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Kickstart a Greener Future | Sustainability Bootcamp

Gain the hands-on skills, insight and confidence to explore a future in the sustainability sector.

Key details
Location
Penryn Campus
Course duration
1 week
Attendance
Full-time

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. 

You will:

  • Equip learners with core sustainability knowledge 
  • Introduce key environmental concepts including climate change, circular economy, and green innovation. 
  • Connect these to Cornwall’s local green economy and future job landscape. 
  • Develop practical, job-ready green skills 
  • Deliver hands-on experience in sustainable materials (e.g., natural dyeing, biomaterials). 
  • Build digital confidence through workshops using tools like Canva for CV creation. 
  • Support career progression and confidence 
  • Provide career coaching and employer-led speed interviews 
  • Ensure each learner leaves with an updated CV, career action plan, and certificate. 
  • Engage local employers and create job pathways. 
  • Facilitate live interaction through guest talks, challenges, and interviews. 
  • Increase accessibility to green jobs 
  • Prioritise recruitment of unemployed, underemployed, or career-changing learners across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 
  • Contribute to Cornwall’s climate and skills strategy 
  • Align with the Cornwall Climate Emergency Plan and Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). 
  • Support the development of a low-carbon, high-skill local workforce. 

How to apply

See course dates below that are available to book.

Upcoming courses

If no upcoming Short Courses are displayed above, get in touch with us for more information.

Apart from our Short Courses for 14-17 Year Olds, all of our Short Courses are for adults 18+.

    Course details

    By the end of this course, you’ll be able to: 

    • Describe key sustainability challenges and green growth opportunities in Cornwall 
    • Understand the principles of circular design, waste reduction, and green innovation 
    • Gain hands-on experience with natural dyes and seaweed-based biomaterials 
    • Use Canva and other digital tools to build a professional CV and supporting statement 
    • Engage with employers, receive feedback, and take part in mock interviews 
    • Explore a variety of job pathways in green energy, sustainable manufacturing, conservation, and more. 

    Course itinerary

    Day 1: Understanding Sustainability & Cornwall’s Green Economy 

    • Introduction to the bootcamp and sustainable development goals (SDGs) 
    • Icebreakers, campus tour, and orientation 
    • Workshop on Cornwall’s climate strategy and green job landscape 
    • Guest speaker: Cornwall Council Climate Team 

    Day 2: Circular Economy & Digital Skills 

    • Real-life case studies from Cornwall’s circular business pioneers 
    • Hands-on upcycling workshop using local materials 
    • Digital Skills session: Creating a CV and supporting statement using Canva 

    Day 3: Sustainable Materials and Seaweed Innovation 

    • Natural dyeing workshop using Cornish plants and seaweed pigment 
    • Biomaterials session: learn to create plastic-like materials from seaweed 
    • Guest talk on sustainable textiles and product design 

    Day 4: Product Challenge & Career Preparation 

    • Green Product Hackathon: design challenge based on sustainability principles 
    • 1-to-1 CV feedback and career coaching 

    Day 5: Employer Day & Progression Planning 

    • Morning: Final prep and mock interviews 
    • Afternoon: Speed interviews with local green employers (8–10 expected) 
    • Reflection, celebration, and certificates 

    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. 

    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

    To apply for this course, make your selection from the available dates below, this will take you to an event page where you will be able to book yourself onto the course via the Book now link.

    Upcoming courses

    If no upcoming Short Courses are displayed above, get in touch with us for more information.

    Apart from our Short Courses for 14-17 Year Olds, all of our Short Courses are for adults 18+.

    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. 

    In line with SPF Guidelines page needs to have “This project is [funded/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.” 

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