Developing Hampshire's workforce
Fully funded professional development for Hampshire businesses.
Skills Hampshire helps local employers develop their people through high-quality, fully funded training programmes built around the skills businesses need.
From structured learning and expert-led sessions to practical resources, events and networking, we're removing the barriers to workforce development and helping Hampshire businesses invest in their people.
From skills gap to real development
Why Skills Hampshire?
250,500
1.26 Million
18.5%
UK skill-shortage vacancies
Employees considered not fully proficient in their roles
Real-terms decline in employer investment in workforce training since 2011
Our commitment to Hampshire
Impact and social value
1,000 people upskilled across Hampshire by 2028
£300,000 of fully funded learning committed
We’re committed to giving 1,000 people across Hampshire access to high-quality professional development, helping local businesses build stronger, more capable teams.
Skills Hampshire will provide £300,000 worth of professional development completely funded for Hampshire businesses and their employees.
30,000 hours of development delivered
1,000 qualifications supporting careers and local businesses
Every learner receives a 30-hour development programme. Reaching 1,000 people means delivering 30,000 hours of structured learning directly into Hampshire’s workforce.
Every learner who successfully completes their programme receives a certificate recognising their achievement; creating 1,000 opportunities to build skills, demonstrate development and take that learning back into the workplace.
Developing your team can mean better morale, stronger retention, greater efficiency and improved output. It gives employees the opportunity to build their confidence and capability, while bringing practical skills and new ideas back into the workplace. With no training cost to your business, you can invest in your workforce without putting additional pressure on your budget. What could a more skilled, motivated and capable team do for your business?
Reach your business potential
Skills Hampshire helps local employers develop their people through accessible, practical professional development built around the skills businesses need. From structured learning and expert-led sessions to events and networking, we're creating more opportunities for Hampshire businesses to invest in their people and grow.
How it works
Skills Hampshire delivers fully funded professional development through dedicated cohorts, each focused on an identified skills need. Hampshire businesses with 10–250 employees can nominate up to 5 people, with participants completing a structured 30-hour development programme alongside their existing role, with no training cost to the employer.
Each cohort combines self-paced digital learning, virtual classrooms, live webinars, guest speakers and a physical Skills Hampshire Playbook, before bringing participants together for an exclusive end-of-programme alumni event at a premier Hampshire venue, featuring networking, industry speakers and drinks. Participants leave with new practical skills, professional development and a network of local peers, while employers benefit from stronger capability within their teams and access to the wider Skills Hampshire business community.
The learner experience
A fully sponsored development experience that combines flexible learning, expert insight, practical resources and opportunities to connect with other Hampshire professionals.
Study at Your Own Pace
Access the programme through a dedicated LMS, completing 30 hours of professional development across 22 structured chapters around your existing work and commitments. Your learner community sits alongside the programme, allowing you to post, discuss topics, share ideas and connect with others in your cohort.
Learn With Experts
Take part in live virtual classrooms led by experienced industry specialists, bringing the programme to life through discussion, practical examples and real-world experience. Ask questions, share workplace challenges and learn alongside professionals from other Hampshire businesses.
Prove Your Development
Complete knowledge assessments to reinforce your learning and demonstrate your understanding as you progress. Successfully complete the programme and receive a professional certificate recognising your achievement and development.
Build Your Network
Connect with fellow participants throughout the cohort through the online learner community, virtual sessions and networking opportunities, building relationships beyond your own organisation. The programme culminates in an exclusive Skills Hampshire Alumni Reception, bringing learners and local businesses together for industry talks, networking, food and drinks at a premier Hampshire venue.
Join us in person
Our cohort plan
Each cohort focuses on a different area of professional development, selected using government skills priorities, labour-market evidence and feedback from Hampshire employers so that the training continues to reflect the capabilities businesses actually need.
September 2026: Business Development
January 2027: AI & Productivity
May 2027: Marketing & Growth
September 2027: Leadership & Management
January 2028: Customer Support Excellence
“Flexible, practical and genuinely useful. I could apply what I learned straight away.”
Chloe S.
“A fantastic opportunity to develop our people with quality training at no cost to the business.”
David K.
“Fully sponsored training gives our team access to development we simply couldn't always prioritise.”
John J.
