UK Tech Training business teams up with Premier League football star to deliver funded tech training to Somerset and Dorset
BIT Training, has today announced their partnership with ex-Premier League football player Brian Deane to deliver free IT and Cyber Security training, as part of the government-funded Skills Bootcamps initiative.
The scheme is run by Somerset County Council and Dorset County Council, under the Skills for Life programme, and funded by the Department for Education’s National Skills Fund. It offers adults aged 19 or over in Somerset and Dorset the chance to advance their skills and employability to access high-value, in-demand roles in rapidly growing and emerging industries. The training is free*, and is aimed at individuals who are unemployed, self-employed, employed full or part-time or returning to work.
BIT Training, part of BIT Group and formally called ‘Bluescreen IT’, provides commercial IT and Cyber Security training in the South West and has joined the scheme as one of the delivery partners. Working with leading industry vendors, BIT Training delivers cost-effective training solutions to address tech skills shortages in the region and has over 17 years experience in delivering ELCAS Resettlement vendor-funded training programmes to support UK MoD personnel transition into commercial operations.
The company will be teaming up with former professional football player, Brian Deane, to deliver their 12-week IT and Cyber Skills Bootcamp.
Ex-premiership star Brian Deane scored the first ever goal in the FA Premier League back in 1992, as a Sheffield United player. As co-founder of consultancy firm PSM Group (Phoenix Sports and Media Group), he now works as a manager and sports speaker, working with football academy stars and retired sports personnel to help them achieve careers in Cyber and transition into the tech industry.
Trainees on the Skills Bootcamp course will be able to benefit from specialist IT and Cyber training from BIT Training, as well as Brian Deane’s unique motivational and employability expertise, harnessed from his 30+ year career as a professional football player. His training will cover topics such as careers in Cyber and IT, CV preparation, interview techniques, job readiness training, personal branding, career transition preparation, leadership and management, teamwork and building confidence in the workplace.
Ben Franklin, Chief Technology Officer of BIT Training, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Skills Bootcamp scheme and partnering with Brian Deane to give people in Somerset and Dorset a unique opportunity to change careers and access high-value tech jobs through specialist free IT and Cyber training. The tech industry is desperate for people, who are skilled in IT and Cyber roles, and these careers are often highly paid, resilient to changes in the economy, due to reasons such as a recession or pandemic, and provide attractive remote or hybrid working options.
“BIT Training is passionate about supporting people’s careers and it is great to see the success of the previous Skills Bootcamps, from which we have already placed learners into highly-paid tech roles. We look forward to meeting the new learners on our upcoming Skills Bootcamp and supporting them on their journey to their future careers.”
Brian Deane said: “In recent years, I have made it my mission to support people in their career development, particularly footballers and academy stars who are looking to move into high-value roles after their sporting careers.
“Like many sports, football requires tenacity, dedication, teamwork, discipline, time-keeping, resilience, and so many other transferable skills that are so pertinent and advantageous within many other industries and careers. Changing careers can be daunting, so I want to give people the confidence to tap into their potential, and harness these skills to move into an in-demand tech role.
“Whether they come from a sporting background or not, and want to upskill, develop essential employability skills and take the first step into a successful new career, I am delighted to join forces with BIT Training to help them make these dreams a reality.”
The BIT Training Skills Bootcamp will be offering the opportunity to join throughout the year.
The courses available offer exciting development opportunities in industries that are currently seeking skilled professionals. Learners are guaranteed an interview with a local employer once their training is complete.
Candidates are encouraged to apply at: https://www.bluescreenit.co.uk/bootcamps
* The training is free for those who are unemployed or who are currently employed but looking to transition to another industry or career. For learners who are currently employed and are taking part in the Skills Bootcamps to upskill within their current place of work, for the benefit of their current employer, there will be a minimum fee of 10% of the training cost, which is to be paid by their employer.
