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Why it matters: The £4 million funding secured from the Department for Education will provide free skills training to an additional 1,345 adults in 2025/26, targeting sectors with significant skills shortages.

The details: The funding has been allocated to Suffolk County Council to support the region's Skills Bootcamps, which aim to help people gain employment in industries crucial to local economic growth.

Key sectors include:

• Digital technology

• Construction

• Engineering

• Net zero

• Childcare

For context: The council says the industry-led courses are supporting both the Local Growth Plan for Norfolk and the Suffolk Economic Strategy, addressing specific regional economic needs.

How it works: Courses last up to 16 weeks and offer flexible learning options that combine online and in-person training, making them accessible for people with different schedules.

What they're saying: "Securing this funding means that even more people across Norfolk and Suffolk will have access to high-quality training, leading to real job opportunities," said Cllr Richard Smith, Suffolk County Council deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, economic development and skills.

For employers: Businesses can also benefit by:

• Training new staff

• Upskilling existing employees

• Working directly with training providers to create courses aligned with their specific needs

• Having many of the training costs covered

The bottom line: Applications for the next round of Skills Bootcamps will open soon. Those interested can visit suffolk.gov.uk/business/supporting-employers-training-your-workforce/skills-bootcamps for more information or to apply.

Employers looking to recruit or upskill staff can contact Bev Wallman at bev.wallman@suffolk.gov.uk or skillsbootcamp@suffolk.gov.uk.