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As technology reshapes the workplace, many UK adults want to change careers but feel unprepared and lack confidence in entering a digital-first economy. Lack of digital skills, career confidence and accessible support systems are keeping thousands stuck in outdated or unsustainable roles.
Many adults looking to change careers face significant barriers, particularly those limited to retraining during school holidays. Often stuck in roles that lack flexibility or fair pay, they need targeted support to transition into more sustainable employment.
Training that focuses on core skills for today’s workplace – such as AI, automation, remote collaboration tools like Slack and Kanban, and foundational digital literacy – can be critical in helping them pivot.
Equally important are transferable project and people management skills that apply across industries. Access to real-world tasks and case studies provides valuable experience to draw on in interviews. Structured careers support, including job clubs, one-to-one guidance from qualified advisers, CV reviews and employer engagement through webinars and events, plays a key role in improving job outcomes.
A strong learning community also contributes to success, offering peer support and access to job opportunities through employer networks.
Crispin Read, CEO and founder of The Coders Guild, experts in coding apprenticeships and digital skills training warns that without essential digital skills training, career changers cannot possibly move into more modern, flexible and in-demand work.
He says: “By focusing on the essential digital skills required for today’s workplace – including AI, automation, Kanban, remote collaboration tools like Slack, and more – participants gain the confidence and competence needed to succeed in any modern job.
“Project management skills are in demand across almost every industry, from construction to care work to retail and technology. By combining project management skills with training in AI and digital tools, learners will have a genuine edge that sets them up for life.
“These are the skills that make a difference – not just in getting a job, but making a real impact when they get there.”
In the UK, over half (53%) of adults do not have the essential digital skills for work, while 62% of those considering a career change don’t know what steps to take (Lloyds and Aviva, 2023).
To address this, The Coders Guild is launching its new Summer Skills Bootcamp: Project Management with AI and Digital Tools, a six-week training programme designed to remove the key barriers adults face when reskilling or switching careers.
Designed for career changers, returners and jobseekers, the programme provides a clear, supported path into modern, flexible, and in-demand work. It’s especially suited to women and caregivers seeking practical, inclusive training options that fit around family life and school holidays.
Recent research highlights just how important these capabilities are. A McKinsey report (2023) found that AI and automation could affect up to 30% of tasks across most occupations by 2030, with project management and digital tool fluency among the most in-demand skillsets. Businesses are not only looking for digital literacy — they are looking for people who can lead, collaborate, and deliver in tech-enabled environments.
Barriers to change and how the bootcamp helps
A 2023 report found that 53% of UK adults do not have the essential digital skills for work, while 62% of those considering a career change don’t know what steps to take (Lloyds and Aviva, 2023).
The Coders Guild’s bootcamp is specifically designed to tackle the most common reskilling barriers:
- Lack of digital experience: Learners build confidence in AI tools, agile working, remote communication platforms, and basic automation.
- No ‘transferable’ proof: Participants complete real-world tasks and case studies they can showcase at interviews.
- Unclear job search strategy: Careers support includes weekly job clubs, CV reviews, 1:1 coaching, webinars, and employer talks.
- Isolation and self-doubt: A vibrant peer community ensures learners feel supported, encouraged, and seen.
Many of our learners come from sectors like hospitality, retail, care, and teaching – roles that demand resilience, problem-solving, empathy, and communication. These transferable skills are highly valuable in digital roles. Our bootcamp helps participants recognise and reframe their existing strengths, building on them with the digital and project management know-how needed to thrive in new industries. The Summer Skills Bootcamp offers:
- Training in project management, agile workflows, and AI-enabled tools
- Transferable people and project skills suitable for any sector
- Practical interview-ready outputs including case studies and portfolio pieces
- Full careers support – weekly job clubs, qualified career advisors, CV and interview prep, employer engagement, and more
- A collaborative online community with job postings, accountability groups, and learning support
- Delivered fully online, in daytime hours during school holidays — no evenings, no term-time clashes
The bootcamp is fully funded for eligible participants in West Yorkshire. It is suitable for those seeking structured, accessible ways to build digital confidence and start a new path.
“This isn’t just about learning tools -it’s about building a future,” says Read. “We’ve built a programme that’s flexible, approachable and packed with support.”
He adds: “Digital careers shouldn’t be reserved for the few,” says Read. “We’re here to open doors and help people walk through them – prepared, confident, and supported.”
For more information on learning essential digital skills, click HERE.
