Introduction
Skills Bootcamps have gained prominence as a vital tool for equipping adults with technical skills to access in-demand jobs, apprenticeships, and self-employment opportunities.
The government’s funding and performance management guidelines for Skills Bootcamps, particularly in wave 3 contracts for 2023-2024, underscore the importance of these programs in enhancing income and productivity for learners.
In this article, we’ll delve into the funding structure and performance management principles outlined in the guidance, shedding light on how educators, learners, and employers can make the most of Skills Bootcamps.
Funding Structure: Milestones for Success
One of the core aspects of the funding guidance is the establishment of payment milestones, each tied to specific achievements in the Skills Bootcamp journey.
Understanding these milestones is crucial:
- Learner Start (45% of agreed unit rate): This milestone is reached when a learner completes at least five qualifying days, totaling at least five guided learning hours within this period. It marks the beginning of the Bootcamp.
- Learner Completion (35% of agreed unit rate): Successful completion of the training program, including passing required assessments, leads to this milestone. Learners must also meet additional criteria, depending on their circumstances – securing an interview for a new job, an offer of an apprenticeship, or confirming plans for self-employment.
- Learner Outcome (20% of agreed unit rate): The final milestone focuses on the learner’s post-Bootcamp achievements. For fully funded or independent learners, this can be securing a new job or an apprenticeship. For employer co-funded learners, it’s obtaining a new role or additional responsibilities. Self-employed learners must show evidence of gaining new contracts or opportunities.
Performance Management: Ensuring Success
To ensure the effectiveness of Skills Bootcamps, robust performance management measures have been put in place.
Here are some key performance indicators (KPIs) that both educators and learners should be aware of:
Guaranteed Interviews (100%): Each learner on a Skills Bootcamp is guaranteed an interview for a job or apprenticeship that matches their acquired skills.
Career Progression (75%): Within six months of completing the Bootcamp, learners should experience career progression. This could mean a new job, additional responsibilities, or securing new contracts for self-employed individuals.
New Skills (100%): Successful Bootcamp graduates should have acquired new skills within the program’s scope, reinforcing the importance of skill development.
Referral to Alternative Opportunities (100%): If a learner is unsuccessful at their post-completion interview, they should be referred to other job and training opportunities, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Learner Dropout Rates (≤20%): To maintain program effectiveness, dropout rates should be kept below 20%. This underscores the importance of robust recruitment and support processes.
Employer Engagement (100%): Employers’ involvement is vital throughout the Bootcamp process, from design to post-Bootcamp support, ensuring that learners are well-integrated into the workforce.
Employer Co-funding (≥30% or ≥10% for SMEs): Employers are expected to co-fund training for their existing employees. The percentage varies based on the employer’s size, with SMEs contributing a smaller share.
Social Value (10% Improvement): Contractors must strive for a 10% improvement in employing underrepresented groups within the workforce, promoting diversity and inclusion.
Conclusion
Skills Bootcamps are powerful tools for enhancing employability and income, and understanding the funding and performance management principles is crucial for all stakeholders.
Educators, learners, and employers should work together to ensure the successful implementation of Skills Bootcamps, maximising their potential to transform lives and industries.
To learn how Purlos can help enhance student engagement throughout the learner journey and track learner outcomes, connect with our team HERE