FWD
Short course
Take your career forward with our free, next generation skills, training, research and innovation programme.
- Receive personalised career mentoring throughout your programme.
- You’ll be supported by Bath Spa University, University of Bath and Bath College.
- Teaching takes place in person over 3-6 weeks, allowing you to fit the course around other commitments.
FWD is a disruptive collaboration between Bath Spa University, B&NES Council, Bath College and University of Bath that brings together science, arts, creativity, and technology. These in person courses are free to take part in.
FWD has four pathways you can choose from to further your career.
The pathways are:
- Digital
- Sustainability
- Health
- Enterprise
How does FWD work?
You’ll choose one or two courses to complete. You can choose any courses across the four pathways to tailor your training to your career progression goals. Each course consists of three weeks of in person teaching and two weeks of project work from an employer.
Your pathway options
- Location: Bath College City campus and Locksbrook Campus
- Teaching days: Mondays 4 – 8pm, Fridays 9am – 4:30pm
- Courses available: Digital Marketing and Social Media
Module two: Digital Marketing and Social Media
- 12 February - 8 March, with project work taking place 11 March - 29 March
This module introduces you to the basic concepts and applications of digital marketing and effective communication. You’ll study the key elements of the online micro and macro environment to plan for effective digital marketing required for business and entrepreneurship.
- Location: Bath College Somer Valley campus and Locksbrook Campus
- Teaching days: Mondays 4 – 8pm, Fridays 9am – 4:30pm
- Courses available: Building Information Technologies
Module two: Building Information Technologies
- 12 February - 8 March, with project work taking place 11 March - 29 March
This module aims to give you an introduction to Building Information Software - an increasingly used construction tool to aid with the digitalisation of the built environment. Using AutoCAD and Revit, you will develop the skills needed to start a journey into the design and drawing used within construction. Previous construction or software knowledge is an advantage but not essential.
- Location: Bath College City campus and Locksbrook Campus
- Teaching days: Mondays 4 – 8pm, Thursdays 9am – 4:30pm
- Courses available: Health and Social Care Practitioner
Module two: Health and Social Care Practitioner
- 12 February - 7 March, with project work taking place 11 March - 29 March
If you are already working in the health and social care sector and would like to take your career to the next level, this module will introduce you to management techniques which are essential for effectively running a health and social care team.
You‘ll look at effective team leading through communication techniques as well as the management of the change in your own role and relationships within your workplace.
At least 2 years' experience of working in this sector is essential.
- Location: Bath College City campus and Locksbrook Campus
- Teaching days: Mondays 4 – 8pm, Wednesdays 9am – 4:30pm
- Starting dates: 12 February - 6 March, with project work taking place 11 March - 29 March
- Courses available: Starting Your Own Business
Starting Your Own Business
Want to start your own small business? During this pathway you’ll learn how to find your target audience, market your product or service and manage your business's finances.
Gain the skills you need to start up a small business including how to find your target market and your unique selling point. Discover key marketing techniques to establish your business's brand. Understand small business legislation to ensure you’re compliant with relevant laws such as the Data Protection Act.
You’ll also learn about:
- Developing a business idea, including support with a business plan
- Conducting market research for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
- Branding and creating customer personas
- Gaining knowledge of consumer buying behaviour
- How to analyse social media, website and marketing metrics
- Understanding business legislation for SMEs
Course overview
You’ll start your chosen course in February, attending one full day and one evening session of in-person teaching per week. Teaching will take place in Bath, primarily at Bath College and Bath Spa University.
In March, you’ll complete a two-week project set by an employer, after which you’ll receive your certificate of completion.
Once you’ve enrolled onto the course, you’ll receive tailored careers support and be invited to a series of careers and networking events to improve your confidence and employability skills.
Your course mentors will work with you to identify what kind of roles are the best fit for you and your new skills, depending which pathway, or combination of pathways, you choose.
FWD works with a range of local businesses and employers. You'll be matched up to one of these during your course for your project and encouraged to engage with the businesses involved.
Interested in applying?
No previous knowledge is needed to complete FWD. The main thing we’re looking for is an interest in developing your skills in one of the four pathways to further your career.
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
FWD is free and funded by the West of England Combined Authority.
The next courses start on:
- Digital pathway: 12 February - 8 March, with project work taking place 11 March - 29 March. Teaching will take place at Bath College City Campus
- Sustainability pathway: 12 February - 8 March, with project work taking place 11 March - 29 March. Teaching will take place at Bath College Somer Valley Campus
- Health pathway: 12 February - 7 March, with project work taking place 11 March - 29 March. Teaching will take place at Bath College City Campus
- Enterprise pathway: 12 February - 6 March, with project work taking place 11 March - 29 March. Teaching will take place at Bath College City Campus
For more detailed dates and times, please see our pathway options.
- 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 optional careers, networking and induction events between enrolment and 25 March.
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 have any queries please contact fwd@bathspa.ac.uk
