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BSU awarded further funding for government-backed skills initiative

Thursday, 29 August, 2024

Bath Spa University is excited to announce that they have received further funding for their Skills Bootcamps, starting this autumn. 

Now in their fifth iteration, Bath Spa University’s free Skills Bootcamp courses have been running for over two and a half years. In that time, they've supported over 900 learners across 15 subject areas, from Agile project management to user experience (UX) / user interface (UI) design. The aim of the short courses is to teach people new skills, allow workers to retrain in a different career and to help with employability. 

The Short Course Unit’s Skills Bootcamps are short courses of up to 16 weeks and are fully funded by the Department for Education. The courses help learners gain skills for life, help support skills demands in their area and ultimately help them take the next step in their career journey. 

Bath Spa University has recently received funding to run Skills Bootcamps in Agile and Scrum, Data Analytics and Machine Learning, and UX/UI Design. 

Data Analytics and Machine Learning will offer learners the chance to delve into the world of digital data. From databases to language, this course supports learners who are starting a new career in data analytics, aiming to become self-employed, or seeking to secure new job opportunities. As data and digital industries evolve, this course equips participants with the tools needed for informed decision-making, personalized experiences, and task automation, making these skills highly desirable in today’s job market. 

Bath Spa University will also be running a UX/UI Skills Bootcamp, covering the fundamentals of User Experience and User Interface. Participants master industry-standard tools, tackle real-world design challenges, and gain experience through workshops with leaders like Unite Students and Transform Digital. The course also includes practical web development training and culminates in a final exhibition of their work.  

One recent UX/UI graduate said: 

"The Skills Bootcamp was an excellent course overall, it always felt like I had the necessary support to excel. There were plenty of resources and advice available, and working within a team made it feel like a proper workplace." 

In addition, Bath Spa University is offering three project management Skills Bootcamps: Agile and Scrum Foundation for the West Midlands, Agile Project Management, and Scrum Foundation. These courses will provide comprehensive training in Agile and Scrum methodologies, equipping learners to apply these frameworks effectively in their professional roles. 

The University is proud to be offering short courses to local residents in the West of England, and more recently, the West Midlands. 

Jane Foulkes, Short Course Unit Curriculum Lead at Bath Spa University, said: 

“Following the success of the Skills Bootcamps in the West of England, we're excited to announce that we are now able to offer learners the same opportunity in the West Midlands. We can’t wait to welcome all the learners.” 

Applications for these Skills Bootcamps are currently open. To apply, you must be over 19 and reside in Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, or the West Midlands. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and advance your career with Bath Spa University’s industry-leading courses. Apply today on the Bath Spa University website.