Kickstart a Greener Future | Sustainability Bootcamp
Gain the hands-on skills, insight and confidence to explore a future in the sustainability sector.
Course overview
Sustainability is one of the fastest-growing career sectors in the UK. Whether you’re switching careers, returning to work, or just getting started, this bootcamp will give you the practical experience, contacts, and tools you need to take the first step.
Over five immersive days on campus, you’ll explore key sustainability themes including renewable energy, sustainable textiles, seaweed-based biomaterials, the circular economy, and digital skills. You’ll also connect with local employers and get expert advice on creating a job-ready CV, showcasing your skills, and preparing for interviews.
This course is ideal for anyone curious about the green economy, looking for meaningful work that contributes to a better future.
What you'll get from the bootcamp:
- Core sustainability knowledge – climate change, circular economy, green innovation, and Cornwall’s green economy.
- Hands-on experience – workshops in sustainable materials (natural dyeing, biomaterials) and digital tools like Canva.
- Career coaching & progression – updated CV, career action plan, speed networking with employers, and a certificate.
- Employer & community connections – talks, challenges, and networking with local green businesses.
- Pathways into green jobs – supporting unemployed, underemployed, or career-changers across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
- Contributing to Cornwall’s future – aligned with the Climate Emergency Plan and Local Skills Improvement Plan.
Course details
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Describe key sustainability challenges and green growth opportunities in Cornwall.
- Understand circular design, waste reduction, and green innovation principles.
- Gain hands-on experience with natural dyes and seaweed-based biomaterials.
- Build a professional CV and supporting statement using Canva and other digital tools.
- Engage with employers through feedback, networking, and mock interviews.
- Explore job pathways in green energy, sustainable manufacturing, conservation, and more.
Course itinerary
Day 1: Introduction to Sustainability & Green Careers in Cornwall
- Themes: What is sustainability? Key frameworks (SDGs, carbon footprint, doughnut economics), Cornwall’s climate action, and green jobs.
- Activities: Icebreakers, personal carbon footprint calculator, campus sustainability tour, mapping local sustainability initiatives from Cornwall Council, Q&A with local experts.
Day 2: Thinking Holistically – Energy, Food, and Consumption
- Themes: The links between energy, food, products, and sustainability.
- Activities: Talks and campus walk on renewable energy, workshops on reducing energy/resource demand, food production and sustainability. Exploring sustainable purchasing and finance.
Day 3: Putting Sustainability into Practice (Workshop Day)
- Themes: Regenerative practice and holistic thinking in action.
- Activities: Hands-on workshops in natural dyes and biomaterials (seaweed).
Day 4: Thinking Regeneratively – Nature, Social Impact & Responsible Consumption
- Themes: Regeneration vs. sustainability, biodiversity, social value, and responsible consumer choices.
- Activities: Walks and workshops with nature and social impact experts (e.g., Plant One Cornwall, Origin Coffee), woodland safeguarding game, mapping positive local impacts, and practical procurement tips.
Day 5: Employability, Digital Skills & Employer Connections
- Themes: Green careers, employability, and networking.
- Activities: Career spotlights with local employers, digital CV and supporting statement creation, career coaching, speed networking with sustainability-minded organisations, and reflection on learning and next steps.
Course structures and specific weekly sessions can change as part of our course enhancement and review processes. If a certain session is important to you, please discuss it with our team: shortcourses@falmouth.ac.uk
How you'll learn
This is a practical, face-to-face course held at Falmouth University’s Penryn Campus. Each day runs from 9:00am–4:30pm with a 30-minute lunch break. You’ll work in small groups, explore real case studies, and use our facilities for hands-on workshops.
How you'll be assessed
There is no formal assessment. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and personalised progression advice.
Course Team: Jake Causley
Jake is a dynamic sustainability advocate with over 5.5 years of experience driving environmental and social change. As the previous Sustainability Coordinator at Falmouth University, he led impactful campaigns, collaborated with academics to embed sustainability into the curriculum, and inspired positive behavioural shifts across campus.
From launching the beloved campus ‘Swap Shop’ to facilitating thoughtful workshops on eco-anxiety, Jake brings both personal passion and professional expertise to everything he does. His work is rooted in a deep love for nature, a belief in the power of collective action, and a commitment to storytelling that sparks change.
Resources and support
We’ll provide all materials. You may wish to bring:
- A reusable water bottle
- Comfortable clothes for practical sessions
- Your own laptop or tablet (optional – not essential)
How to apply
Eligibility criteria
To join this bootcamp, you must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Live in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly
We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those without prior experience in sustainability.
This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as a Lead Authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
