“I have been really impressed with the combination of speed and detail in a new area you’ve all demonstrated. […] This will be a key input into our strategy process over the next few weeks.”Head of Growth, Generation
Why the Project was Needed
Generation UK is a charity transforming education-to-employment systems by running free skills bootcamps that prepare, place, and support young people from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds into careers they would otherwise struggle to access. Since launching in 2019, Generation has supported over 3,500 learners into roles across digital, data, healthcare, customer service, and the green economy. To guide its next phase of growth, Generation needed a clearer view of the market for skills bootcamps, the demand for talent by sector, and the potential scale of philanthropic funding.
Project Brief and Actions
Fairgrove was asked to provide a growth strategy that would help Generation UK map the opportunity ahead. The project focused on market sizing, demand forecasting, and assessing funding potential.
What we Did
We conducted a three-week pro bono project, working closely with Generation’s leadership. Our analysis covered three areas: the market for skills bootcamps (current size, forecasts, and Generation’s market share), entry-level demand for talent across key course areas, and the scale of the UK philanthropic funding market. This provided Generation with a data-driven view of where to focus its growth efforts and how to diversify its funding base.
Project Impact
The project has equipped Generation UK with the evidence base to support its next stage of growth. By quantifying market demand, mapping future opportunities across sectors, and identifying headroom in the philanthropic market, the work has strengthened Generation’s strategy for scaling its impact. It also provided practical insights into how Generation can position itself with funders and policymakers as a key player in tackling the UK’s skills gap.
