What happens after FWD?
After your course, you'll be provided with expert support and guidance towards your next career steps from Achieve in B&NES' Skills and Employability Pod.
Find out more
FWD
Short course
Take your career forward with our free, innovative training programme designed for life-long learning.
- Upskill in the sector you want to progress in through our four subject areas: Digital, Sustainability, Health, Enterprise. Pick and choose what you want to study.
- Benefit from flexible, in-person, modular teaching, allowing you to fit your training around other commitments.
- You'll be supported by expert teaching from Bath Spa University, Bath College and local industry experts.
What is FWD?
FWD is a new style of learning that lets you pick and choose what you want to study, allowing you to match your learning to your career goals and interests.
Whether you're looking to start a business, get a new job, improve your existing skills, or just try something new, FWD is perfect for you.
FWD is open to anyone aged 19+ living in Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Bristol or South Gloucestershire, no experience needed.
How is FWD taught?
Each FWD programme runs for up to eight weeks. This consists of six modules across four subject areas. You can choose to complete as many modules as you like.
The subject areas are:
- Digital
- Sustainability
- Health
- Enterprise
Teaching takes place over three - six weeks. Each module is one day a week for three or four weeks.
You’ll attend four evenings of careers training during your course.
At the end of FWD, you’ll work with a business to complete a real-life industry project relevant to the skills you’ve gained. You'll receive feedback on your project and develop your business connections whilst putting your new skills to the test.
You’ll attend two informal networking events outside of teaching hours during FWD. These events allow you to connect with other participants, local businesses, mentors and other support programmes and give you the opportunity to connect with hiring employers.
Teaching and events will take place either at Bath Spa University’s Locksbrook Campus or Bath College’s City Campus. Please refer to the current schedule for further details.
FWD courses
What you participate in is entirely up to you. You could choose to complete one module, a selection of modules that are relevant to your career or every module available.
You'll be able to select your chosen modules on the application form.
Introduction to Web Development
- Sector: Digital
- Location: Locksbrook Campus
- Start date: Friday 19 July for three weeks, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Introduction to Web Development gives you an introduction to building websites from scratch using HTML, CSS and, optionally, some basic Javascript. It provides a foundation on which to further your coding knowledge and allows you to put your new skills into practice by building a real website.
This module is for anyone looking to learn more about the world of web page design, either to expand your employment opportunities or improve your own business.
Digital Marketing and Social Media
- Sector: Digital
- Location: Locksbrook Campus
- Start date: Friday 9 August for three weeks, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Digital Marketing and Social Media introduces you to the basic concepts and applications of digital marketing and effective communication. You’ll study the key elements to plan for effective digital marketing required for your business and entrepreneurship.
You'll learn about search engine optimisation (SEO), using social media and content creation.
This module is suited to anyone looking to take the first steps into digital marketing as a career. You also might have your own business or a business idea and want to take your digital marketing skills to the next level.
Start Your Own Business
- Sector: Enterprise
- Location: Locksbrook Campus
- Start date: Wednesday 17 July for four weeks, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Start Your Own Business is taught by Cool Ventures, who provide support for startup businesses in Bath and South Gloucestershire. At the end of the module, you'll have created a pitch for your business and will have the opportunity to present this to a panel ‘Dragons Den’ style for feedback.
This module is for anyone who has a business idea and is looking for support and advice on how to move their idea forward to the next steps.
Building Information Management
- Sector: Sustainability
- Location: TBC
- Start date: TBC
This short course is designed to give you an insight to Building Information Management and the systems used to design 2D and 3D models.
More information about this module will be available soon.
Considerate Communication and Active Listening
- Sector: Health
- Location: TBC
- Start date: TBC
More information about this module will be available soon.
Interested in applying?
What we look for
No previous knowledge is needed to complete FWD. The main thing we’re looking for is an interest in developing your skills to further your career.
Eligibility requirements
To take part in FWD you must:
- Be aged 19+
- Live in or near Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Bristol or South Gloucestershire
- Have lived in the UK for at least three years
Cost
FWD is free and funded by the West of England Combined Authority.
Dates and times
The next courses start on 15 July. For more detailed dates and times, please see the list of modules.
How to apply
- Complete the application form. This will take roughly five minutes to complete
- Once completed, a member of our team will have a short phone call with you to ensure your suitability for the course
- If you are suitable for the course, our team will contact you a couple of days after your phone call to provide you with the enrollment forms that you must fill out
- Once enrolled, you’ll be invited to a series of careers, networking and induction events.
You'll need the following information to apply:
- National Insurance number
- Your home address
- Existing qualifications
- Emergency Contact
- Information about any disabilities, including any educational support needs
- Employment status including hours worked, wages, length and place of employment
- Benefit type if a claimant
- International information such as visa type and date if applicable
Contact us
If you are a local business interested in sending your staff on FWD for some free CPD training, interested in accessing a talent pool for any of the skills mentioned above or have any queries, please contact fwd@bathspa.ac.uk
