Author: Louise Jackson

Skills Bootcamps careers – upskilling Surrey

Published 5 March 2025

Skills and workforce, Surrey Success Stories

A passion for change

After nine years in retail, Claudia was driven by a passion to change how excess and unwanted products were managed within her organisation. This led her to enrol in a Sustainability Skills Bootcamp, eager to dive into Life Cycle Assessment and waste management for a more sustainable future.

She saw an Instagram ad from Surrey County Council. This perfectly aligned with her sustainability interests and sparked her decision to enrol.

The Skills Bootcamp journey: learning and thriving

The Skills Bootcamp journey allowed Claudia to juggle full-time work and study with the support of the training providers at Activate Learning.

โ€œThe instructors were fantastic, making complex topics accessible and engaging.โ€

Practical exercises were the star of the show. These enabled real-world application straight back into the workplace. Learning about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) was incredibly rewarding.

Career transformation and bright prospects

Completing the Skills Bootcamp was a game-changer. Claudiaโ€™s new skills and knowledge impressed at interview, leading to a role in a new company with an active approach to sustainability.

A brighter, sustainable future

The Skills Bootcamp has empowered Claudia with the expertise to make a significant impact in her career. She is now equipped to champion sustainable practices in her industry. This case study showcases the incredible potential of practical, targeted education in driving real-world change.

“I highly recommend the Surrey County Council Skills Bootcamp in Sustainability.

This well-structured course provides a great balance of theory and practical application – making it easy to integrate sustainability principles into both personal and professional settings.

The course offers valuable insight into the vast field of sustainability, helping you identify areas you may want to specialise in.

For me, it was a fantastic addition to my skillset, and it played a key role in helping me secure a new job with a company that has sustainability at its core.

This course truly allows you to demonstrate your commitment to this field – it is a great stepping stone for anyone looking to make a real impact!”

Fast-track learning for businesses

We offer Skills Bootcamps in sectors that are crucial to Surrey’s future economy.

Therefore, they can also be used by local businesses to upskill current employees at a discounted rate.

Large employers will need to contribute 30% of the cost. Small or medium employers (SMEs) will contribute 10%.

There is no cost to a business recruiting someone who has recently completed a Skills Bootcamp.

To find out more about the courses on offer, delivered through out training providers, visit the Skills Bootcamps website.

Please note that funding for the current round of courses runs until the end of March 2025. Therefore, some courses may now be unavailable or have reached capacity.

Support for Surrey businesses

Not quite the right fit for your business? Speak to our team of experts who can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest information on events, funding and more, for all Surrey businesses.

Event alert: Accelerate growth and win more customers

Published 15 February 2025

Advice and support, Events and awards

Due to the success of this event in December, we are pleased to offer an opportunity to those who missed out last time – join us for a re-run of this exciting, interactive workshop. The event is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) unlock strategies to accelerate long-lasting growth. We will provide you with practical insights and hands-on experience to boost your customer pipeline and drive your business forward. 

Workshop highlights

  • Market Analysis: Understand your market and identify opportunities.
  • Value Proposition: Craft a compelling value proposition that resonates with your target audience.
  • Customer Relationships: Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
  • Sales Techniques: Master closing techniques and negotiation skills.

Event details

  • Date: 3rd April
  • Time: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Location:ย Guildford Pavilion
  • Cost: Free (Pre-registration required)

Meet your expert

Roya Croudace - Accelerate Growth and win more customers

The workshop will be led by Roya Croudace, an accomplished Commercial Director, Founder, and Non-Executive Director with over 25 years of experience in accelerating growth. Roya has worked with over 400 scale-up businesses in Surrey and FTSE 100 companies, offering unique insights and effective strategies to achieve measurable results and sustainable success.

Why attend?

  • Actionable Strategies: Learn practical tools to accelerate revenue, attract and retain customers, and boost profits.
  • Expert Guidance: Benefit from Roya’s extensive experience and tailored advice.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with other SME owners and entrepreneurs in Surrey.

This event is perfect for SME owners and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. There is no entry fee, and you can bring as many team members as you like, but spaces are limited. Be sure to register today to secure your spot!

Register today to save your place.

Free support for Surrey SMEs

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service offering free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.

Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice to help your SME grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest news on funding, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

A side view of people sitting at a business conference and listening to a speaker talking about how to accelerate growth.

Skills Bootcamp boosts sales for local business

Published 13 February 2025

Skills and workforce

MTEK Solutions, a local business co-owned by experienced electricians Michael Slatcher and Kieran Tuck, has taken full advantage of Skills Bootcamps, to enhance their expertise and meet the growing demand for sustainable electrical solutions. It’s already paying off.

As strong advocates of professional development and through support from Surrey County Council, Michael and Kieran have completed three courses:

  • Verification, Inspection, and Testing
  • Solar Panel Installation and Battery Storage Training
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Training

Working across commercial, industrial and residential, this training has helped position them as local leaders in green technology and to future-proof their business. 

Skills Bootcamps boosts sales - MTeK Solutions owner training in MITSkills workshop

Thanks to the Green Electrical Skills Bootcamps delivered by training provider MITSkills, MTeK Solutions hasโ€ฏsecured new work in solar and battery storage.

It is also opening doors to opportunities they wouldnโ€™t otherwise have had access to. They are now bidding for contracts worth three times the value of their biggest job to date. This is a direct result of the training theyโ€™ve undertaken.ย 

Michael and Kieran have a clear message for businesses hesitant to commit the time to Skills Bootcamps: 

“Skills Bootcamps are a great way to upskill and boost your earnings โ€“ they help add another string to your bow. You have to look beyond today. Investing the time to complete the training has opened doors to much greater opportunities than if we had kept putting things off.“

Meeting the growing demand for sustainable electrical solutions

Their commitment doesnโ€™t stop with their own learning. Michael and Kieran actively invest in the future of the electrical sector by employing Surrey residents as apprentices.

Working closely withโ€ฏMITSkills, theyโ€™ve been able to recruitโ€ฏexceptional apprentices who are benefiting from their hands-on guidance and supportive leadership. 

Steve Farrow, Head of Business Development for MITSkills said, “The Green Electrical Skills Bootcamp has allowed MTeK Solutions to increase their offer to local people, while providing opportunities for the company to meet their expansion through the provision of electrical apprenticeships.โ€ 

He added, “We are proud to provide electricians with the skills that enable them to support a โ€œGreener Surreyโ€ and reduce carbonisation.”

Michael and Kieranโ€™s dedication to professional growth and creating opportunities for local people highlights the real-world benefits of Skills Bootcamps โ€“ helping businesses thrive, supporting the community, and unlocking exciting new sales opportunities. 

Skills Bootcamps for businesses

Skills Bootcamps can be used by local businesses to upskill current employees at a discounted rate.
Large employers are contributing 30% of the cost while small or medium employers (SMEs) are paying 10%.


There is no cost to a business recruiting someone who has recently completed a Skills Bootcamp.
For more information about Skills Bootcamps, visit Skills Bootcamps – Surrey County Council

Support for Surrey businesses

Not quite the right fit for your business? Speak to our team of experts who can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest information on events, funding and more, for all Surrey businesses.