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Skills Bootcamp in Agile and Scrum Foundation (West Midlands)

Short course

    Interested in becoming a Project Manager who understands the concepts of Agile and scrum frameworks? Learn about the Agile mindset, common Agile practices and advanced Scrum concepts in our eight week Skills Bootcamp.

    • Online learning over eight weeks with a time commitment of six hours per week.
    • Explore the key concepts of Agile and Scrum and apply your learning in practical scrum and agile workshops.
    • Gain certifications within Agile Foundation and Scrum Foundation with the British Computing Society.

    During our eight-week, Level 3 Skills Bootcamp in Agile and Scrum Foundation, you’ll learn about key Agile principles, the Scrum framework and how to apply them within project management scenarios. You’ll also gain the academic knowledge and practical skills required for your chosen industry.

    You’ll  have the opportunity to complete certifications in Agile Foundations and EXIN Foundation Certificate in Agile Scrum from the British Computer Society (BCS). EXIN are the accrediting body for organisations in the field of IT.

    Please note each learner will get one Certification credit to take per exam. All learners wanting to re-sit will need to purchase another Certification credit, which can then be taken through Bath Spa University.

    This course is for people looking to start a new career in project management or use the skills learnt to set up as self-employed or to help you secure new work. You must be aged 19+ to apply.

    We only accept applications from students who haven't completed a government funded Skills Bootcamp in the last 12 months.

    Who is the British Computer Society?

    The British Computer Society (BCS) is a global community made up of business leaders, educators, practitioners and policymakers, all committed to their mission.

    As a charity with a royal charter, their agenda is to lead the IT industry through its ethical challenges, to support the people who work in the industry, and to make IT good for society. BCS assess and recognise talent at every level through a diverse range of qualifications, professional registrations, content and skills frameworks.

    What you'll learn

    Course overview

    Our Skills Bootcamp in Agile and Scrum Foundation equips you with the academic knowledge and practical skills required for your chosen industry. You'll cover the BCS syllabus and be given a strong theoretical foundation to pass the exam. Alongside this, you'll attend practical sessions with industry contextualization, culminating in a group project. The course then applies the newly acquired skills to construction-related problem-solving, as requested by the industry.

    You'll cover a variety of topics on the course including:

    • Why Agile
    • The Agile manifesto
    • The Agile mindset
    • Roles in Agile teams
    • Common Agile practices
    • Scrum practices
    • Scrum planning and estimation
    • Monitoring Scrum projects
    • Advanced Scrum concepts
    Course structure

    Week one

    • Why Agile
    • Agile VS Waterfall
    • Agile values
    • Agile principles

    Week two

    • Agile mindset
    • Agile team roles

    Week three

    • Common Agile practices
    • Agile in practice
    • Agile practical (Sprint)

    Week four 

    • Revision
    • Agile Foundation exam

    Week five

    • Scrum / Sprint
    • Agile way of thinking
    • Scrum practices

    Week six

    • Scrum practices
    • Scrum planning
    • Estimation

    Week seven 

    • Scrum Monitoring
    • Scrum concepts

    Week eight

    • Practical
    • Revision
    • EXIN Foundation Certificate in Agile Scrum exam
    How will I be taught?

    You'll be taught by industry professionals who have 30+ years of project management experience and 150+ contacts with local businesses. You’ll gain firsthand experience of working in the project management field and running a small – medium enterprise (SME).

    Not only will you be given the theoretical knowledge needed to pass the BCS Certification in Agile Foundations and EXIN Foundation Certificate in Agile Scrum, but you’ll also take part in practical exercises and career-oriented employability sessions that will allow you to go straight into a project management role.

    Your two exams will take place on the following dates:

    • Agile Foundation: 26 September
    • Scrum Foundation 31 October

    The location for these exams will be confirmed soon.

    The course will be hands-on and includes project work based on real scenarios that form part of the assessment process. You’ll also be given the opportunity to attend extra support sessions and have one-to-one reviews throughout the course to ensure you are on track to reach your goals and provide feedback on your experience.

    It's important to note that you're expected to spend a number of hours outside of teaching on independent study to support your learning. You'll be supported by your lecturers during your independent study.

    Assessments and how your progress will be reviewed

    Throughout your Skills Bootcamp journey, your progress will be reviewed in multiple formats which could include verbal and written feedback, peer feedback, mock assessments, knowledges quizzes and collaborative work.

