The Skills Network 2020 Report revealed that the most sought-after technical skills on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough job market are coding and programming.

The report was commissioned to help identify the most valuable skills and training for those seeking jobs or opportunities to learn something new, and the new 'Digital Bootcamp' has been launched to help those seeking work take on new training.

The virtual pre-apprenticeship scheme from The Skills Network will place a focus on skills most sought by local employers, including areas such as digital security, career development, software fundamentals and linguistic techniques.

An apprenticeship will be guaranteed as part of the scheme with a local business that requires the learned skills. This will benefit both unemployed residents and businesses within the area.

Rachel Kay, director of partnerships at The Skills Network, said: "We understand the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on local industries, which is why this project is entirely focused on helping unemployed residents get back into work and helping local communities thrive both socially and economically.

"The aim of our Digital Bootcamp is to provide a positive employment outcome for both unemployed residents and local businesses within the area. The pre-apprenticeship scheme will put candidates on a successful path towards career-progression whilst also tackling the local skills gap in the region.

"We recognise that there is a huge demand for not just coding and programming, but also for essential ‘back to work’ skills. By training people in the key areas which are highly sought after by local businesses, we believe the effects will be highly beneficial to not just the learner and employer, but to the wider Cambridgeshire and Peterborough economy overall."

The next available start date for the pre-apprenticeship scheme will be March 1. The virtual courses last for six to eight weeks, and allow individuals to fit learning around their lives, whether there's lockdown homeschooling to be done, volunteering signed up for or any other commitments to work around. Anyone in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area who is not currently in the employment, education or training sectors, can apply.

For information on how to apply to the pre-apprenticeship scheme, please email: apprenticeshipenquiries@theskillsnetwork.com.