Skills Bootcamp in Sustainability & Environmental Management
in Leicestershire
Giving you the knowledge and confidence to excel in sustainability
The Skills Bootcamp in Sustainability & Environmental Management programme is designed to help individuals find rewarding jobs in the emerging green economy. The course also assists those already in work to advance their careers in market where sustainability and carbon literacy are essential for success in a competitive environment.
Working in partnership with Leicestershire County Council, we can provide this Skills Bootcamp to individuals who live and companies who are based in Leicestershire. Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and support to gain offer of an interview with an employer upon completion.
Our Case Studies
Read more about the success stories of our previous learners
After graduating with a degree in Fashion Buying and Marketing, Daria was determined to turn her passion for sustainability into a career. With help from the Skills Bootcamp and IEMA membership, she now works full-time in responsible sourcing for one of the UK’s biggest construction companies
Tolu was working in business development when they joined the Skills Bootcamp to build their knowledge and explore new opportunities. Today, they are leading sustainability initiatives as a manager – using tools like systems thinking and ISO 14001 to drive real change.
Vincent joined the Skills Bootcamp while seeking a placement year opportunity and credits the course with boosting his confidence, technical knowledge, and communication skills. Thanks to the support and energy of the course leaders, he felt prepared for job interviews and has since landed his first sustainability-focused role at the Environmental Data Network.
What does the course include?
This course combines the skills and knowledge from the IEMA Foundation to Environmental Management course, the popular Carbon Literacy programme, the Sustainability Leadership Skills programme, and other sustainability topics, meaning learners could walk away with three course certificates*, to help kickstart or continue their careers in sustainability.
Graduates from the programme will also receive a fully-funded, one-year associate membership to IEMA, student membership for the Chartered Institute for Waste Management (CIWM) during the programme and become eligible for CIWM associate membership upon completion of the course. These memberships open access to learners to further training, networking and recognised credentials.
*All certificates are dependent upon completion of the full course programme and examinations.
How long is the course?
To complete the course participants must attend 60 hours of learning across 10 days. Standard courses will include sessions one day a week for 10 weeks. Fast-track cohorts will run over five weeks with two days of learning per week.
The course will be delivered virtually over Zoom, with all days running from 9:00am – 5:00pm approximately.
All sessions includes one-hour lunch break and breaks spread throughout the day. Please note: timings within the day are subject to confirmation.
Entry requirements
There are no formal academic entry requirements for the course, however applicants must be:
- at least aged 19 on or before 31st August 2024; and,
- be living or working in the Leicestershire region to study this course,
- Have the right to work in the UK.
- Have lived within the UK for the past three years.
To be eligible for this Skills Bootcamp, upon and within 6 months of completion you should agree to:
Jobseekers (incl unemployed or those employed but seeking alternative employment): obtain an interview and gain employment or apprenticeship in a paid role that lasts a minimum of 12 weeks (support provided).
Employed (with financial support to participate from current employer): your employer will agree for you to transition to a new or different role within your organisation where you can apply the skills you gained in the course.
Self-Employed (inc business owners): aim to gain new contracts or business that utilises the skills gained through providing a business development plan (support provided); or, obtain an interview for a paid role or apprenticeship. Evidence of your HMRC Self-Employment status will be required to confirm your access to full funding.
How much does it cost?
Funding for individuals depends on the criteria below, Skills Bootcamps are fully funded* for learners thanks to funding from the Department of Education (UKGOV):
| Employment status | Funding | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployed | 100% Funded | Free |
| Self Employed** | 100% Funded | Free |
| Employed (SME, under 250 FTE) | 90% Funded | £350 for the employer |
| Employed (Large Organisation, over 250 FTE) | 70% Funded | £1050 for the employer |
*with a cost to the employer if the individual is employed
**evidence of your HMRC Self-Employment status will be required to confirm your access to full funding.
Upcoming Cohort
July Cohort
| Day 1 | 08/07/2025 | Introduction to the Skills Bootcamp Sustainability Leadership Skills: Growth & Development |
| Day 2 | 09/07/2025 | Carbon Literacy Training |
| Day 3 | 15/07/2025 | IEMA Day 1: Setting the scene, our impact and what is climate change? |
| Day 4 | 23/07/2025 | IEMA Day 2: Defining a sustainable organisation and how business practices can address impact on our planet |
| Day 5 | 30/07/2025 | IEMA Day 3: Environmental policy, regulations and compliance |
| Day 6 | 06/08/2025 | IEMA Day 4: Carbon footprints, data and reporting |
| Day 7 | 12/08/2025 | IEMA Day 5: Environmental management systems and auditing |
| Day 8 | 13/08/2025 | IEMA Course Summary & Live Exam |
| Break week | ||
| Day 9 | 27/08/2025 | Sustainability Leadership Skills: Mindset for Change |
| Day 10 | 03/09/2025 | Sustainability Leadership Skills: Engagement & Impact |
Future Cohorts
September Cohort
16th September – 18th Nov 2025
January 2026 Cohort
15th January – 19th March 2026
“This Skills Bootcamp is certainly a value addition to those looking to augment their skills, start fresh, or want to learn and pursue a career in sustainability.”
“I highly recommend this course and the delivery organisations. The whole team really made this Skills Bootcamp very insightful, engaging, participative, and fun (which is a little difficult in a virtual environment).”
“Great knowledgeable tutors and insightful variety of subjects covered. On day 1 I felt exactly in the right place, discussing and learning about sustainability with like-minded people and others eager to learn and do better to create a positive impact – tutors included! Very inspiring! I will do it all over again! Thank you!”
Meet the lead trainers
David Knight PIEMA - PECT/iiE
David is a Principal Consultant and Technical Lead at PECT & Investors in the Environment (iiE). With over 10 years’ experience in carbon & energy management, he leads PECT & iiE’s energy consultancy services and the development of its carbon management tools. He has worked with organisations of all sizes and from all sectors represented within the iiE membership to find successful ways to make vital changes to reduce their energy reliance and carbon emissions.
Eleanor Wills - Change Agents UK
Eleanor works as the Senior Sustainability Education Officer at sustainability education charity, Change Agents UK – a charity and not-for-profit, has helped thousands of students and young people to forge their career in sustainability over 27 years. In her role, she develops and delivers training across sustainability awareness and skills, including their flagship Sustainability Leadership Skills Programme. She has created and delivered bespoke training for senior management teams, Human Resources staff, students, jobseekers, and individuals from across organisations who want to become more able and empowered to be part of the green transition. With a BSc Environmental Science, Eleanor is a certified Carbon Literacy Trainer, Climate Fresk Facilitator, Biodiversity Collage Facilitator, and Internal Environmental Auditor.
Frequently asked questions
All materials will be issued digitally. However, hard copies of the materials can be requested. Please notify us at the time of booking so we can arrange for a copy to be issued via the post.
To receive Carbon Literacy certification, there is an Evidence Form to complete and return. For the Sustainability Leadership Skills Programme, there is a multiple-choice exam and reflective written assessment. For the IEMA course, there is a multiple-choice exam. Your exam link will be sent shortly before the start of your exam window. Details of your exam window will be confirmed when you are sent your course materials.
The funding requirements mean it is mandatory that participants attend at least 80% of the training live. Recordings are available for those who are ill, but attendance is required in all but exceptional circumstances to achieve the course.
Ready to sign up?
Fill in our application form to apply for our upcoming cohorts. One of our friendly team will check your eligibility and be in touch.
Want to find out more?
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss our courses over the phone, please give us a call on 01572 723419 (Change Agents UK). Alternatively, fill in the form below and a member of the team will be in touch.