Hopes free qualifications will cut worker shortfall

Matt Furniss of Surrey County Council helped launch Skills Bootcamps in Surrey

Adults in Surrey are being offered free qualifications in a project designed to address a shortfall in workers across a number of sectors.

The training courses are for people aged 19 and over, whether in or out of work, and cover a range of topics including construction, cyber security, sustainability and games development.

The government-funded training lasts for between two and 16 weeks, and everyone who completes a course will leave with an "industry-ready" qualification, the county council has said.

More than half of those who completed a Skills Bootcamp course in Surrey last year say they have gone on to find new work or a new position within their current company, the council said.

One of the courses on offer is an introduction to groundworks plant operations through the Construction Industry Safety Training Centre (CISTC), based in Farnham.

Angela Fowler, CISTC operations director, said: "This is for people who are looking to move into the sector or those looking to upskill beyond labouring.

"There is a big skills gap and a huge government drive in terms of construction work.

"There aren't enough workers in the industry to provide that, so we're giving people the skills that are needed.

"At the end, they get all the basic entry-level tickets to get them on site as a plant operator, including the CSCS card and first aid."

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council's cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth, said: "Surrey's prosperity depends on having a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of our thriving sectors.

"By providing pathways to rewarding careers, we're building a Surrey where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."

People can sign up for a course via the council's website.