Upskilling in Marketing and Management: Kirklees Skills Bootcamp for Growth

Kirklees Council has identified a pressing need for upskilling in Marketing and Management to support its communities. To address this, free or co-funded Skills Bootcamps in Marketing and Management are being delivered in January 2025.

These Skills Bootcamps are funded by Kirklees, through West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Offering tailored training to enhance employability and support businesses across sectors like Manufacturing, Social Care, Services, Education, and Voluntary sectors. However, this is available to all, in all sectors.

The Bootcamps provide practical skills for individuals working in organisations and those starting or expanding their own businesses. By focusing on key areas such as Inclusive Leadership, Digital Marketing, Neurodiversity, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), these programmes align with the needs identified by the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and sector-specific data from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Why Upskilling in Marketing and Management Matters

According to the Local Industrial Strategy Plan (LISP) (2023) and the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, sectors such as Manufacturing and Social Care face growing challenges in retaining skilled workers and staying competitive (Kirklees Council, 2024). The Service, Education, and Voluntary sectors also highlight similar issues that can be addressed through upskilling.

Manufacturing Sector

Manufacturing is a critical industry in Kirklees which faces challenges in adopting advanced technologies, workforce aging, and retaining skilled workers (Kirklees Council, 2024). Upskilling in digital marketing and management can help manufacturers stay competitive by equipping their workforce with knowledge in AI-driven marketing, brand differentiation, and leadership practices that foster innovation and staff retention (Strategiq, 2024).

Social Care Sector

The Social Care sector is integral to the community but struggles with high turnover rates and recruitment challenges (Kirklees Council, 2024). Improving management skills can enhance employee satisfaction and retention, while impactful digital marketing campaigns can boost the sector’s image and attract potential employees (Forbes, 2019).

Service Sector

In the Service sector, including retail and hospitality, intense competition and the need for continuous customer engagement are prevalent (Kirklees Council, 2024). Upskilling in digital and omnichannel marketing can help businesses in this sector diversify their approaches and engage customers more effectively (BrandVM, 2024).

Education and Training Sector

Education and training providers in Kirklees face challenges in aligning training programs with employer needs and emerging technologies (Kirklees Council, 2024). Management skills in project development and digital marketing to promote programs effectively can bridge the gap between education outputs and labour market demands (Kirklees Inclusive Economy Strategy, 2021). The Local Industrial Strategy Plan (LISP) identifies education as a key catalyst for future growth (Kirklees, 2021).

Voluntary and Community Sector

The voluntary and community sector needs to enhance collaboration and communication across different organisations and the public (Kirklees Council, 2024). Upskilling in management can foster better partnership building and project management, while marketing techniques can raise awareness and attract funding or volunteers (Kirklees, 2021).

Local Third Sector Organisations

In Kirklees, large charities often face a “skills vacuum” driving up job vacancies due to the lack of workers with the necessary skills (Civil Society, 2024). Upskilling in management can assist these charities in reducing recruitment costs and retaining skilled employees. Additionally, digital marketing skills can enhance their reach and increase fundraising opportunities.

Manufacturing

The Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance (CKMA) supports manufacturing businesses in West Yorkshire by focusing on continuous business improvement, workforce training, and engaging the local supply chain (CKMA, 2024). Upskilling in digital marketing and management ensures that manufacturing businesses remain competitive and sustainable and fosters innovation within the industry.

Education

The Council for Subject Associations (CfSA) is a coordinating membership organisation that supports educators across various subjects (CfSA, 2024). Management and marketing skills are essential to help educators develop and promote effective training programs, align educational outputs with employer needs, and improve overall school performance.

Course Highlights

The Skills Bootcamps deliver a focused curriculum designed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge required to excel in today’s workplace.

Inclusive Leadership Skills Bootcamp:

Participants will explore Leadership vs Management Fundamentals, Inclusive Recruitment Practices, and Conducting One-to-Ones for staff development. With a focus on Neurodiversity, AI-enhanced decision-making, and workforce inclusivity, this course enables leaders to drive employee satisfaction and retention, reduce recruitment costs, and build a positive workplace culture.

Digital Marketing Skills Bootcamp:

This course covers Branding and Content Creation, SEO and Accessibility, and AI-driven marketing enhancements. Participants will also learn about Data-Driven Decision-Making and developing campaigns that engage neurodiverse audiences. The programme empowers organisations to save on outsourcing and improve ROI by building in-house marketing capabilities.

Both bootcamps address critical skills gaps in sectors like Manufacturing, Social Care, Services, Education, and Voluntary sectors, fostering innovation and enabling businesses to thrive.

Flexible Schedule

The bootcamps run for 7 weeks, starting January 28, 2025. To accommodate employee commitments and ensure organisational productivity, sessions are held one day and one evening per week, combining in-person and online formats for accessibility.

About Qualia Academy

Qualia Academy, led by Kirsty Watson, is dedicated to empowering individuals in the Kirklees community through Management and Marketing education. As a member of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Kirsty brings her expertise to help bridge local workforce challenges.

Focused on addressing skills gaps, Qualia Academy delivers training that enhances employability, leadership potential, and marketing proficiency. Kirsty’s vision is to share her skills in Management and Marketing to support businesses and individuals in building inclusive, innovative, and sustainable workplaces.

Invest in Your Future

Whether you’re aiming to boost your career or expand your business, the Kirklees Skills Bootcamps are the perfect opportunity to gain industry-relevant skills. Visit Qualia Academy for more details and secure your place today.

For more information including contact details for Qualia Academy please visit their directory listing here –