Women across Cheshire and Warrington are being encouraged to consider careers in traditionally male-dominated industries as a new campaign highlights the opportunities available through free Skills Bootcamps.
The Women in Skills Bootcamps campaign aims to challenge outdated perceptions and show how women can gain the skills, qualifications and confidence needed to enter sectors such as construction, digital, engineering, manufacturing, nuclear, rail and security.
Delivered through the Cheshire and Warrington Skills Bootcamps programme, the initiative is designed to open up new career opportunities through accessible and flexible training.
Skills Bootcamps offer free courses lasting up to 16 weeks for adults aged 19 and over, providing practical, industry-relevant skills that employers are looking for.
The training can help participants secure employment, progress in their existing careers or take a completely new direction.
Thirty-five women have recently completed Women in Skills Bootcamps, gaining experience in areas including tiling, retrofit, hydrogen, gas engineering, security and artificial intelligence (AI).
Tackling the gender gap in key industries
Despite increasing demand for skilled workers, women remain significantly underrepresented across a number of important industries.
According to Engineering UK, women make up just 17 per cent of engineers, while the Women in UK Manufacturing Report puts female representation in manufacturing at approximately 28 per cent.
Paul Bullock, Managing Director of 360 Nuclear, said: “Women remain underrepresented across engineering and manufacturing, making up just 17% of engineers, and around 28% of the manufacturing workforce.
“The Women in Advanced Manufacturing Skills Bootcamp aims to change that by giving women the skills, confidence and industry connections needed to access exciting careers in one of the UK’s most innovative and rapidly evolving sectors.”
The nuclear industry is also looking to attract more women as demand for skilled workers increases.
Women currently account for around 22 per cent of the nuclear workforce, according to written evidence submitted to the UK Parliament, with the industry aiming to increase this figure to 40 per cent by 2030.
Paul added: “As the nuclear industry expands to support the UK’s net zero ambitions, it faces both a skills challenge and an opportunity.
“Our Women in Nuclear Skills Bootcamps programme is designed to help bridge that gap by creating accessible pathways into rewarding, well-paid careers.”
Inspiring women to take the next step
The campaign also showcases the experiences of women who have already completed Skills Bootcamps, highlighting how practical training and a supportive learning environment can help people discover new opportunities.
By sharing their stories and demonstrating the range of courses available, organisers hope to encourage more women to consider careers in industries they may previously have thought were out of reach.
Whether returning to work, looking for a career change or keen to develop new skills, women across Cheshire and Warrington are being encouraged to explore the opportunities on offer.
Cllr Karen Shore, Deputy Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Lead Member for Education, Skills and Employment for Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, said:
“We know women are significantly under-represented in lots of industries which means we’re missing out on potential talent, so campaigns like these are really important.
“We want to see all members of Cheshire and Warrington flourish in their careers no matter which sector or industry they choose and we know the Skills Bootcamps will go towards achieving that.”
Women interested in finding out more about the available training opportunities and registering their interest can visit:
