It's your future...

Discover skills, training and career support in the West of England to help you get to where you want to be.

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  • Apprenticeships
  • Career Guidance
  • Disability & Other Support Needs
  • Getting into Work
  • Mental Health & Wellbeing
  • Training & Upskilling
  • Volunteering
  • Workforce Development & Support

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About us

Find your next step

Skills Connect empowers people of all ages and career stages to find skills, training, and career support in the region.

We’ve showcased what’s available in a simple and accessible way, so you can find success – whatever that means for you.

If you need extra help, contact one of our dedicated advisors who can assist you to navigate the support options and find something suitable for you.

Contact an advisor

A shot taken from above of a large group of people including Dan Norris at this year's Jobs and Skills Summit. There is a white flag with the West of England Combined Authority logo on to the left

Our campaigns

Redundancy support

Being at risk of, or being made redundant, can be an extremely stressful and worrying time, however it can also present exciting new opportunities.  We can help you navigate support and identify new opportunities. 

Find out more

Two men talking at work

Our campaigns

Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with an employer.

If you’re aged 19 and over and looking to change sectors or progress in your current industry, a Skills Bootcamp could be your next step to a better job with more job security and higher wages over time.

Find a relevant Skills Bootcamp

People sat at a table laughing

Our campaigns

Apprenticeships: Share to support

Are you a large employer with unspent apprenticeship levy?

You can stop the money being lost from the region by pledging your unspent levy to a local small business, helping to create jobs and support progression in work.

Learn more about share to support

Three people working on a project
Image credit: IDPS, University of Bath

Our campaigns

Future Bright: Free career coaching

Are you feeling stuck in your job? Feel like you need some support to help you get to the next step? Future Bright could offer you a personal career coach to help you develop and achieve your goals.

Whether you want to progress and increase your salary, boost your confidence, change career or even just improve your mindset, having someone in your corner to offer support and guidance can make a huge difference.

Future Bright is completely free, impartial and tailored towards you.

Join Future Bright

Future Bright logo

Our Campaigns

Careers in Retrofit

Retrofitting is a growing industry driven by the need for low-carbon, energy-efficient buildings. Explore our retrofit careers insights pages to learn about opportunities in this rewarding field, including entry-level pathways, upskilling options for professionals, and how transferable skills benefit career changers.

Find out more

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Image credit: Weston College

Apprenticeships

Earn and learn on the job

Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular – and for good reason. They offer many pathways to work, earn and train with options available for people of all ages, backgrounds and career stages.

An apprenticeship could be your opportunity to explore a career and gain a qualification in an area you didn't know was possible.

Find out more

Events

What’s on

Find a range of skills, training and career support events happening near you or virtually.

Whether it's information sessions, jobs fairs or networking, discover what's available and sign up today.

View all events

Weston College: Apprenticeship Open Evening 2025

Are you at a crossroads after finishing school or college? Are you dreaming of a career change that truly excites you? Your future starts here! Join us at our Apprenticeship Open Evening, where exciting opportunities await to shape your path to success.

 

Discover over 100 apprenticeship vacancies waiting just for you! From Engineering and IT to Business Administration, Construction, and Motor Vehicle – there’s a perfect match for your passion.

 

Our friendly team of experts is here to answer all your burning questions about apprenticeships. Whether you’re curious about the application process or the benefits, we’ve got you covered.

 

EMPLOYERS ATTENDING:

National Composites Centre, Airbus, Babcock International Group, GKN, Ministry of Defence, Rolls-Royce, Thatchers Cider, Turner and Townsend, WPA, Avon and Somerset Police, Cadbury House, Shared Apprenticeships, National Highways, UHBW, The Bristol Port Company, Avon Fire and Rescue.

Session 16:00 – 19:00

Category: Apprenticeships, Getting into Work

Organizer: Weston College

Address: Weston College South West Skills Campus, Locking Road Weston-super-Mare BS22 8NL

North Somerset Date:05 Feb 2025 Time:4:00 pm

Digital Hub

Discover Your Digital Potential!
Join us at the Digital Hub, a monthly collaboration between Bath College and Bath and North East Somerset Council , designed to help residents of all digital abilities grow their skills and confidence.

What’s on offer?
• Explore a wide range of digital courses tailored to your personal and professional needs.
• Chat with BANES representatives and our friendly college staff to find the perfect support for you. Including information, advice, and guidance for all your employment needs.
• Get guidance on improving your tech skills, from basic digital know-how to advanced tools.

Build confidence online * Boost your career * Get more out of technology

When: Every second Tuesday of the month
Time: 10am-12pm
Dates: 11/02, 11/03, 8/04, 13/05, 10/06, 8/07

Category: Getting into Work, Training & Upskilling

Organizer: Employment and Skills Pod and Bath College

Address: Twerton Learning Centre BA2 1DE

Bath and North East Somerset Date:11 Feb 2025 Time:10:00 am

Volunteers Fair

The Employment & Skills Pod is excited to announce our upcoming Volunteering Jobs Fair! This event is designed to connect enthusiastic volunteers with a variety of meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact in our community. Whether you’re looking to gain new skills, build your resume, or simply give back, this fair has something for everyone.

Join us to meet representatives from numerous local organisations and charities who are eager to welcome new volunteers. Discover roles that match your interests, passions, and availability. From supporting local events and environmental projects to helping out at community centres and schools, there are countless ways you can contribute.

Why Attend?

  • Explore a wide range of volunteering opportunities.
  • Connect with local organisations and make new friends.
  • Learn new skills and gain valuable experience.
  • Make a difference in your community.

Don’t miss this chance to find the perfect volunteering role for you! We look forward to seeing you there and working together to build a stronger, more vibrant community.

Category: Volunteering

Organizer: Employment & Skills Pod

Address: Central Library,19-23 The Podium Bath BA1 5AN

Bath and North East Somerset Date:12 Feb 2025 Time:11:00 am
A group of people flank Metro Mayor Dan Norris, all smiling at the camera at a Skills Event. Dan holds a drone.

Career Insights

Job market insights

Unsure about which career to choose? It can be tricky to know where to begin.

Find the perfect job match – uncover ideas and career pathways informed by the latest labour market information.

Find out more

  • building 46,000+ Businesses
  • image 630,000+ Employee jobs
  • £30,000 Average wage per annum
Mayoral Priorities

Metro Mayor's focus

Welcome to Skills Connect.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority has significant jobs and training support for local people, with a value of £60 million.

We’re helping over 10,000 people of all ages in our region every year and Skills Connect aims to help an extra 3,000 to upskill, progress in work and find new opportunities.

I am proud to offer this single regional jobs, careers, and training support service so everyone can easily explore and access support.

Get curious, discover your options, and find some help to change the future of your career for the better.

Learn more about the Mayor's priorities

Metro Mayor Dan Norris is stood next to a young man at a welding course holding a hammer and the man is wearing a visor on his head. Dan is wearing an orange glove and they are both wearing boiler suits.

Partnerships

Local authority partners

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