NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Data
Data Skills Bootcamp
Zero cost training. Launch your data career in 10 weeks.
A free, 10-week intensive run with the Department for Education's Skills Bootcamps programme. Designed for Oxfordshire adults changing career into data — work on real business problems, master the tools employers hire for, and earn the NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Data.
Next cohort starts 6 July 2026
Applications are open. Apply now to secure your place on the first Oxford cohort.
Skills Bootcamp for Oxford — funded by
Next cohort
6 July 2026
Applications open
Duration
10 weeks
+ around 8 weeks of career support after
Schedule
Mon–Fri, by 4pm
Lighter Wednesdays · in-person days in Oxford
Your cost
£0
Free for eligible Oxfordshire residents
Fully funded
Free training. Real outcomes.
This intensive Skills Bootcamp is free, funded by the Department for Education. It is built for Oxfordshire adults — including career-changers and people returning to work — who want to move into data.
What's included
Everything you need to launch your data career
- Access to our simulated workplace with 500M+ rows of real data
- NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Data on completion
- One-to-one coaching and a personal learning plan
- CV, LinkedIn, and interview support
- Mock interviews and employer events
- Career support continuing after the bootcamp
- Access to our alumni network and job board
Who can apply
You may be eligible if you…
- Aged 19 or over
- Live in Oxfordshire
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
- Able to commit to the 10-week schedule including in-person days in Oxford
- Open to employed, self-employed, unemployed, and returning-to-work adults — no prior data experience or degree required
Match this profile? Apply below and we'll confirm your eligibility.
Use real data, on real projects, with real coaches.
Our training mirrors the job. You'll work inside Prism, a simulated e-commerce company with 500 million rows of real data — building dashboards, cleansing datasets, and presenting insights to stakeholders.
Build · Weeks 1–5
Build your foundations
- Onboarding and tools — Excel, Power Query, Copilot, BigQuery
- Source, cleanse, blend, and link real data sets
- Work through UK case studies (Tesco, ASOS, NHS, Monzo and more)
- Build your CV and LinkedIn profile from week one
Apply · Weeks 6–10
Work like a data analyst
- Analyse data for insight and build visualisations in Power BI
- Learn data security, compliance, and forecasting techniques
- Complete a team capstone hackathon pitched to real employers
- Start job applications with coaching support
Get hired · After the bootcamp
Career support and employer introductions
- Continued one-to-one career coaching
- Application clinics and mock interviews
- Employer introductions and a mini careers fair
- Access to our alumni network and job board
You'll master these tools
Why it works
Our graduates get hired because they've already done the job.
Immersive simulated workplace
You won't sit through lectures. You'll work inside Prism, our simulated e-commerce company, solving the same problems data analysts face every day — with 500M+ rows of real data.
Real experience, not theory
In 10 weeks you'll build muscle memory from real data challenges using UK case studies. The right kind of experience employers hire for.
Working practitioners as coaches
Our industry-expert coaches offer a deep level of support. They challenge you, back you, and champion you — because they do this work themselves.
Designed for career-changers
Built around the experience adults already bring. No degree required, no prior data experience needed — we meet you where you are.
“Honestly, iO-Sphere was one of the best decisions I've made. I came in nervous from a non-traditional background, but I never once felt like I didn't belong.”
After the bootcamp
What happens after you graduate
Finishing the 10 weeks is just the start. iO-Sphere graduates move into data roles at some of the UK's most interesting companies — backed by continued career coaching and employer introductions.
~8 weeks
Career support
Continued one-to-one coaching, application clinics, and mock interviews after the bootcamp ends.
Direct
Employer introductions
Introductions to hiring employers through our partner network, capstone hackathon, and mini careers fair.
900+
Alumni network
Join a community of trained data professionals, share job leads, and keep learning through our alumni programme.
iO-Sphere graduates work at
Am I eligible?
Check your eligibility in 30 seconds
Are you aged 19 or over?
Do you live in Oxfordshire?
Do you have the right to live and work in the UK?
Frequently asked questions
Oxford Skills Bootcamp FAQ
Am I eligible for the Oxford Skills Bootcamp?
You may be eligible if you are aged 19 or over, live in Oxfordshire, and have the right to live and work in the UK. The programme is open to employed, self-employed, unemployed, and returning-to-work adults. No prior data experience or degree is required.
How much does it cost?
The Oxford Skills Bootcamp is free for eligible learners. It is funded by the Department for Education through the Skills Bootcamps programme.
Do I need a degree or any prior data experience?
No. The bootcamp is designed for career-changers and people from all backgrounds. You do not need a degree, and no prior data or technical experience is required.
What qualification will I get?
On completion you will earn the NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Data (qualification number 603/7882/7). This is a nationally recognised, regulated qualification.
Where and how is the bootcamp delivered?
The bootcamp is delivered in a blended format — live online sessions plus in-person days in Oxford. Confirmed in-person days are 7 and 8 July, 3 and 4 August, and 10 and 11 September 2026.
When does it start and how long is it?
The next cohort starts on 6 July 2026 and runs for 10 weeks, finishing on 11 September 2026. Career support continues for around 8 weeks after the bootcamp.
How much time does it take each week?
The programme runs Monday to Friday, finishing by around 4pm, with lighter Wednesdays. It involves approximately 20 guided learning hours per week.
Which tools will I learn?
You will learn Excel, Power Query, Power BI, Copilot, BigQuery, and AI tools including Claude and Gemini. You will also learn to read SQL. The curriculum is designed around the tools Oxfordshire employers hire for.
What happens after I finish?
After the 10-week bootcamp you receive around 8 weeks of continued career support, including one-to-one coaching, application clinics, mock interviews, and employer introductions. Your NCFE certificate is released around weeks 14 to 15.
Who is the bootcamp designed for?
The bootcamp is designed for Oxfordshire adults changing career into data. The typical cohort ranges from around 30 to 55 years old, from a wide variety of prior sectors. Many learners are referred via Jobcentre Plus.
Is the Oxford bootcamp the same as the iO-Sphere London one?
Both programmes use the same applied approach and simulated workplace. The Oxford bootcamp leads to the NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Data and is funded for Oxfordshire residents by the Department for Education. The London programme is funded by the Greater London Authority for London residents.
How long does the Century assessment take and what does it cover?
There are three separate assessments covering maths, English, and basic digital skills. Each one takes around 20 to 30 minutes, so allow up to 90 minutes in total. You do not have to complete all three in one sitting. The questions adapt as you go, so some sections may feel easier or harder depending on your answers.
Do I need to prepare for the Century assessment?
No preparation is needed. The assessment is designed to show where you are right now, so just answer each question as honestly as you can.
Apply now
Apply for the Oxford Skills Bootcamp starting 6 July 2026. We'll confirm your eligibility and next steps.
Get skilled. Get experienced. Get hired.
This free, 10-week Data Skills Bootcamp in Oxford starts 6 July 2026. Apply now to secure your place.