamp models might be focusing on:
● Adapting to the new funding landscape by working with regional authorities to align Bootcamps with local skills priorities
● Strengthening employer engagement to ensure programmes lead to real job opportunities
● Expanding digital skills provision to include AI, data analytics, and emerging technologies that match job market trends
As Skills Bootcamps evolve, regional funding control and employer collaboration will shape their long-term success. Colleges that proactively align their programmes with industry needs, maintain strong learner support, and adapt to funding shifts will be well-positioned to drive stronger outcomes for students and local economies.
Join the Conversation – Expert Insights from Leading FE Colleges
To explore these shifts in more depth, Code Institute is hosting a webinar with FE leaders who have been successfully navigating these challenges.
In the webinar, Skills Bootcamps Are Changing – What FE Colleges Must Know, Allison Muggridge (Westminster Adult Education Service) and Pasquale Fasulo (City of Bristol College) will share practical insights on:
● How Skills Bootcamps fit into FE curriculum planning and how they’ve evolved
● DfE data insights – completion rates, employment outcomes, and how different providers compare
● The impact of funding devolution – what FE colleges need to prepare for
● Practical insights for employer engagement and curriculum integration
● Emerging digital skills trends – the rising demand for AI and Data analytics skills
Register for the Webinar
Whether your college already delivers Skills Bootcamps or is considering them for the future, join us to hear from sector leaders and gain insights into the future of Bootcamp delivery.
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