Skills City strengthens digital skills bootcamp operation with UA92 partnership

Higher education provider University Academy 92 (UA92) and Skills City, have launched a new Microsoft Azure certified data analytics bootcamp to support people from Lancashire into cloud careers. 

The new bootcamp will be the eighth bootcamp operated by Preston-based IN4 Group's Skills City. With contracts secured with the Department of Education, Lancashire LEP and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), its Skills City operation has delivered over 500 technology career starts in 2021. 

The collaboration will increase access and support for those from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds to training and employment opportunities in the tech industry.

As part of the new partnership, there are immediate plans to support 30 people into digital careers through Skills City’s bootcamps at HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, with learners benefitting from mentoring, guest lectures, industry projects and personal development guidance.

The Microsoft Azure cloud bootcamp will kickstart the initiative to help people with no prior technical knowledge to enter the workforce as skilled cloud engineers with data analyst skills.

The 12-week skills bootcamp offers learners the chance to gain knowledge of cloud technology, data analytics and AI, enabling them to take the AZ900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification at the end of the course.

The fully-funded bootcamp is aimed at those who are unemployed, underemployed or have been displaced by Covid 19, with every learner receiving a guaranteed job interview upon completion. There are further plans to develop a software development bootcamp with UA92.

Based at Old Trafford, UA92, co-founded by members of the Class of ‘92 and Lancaster University, is focused on targeting ‘hard-to-reach’ students and making higher education accessible to all.

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group, operator of HOST, said: “We are incredibly excited to be working with UA92, who are bringing modern education to life with their unique approach and outstanding Microsoft credentials, which we can now deliver through our Skills City bootcamps.

“At the heart of this partnership is our shared commitment to fair access for all people, places and communities, no matter their background. This is an amazing opportunity to unlock the potential of local talent by inspiring and supporting them into highly-skilled, digital technology careers, which will further deliver sustainable prosperity in the regions.”

Sara Prowse, CEO at UA92, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with HOST to offer these free 12-week bootcamps to those who are struggling to find work or who have found themselves unemployed due to Covid. 

“We know digital skills are pivotal to the future of industry, and by enabling students to add digital skills to their repertoire, we are opening career opportunities for them and helping to drive digital literacy. 

“We look forward to welcoming our first bootcamp students in due course.”

The cloud and data analytics skills bootcamp is open to residents from Lancashire or Greater Manchester, aged 19 or over, who are either in work, looking for work, or have been unemployed for 12 months or less. To apply, visit: skills-city.com