£7.6 million boost for jobs and skills support in West Northamptonshire

Residents across West Northamptonshire are set to benefit from £7.6 million of government funding to help people into work, boost skills and support local businesses.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is delivering £6.1 million of Connect to Work funding as part of a wider £32 million South Midlands programme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The initiative, will support more than 1,500 local residents who face health issues or complex barriers to employment, providing access to tailored, high-quality supported employment to help them secure and sustain long-term jobs.

Alongside this, the Council has secured £1.5 million in Skills Bootcamp funding from the Department for Education (DfE), running from April 2026 to March 2027. This investment will enable the Council to support hundreds of residents - including those looking to progress in their current roles and those who are unemployed and seeking a fresh start - with fast, flexible training linked directly to real job opportunities.

Skills Bootcamps are employer-endorsed courses of up to 16 weeks, designed to equip adults with in-demand skills in priority sectors. The funding includes £400,000 dedicated to construction skills, with additional investment focused on logistics and hospitality/tourism - key sectors in Northamptonshire experiencing significant labour shortages. The programme aims to support around 400 learners, with at least 75% moving into a positive job outcome within six months of completing their training.

“This is a significant investment which will benefit both our residents and the future strength of our local economy. Connect to Work will provide tailored, one-to-one support for people facing real barriers to employment, helping them build confidence, secure opportunities and sustain long-term careers.

“At the same time, our Skills Bootcamps will equip hundreds of residents with the practical, in-demand skills that employers urgently need. Whether someone is looking to take the next step in their current role or start afresh in a new sector, this funding creates clear, supported pathways into good-quality jobs and helps ensure local businesses can access a skilled, work-ready workforce.”Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC

The programme will work closely with employers across the area to ensure training aligns with real workforce needs, helping businesses recruit talent with the right skills from day one and supporting sustainable economic growth. Together, both programmes form part of the Council’s wider commitment to boosting economic opportunity, reducing inequalities and ensuring businesses can benefit from a skilled, future-ready workforce.