    The formal assessments will happen at key points during the course but are not pass-or-fail. They are a tool for us to identify your strengths and weaknesses to help us give you the best opportunity to reach your goals during the Skills Bootcamp.

    Ofsted and the Skills Bootcamps

    The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulates the Skills Bootcamps. They inspect services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. They also inspect and regulate services that care for children and young people.

    This means that all Skills Bootcamp providers must meet Ofsted’s framework regulations, therefore, ensuring you have a good experience on your learning journey. However, at any point during the delivery of the Skills Bootcamp, the University might be inspected by Ofsted. While this won't impact your day-to-day participation on the course, Ofsted might request to speak to you to gain insights into your Skills Bootcamp experience.

    Read our safeguarding policy.

    Interested in applying?

    What we look for

    We’re looking for you to have an interest in project management or taking your existing management skills to the next level. While some previous knowledge is desirable, the most important factor is a positive mindset.

    This course is for people looking to start a new career in project management or use the skills learnt to set up as self-employed or to help you secure new work.

    Eligibility requirements

    You must:

    • Be aged 19+
    • Be living in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall or Wolverhampton
    • Have the right to live and work in the UK
    • Agree to provide mandatory personal data and supplementary information on your career outcomes for up to eight months following completion of the Skills Bootcamp
    • Not have completed a Skills Bootcamp funded by the Department for Education (DfE) in the last 12 months
    • Have access to a computer and Excel
    Required equipment

    Your device can be either a personal Windows device or a work device. If you're using a work device you'll need full admin rights and enough RAM and memory to support your studies.

    Your device should be able to hold a steady internet connection and be able to download and work with tools such as Microsoft Teams and Figma.

    Your computer will also need a working microphone, speakers and web camera.

    This course cannot be undertaken on a mobile device or without a working computer.

    Before you start your course it’s important to make sure that your computer is in working order and is properly equipped for your course. You need to be prepared for any situation that could arise, for example contributing within class.

    If your microphone and camera don't work you will struggle to participate.

    Cost

    Our Skills Bootcamp in Agile and Scrum Foundation is funded by the Department for Education (DfE), and therefore is free. We only accept applications from students who haven't completed a government funded Skills Bootcamp in the last 12 months.

    If you're being sent for training by your employer, your employer will need to pay up to 30% of the total fees depending on the size of the company. If this is the case, please contact us at shortcourses@bathspa.ac.uk for more details.

    Dates and times

    The next course starts on:

    • Thursday 5 September for eight weeks, Thursdays, 10am - 4pm

    Please note the following in person days:

    • 26 September: Agile exam, location TBC
    • 31 October: In-person practical and Scrum exam, location TBC
    How to apply
    1. Complete the application form. This will take roughly ten minutes to complete, and you’ll need your National Insurance number
    2. If you meet the basic eligibility criteria for this Skills Bootcamp, a member of our team will have a short phone call with you to ensure your suitability for the course. Please have to hand the operating system and amount of RAM your device has for this call.
    3. If you are suitable for the course our team will contact you a couple of days after your phone call to offer you a place on the course and provide you with the enrollment forms that you must fill out
    4. Once you’ve returned your enrollment forms, you’ll be successfully enrolled on the course. You’ll be invited to an induction day prior to the course starting.

    What happens after completing a Skills Bootcamp?

    Career support

    After completing your Skills Bootcamp you’ll be supported by your Career Development Coach for six months. This includes help with interviews, updating your CV and putting together a business plan. You’ll have access to additional training such as our Entrepreneurship for Beginners short course.

    During and after your course you’ll be invited to a Skills Bootcamps students and alumni LinkedIn group in which you can network and celebrate your career success with your fellow learners.

    Once you’ve finished your Skills Bootcamp you’ll be sent a monthly newsletter with the latest job vacancies and networking events.

    Skills Bootcamp outcomes

    As our Skills Bootcamps are fully funded by the Department for Education, there is an expectation that you'll keep in touch with us to let us know about any career progression opportunities you receive after completing the short course. You’ll be provided with a short declaration form to fill out once you've secured new work.

    Contact us

    If you have any queries please contact shortcourses@bathspa.ac.uk

    Privacy Notice

    Read the privacy notices about signing up for these Skills Bootcamps, including how and why your personal data will be collected, and what it will be used for.

    The logos for the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Skills For Life Skill Bootcamps scheme

    Website feedback to web@bathspa.ac.uk