Dorset County Hospital (DCH) has launched a four-week Skills Bootcamp in health and social care, designed to support adults in Dorset and Somerset who are interested in starting a career in the sector.
The government-funded programme offers practical, hands-on learning in clinical settings and guarantees participants a job interview with a local health and care employer upon completion.
Tom Gordon, widening participation lead at Dorset County Hospital, said: “We are delighted to be approved as a Skills Bootcamp training provider.
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“This builds upon our successful healthcare support worker scholarship programme and allows people to get an idea of what it’s like to work in health and social care and offers a stepping stone into a new career, whether that be within the NHS or other local health and social care settings.
“As well as learning practical skills and gaining valuable experience, successful participants will get a guaranteed job interview at the end with a local employer, including DCH.”
The bootcamp replaces the hospital’s previous Support Worker Scholarship programme and is open to adults aged 19 and over, including those who are employed, self-employed, unemployed or returning to work after a break.
Participants will develop essential skills for healthcare support roles, gain experience in real healthcare settings, and learn about career opportunities across the sector, including in hospitals, care homes and community environments.
The programme begins in November 2025, and applications close on Friday, September 19.
Several information sessions will be held throughout September for those considering applying.
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Skills Bootcamps are designed to help adults gain sector-specific skills and improve their employment prospects in growing industries.
DCH’s new training offer aims to address workforce needs in the region and create pathways into meaningful employment.
Full programme details and application information are available on the Dorset County Hospital website under the Skills Bootcamp in Health and Social Care section.
The bootcamp is part of a wider effort to support workforce development across the South West and ensure individuals have access to quality training and long-term career opportunities in health and social care.