AFCFT Funding awarded to BSU
News
Bath Spa University awarded new funding to upskill Military partners
Tuesday, 18 November, 2025Bath Spa University has recently been awarded funding to deliver short courses to 60 Military partners by December 2027, with support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s (AFCFT) AF3 Supporting Partners programme and Wiltshire Council.
Over the next two years BSU’s Short Course Unit will deliver courses covering two subject areas to partners of current serving personnel, to support employability opportunities and develop key skills. Learners on these courses will increase their confidence and skillset, be able to learn flexibly and will be supported by staff members from Bath Spa University and partner organisations with lived experience.
Offerings will include an online Agile Project Management course open to Military partners both nationally and internationally, taking place in October 2026 and October 2027, and an in-person Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurship course, taking place in April 2026 and April 2027 in Wiltshire.
The latter will offer participants practical creative skills and support for self-employment, as well as free childcare for the duration of the course.
Speaking about the funding, Jane Foulkes, Short Course Unit Curriculum Lead at Bath Spa University, said:
“Bath Spa University are proud to be supporting a number of Military initiatives through the Short Course Unit. From my own personal lived experience as a Military partner, having the opportunity to gain skills and opportunities that can be transferable on postings is key to developing career and personal goals.”
Annette Holdsworth, Partnerships Specialist at Wiltshire Council, added:
“Wiltshire Council is proud to be working in partnership with Bath Spa University to support the delivery of Skills Bootcamps, including those designed specifically for military leavers.
Bath Spa University has been a proactive and collaborative partner, and we welcome the new funding they have received to expand their offer.
As a county with a significant military presence, we recognise the importance of ensuring that all members of our community, including those who support serving personnel, have access to opportunities to thrive economically. These new courses will not only empower individuals but also contribute to a stronger, more inclusive local workforce.”
The funding by AFCFT will expand upon BSU’s existing support for Military personnel, having previously worked in partnership with the Forces Transition Group and Coherent Training to upskill over 100 forces leavers through their Skills Bootcamps, helping them to make their transition back into civilian life.
Scott Dyson, who took part in BSU’s Skills Bootcamp in Agile and Scrum earlier this year after serving in the British Army for 25 years, recently secured a role as a Senior Operations Manager. Talking about his experience on the course, Scott said:
“Over the course of my 25-year military career I’ve led teams through complex operations, mentored individuals through career transitions, and upheld the highest standards of discipline and leadership. As I began planning my own transition into the civilian sector, I knew I wanted to build on those foundations with a programme that offered both practical skills and a clear pathway into new opportunities.
The Skills Bootcamp stood out because it wasn’t just about ticking boxes, it was about meaningful development. The structure, pace, and relevance of the content aligned perfectly with my goal to translate military experience into civilian value.
I’m proud to be stepping into a role that allows me to continue serving, this time by supporting the UK's renewable energy infrastructure. It’s a new kind of mission, but the ethos remains the same.”
