Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies for Manufacturing and Engineering Skills Bootcamp
Page last updated 13 August 2025
Introduction
Our Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies for Manufacturing & Engineering Skills Bootcamp is a 10-week, high-impact training programme designed to equip professionals with the digital expertise needed to drive innovation and efficiency in modern industry.
Whether you're a professional looking to pivot into a tech-focused role, upskill within your current organisation, or lead digital transformation initiatives, this Bootcamp delivers a strategic foundation for career growth and organisational impact.
Our Skills Bootcamps combine subject knowledge with practical application, allowing learners to apply their learning directly back into their role and organisation to enhance their capabilities and create immediate impact.
Click here to see our programme brochure (PDF) for full details, including session content and dates.
Entry requirements
Our Skills Bootcamp is aimed at individuals working in the sector looking to gain a stronger knowledge in automation, AI, and data-driven production that can be applied to their role and workplace.
Example roles that would benefit from this training include:
Manufacturing (including Digital Manufacturing) Technician
Factory (including smart factory) Operators
Automation and Control Technician/Engineer
CAD/CAM and Simulation Technician/Engineer
Manufacturing Data Analyst
Digital Maintenance Engineer
Business Owners looking to understand digital technology and how this could be implemented into their organisation
Due to funding restrictions, all learners must meet the following criteria:
Be aged 19+ (by 16 September 2025)
Live or work for an organisation based in in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset or North Somerset (we will also consider applicants who live close to these boundaries)
Not currently be in full-time or part-time education
Have the right to live and work in the UK
Have not registered and attended (including partial completion) any other Skills Bootcamp since September 2024 from any provider.
Structure
Content
Our Skills bootcamp is structured through a mixture of live tutor led interactive sessions, practical insights visit and self-study resources. Alongside this, learners will be supported by an industry mentor who has extensive experience of working within the sector.
This course is built around real-world applications and mapped to national quality frameworks, including RARPA and SFIA. Participants will gain practical, future-ready skills across key focus areas, including:
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Data Analytics & Industrial IoT
Digital Twins & Smart Factory Systems (MES/ERP)
Cybersecurity for Industry 4.0
Agile Project Management for Tech-Driven Projects
The course is delivered in advanced training environments designed to mirror the modern manufacturing workplace, giving you direct experience with the tools, systems, and technologies driving digital transformation across the sector.
You'll train in industry-standard facilities equipped with the latest in:
CAD/CAM and simulation software
Digital twin environments for virtual testing and modelling
Industrial IoT systems and smart sensors
MES/ERP platforms used in smart factory operations
Automation and robotics systems common in digital manufacturing
Through employer-designed projects and a final Industry Challenge, you'll work within these facilities on real-world tasks, developing practical solutions to problems faced by modern manufacturers. By the end of the Bootcamp, you'll not only be confident in using advanced tools and systems, you'll also have proven your ability to apply them in real working conditions, ready to step into high-impact roles in digital manufacturing and engineering.
Click here to see our programme brochure (PDF) for full details, including session content and dates.
Prices and dates
Supplementary fee information
September 2025 cohort
Application deadline: Tuesday 16 September 2025
Programme start date: Tuesday 30 September 2025
For the full list of session dates, please see our programme brochure here.
Live sessions will take place in-person at Frenchay Campus, Bristol from 09:30-16:30. Alongside the live sessions, learners will be required to undertake a small amount of self-study activity.
January 2026 cohort
Application deadline: Monday 29 December 2025
Programme start date: Monday 12 January 2026
To be informed of upcoming cohort dates, please contact us at bootcamps@uwe.ac.uk or complete our expression of interest form via the Apply Now button and one of the team will be in touch.
Bootcamp Fees
This Skills Bootcamp has limited spaces available for SME employees only.
90% government-funded for SME employers(inc charities and CICs)
This Skills Bootcamp is heavily subsidised, with the government covering 90% of the total cost for eligible learners applying through their SME employer.The full course fee is £3,947.20, but SME employers pay just 10% - only £394.72 per learner.
Please note: This Bootcamp is currently open only to applicants sponsored by SME employers. If you're an independent learner, self-employed, or employee of a large organisation, please complete the Expression of Interest form in the How to Apply section so we can notify you about future availability.
The Skills Bootcamps Programme is funded and managed by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and delivered by UWE, Bristol.
How to apply
Places are offered on a first come, first served basis to eligible applicants.
Please complete our expression of interest form via the Apply Now button and one of the team will be in touch to progress your application.
For further information
- Email: bootcamps@uwe.ac.uk
- Telephone: Please email or use the enquiry form to contact us