A new ‘life-changing’ training scheme has fast tracked 117 Liverpool City Region people into local and national government jobs in just 1 year. 

Funded by the Combined Authority, the Civil Service Masterclass has helped people overcome barriers - such as long-term unemployment, mental health and homelessness - and find careers in government departments. 

Now delighted participants are talking about their experience – and encouraging others to take part. 

The Civil Service Masterclass offers an intensive 2-week skills programme, with government recruiters attending the final day for 1-to-1 job discussions.

It is part of a £12.4m investment into Skills Bootcamps by the Combined Authority this financial year. 

Kate, 41, who completed the programme in August after being out of work for 11 years and now works in the Disclosure and Barring Service team, said:-  “It has been incredible for my confidence because, having been out of the workforce for 11 years, I hadn’t realised how much it had taken a knock. I just feel it has been life-changing and completely invaluable.  I have a 10-year-old son and now I am looking to take on my mortgage by myself. The freedom that having an income now gives us and the impact on our wellbeing as a family is massive.  I can’t recommend it highly enough. It has been so good in reminding me what I can do, what my capabilities are and for my own self-esteem. Just because I am 41 years old and a mum doesn’t mean I haven’t got a lot to offer and lots of things I can do.” 

Stephen, who completed the course in November 2023 and now works at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, said:- “I came out of university and was unemployed for nearly a year. It was quite hard finding graduate work and then the masterclass came along. They train you how to do interviews and job applications – it just changed everything.  It has been amazing, and I have been given great opportunities. I now sit on the same recruitment panel that interviewed me to get my role. In fact, I sit next to someone now who I recruited a few months ago, so it feels like I have gone full circle. The Skills Bootcamp gave me access to actual adult life. It has given me a place of my own and a lot of confidence.” 

Skills Bootcamps provide practical courses of up to 16 weeks – offering sector-specific skills and a fast track to an interview with a local employer or progress within a workplace.

They are funded through the Department for Education’s Skills for Life Fund and developed in the City Region by the Combined Authority (CA), working closely with local employers and training providers. 

In March 2025, the CA announced a £68m investment in skills and training, including £12.4m for Skills Bootcamps, up £1.3m from the previous year. 

Since April 2023, more than 2,500 people in the City Region have found employment or progressed at work after completing a Skills Bootcamp.

In 2025, 117 people completed the course and were offered jobs through the Civil Service Masterclasses, an accredited Going Forwards into Employment/Life Chances scheme sponsored by MHCLG. 

Roles were offered at departments including the Home Office, the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) and The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). 

The most recent cohort of 16 from Sefton – two from Bootle and 14 from Southport – were all offered jobs. 

Anyone aged 19 or over living in the City Region can apply and the training is fully funded for independent learners and the self-employed. Employers using the Skills Bootcamp to recruit new employees also pay nothing. 

Small and medium-size employers upskilling existing employees receive 90% towards fees with larger employers receiving a 70% subsidy.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Education and Skills,  said:- “This programme shows exactly what can be achieved when we invest in people and remove the barriers that have held them back. People, who may have been out of work for years, or struggling to get a foot in the door, are gaining the confidence, skills and opportunity they need to secure good jobs and build long-term careers.   We are committed to fairness, opportunity and real outcomes for local people and stories like Kate’s and Stephen’s show the human impact of our investment.” 

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, said:- “For some, the Civil Service recruitment process can be challenging and often a barrier to attracting diverse talent. MHCLG’s Civil Service Masterclass pathway offers an innovative way to support local talent and promote social mobility. The pilot approach started in Liverpool City Region and MHCLG’s collaboration with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) and the use of skills funding, has enabled us to engage with local providers and communities like never before; breaking down barriers and boosting economic activity.”  

For more information visit BeMore  or email:- skillsbootcamps@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk