A job interview is guaranteed for unemployed people if they enrol on York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's Skills Bootcamps - with 33 courses organised so far, ranging from leadership and management to HGV driving.

Among the course providers is Craven College, which offers an Arboriculture and Forestry Skills Bootcamp covering key skills like chainsaw maintenance, small tree felling, and aerial rescue.

As well as those currently out of work, learners already in employment can take a course to get a new job; progress in their current job; or find new business opportunities if they’re self-employed.

Joe Gaughan, 32, previously completed an Arboriculture and Forestry Skills Bootcamp at Craven College.

After moving into the arboriculture sector, Mr Gaughan had been looking to subcontract his services to companies in his area.

He said: "Without the Skills Bootcamp, I don’t think I’d have been able to progress and get into the work that I want to do as quickly.

"Being able to enrol onto this course and complete it has probably halved the time that it'd take me to get into the industry.

"It'll lead me to being able to work for myself, make more money, and subcontract myself out at a higher rate."

Designed to give opportunities to people out of work, the Bootcamps take up to 16 weeks to complete and can be fitted around family and other commitments.

Learners need to be 19 or over to do a Skills Bootcamp, and if they are out of work, a job interview with an employer is guaranteed after Bootcamp completion.

Marketing, green skills, construction, and finance are some of the courses being taught by twenty skills providers in the region, with the full list available to view here.

The Combined Authority has secured funding from the Department for Education to provide the courses.