Click Start Celebration

 News 

Click Start celebrates first anniversary with an evening of fun, learning, and networking

Launched in March 2023, Click Start by Bath Spa in Creative Digital Skills is celebrating its first anniversary by inviting learners, local businesses and organisations to Newark Works, Bath, on 25 April.

Click Start aims to change the course of the UK’s growing digital skills shortage and pull down the barriers many face trying to enter the rapidly evolving workforce.

Bath Spa University’s course is part of the nationwide Click Start training programme developed by the Institute of Coding (IoC), a national consortium of industry, educators and outreach providers. Click Start is funded by Nominet, the public benefit company that operates and protects UK Internet infrastructure and uses its funds to support projects that promote digital inclusion.

Nominet has committed to £12m in funding over three years to develop the Click Start programme with the IoC, led by the University of Bath. There are opportunities for over 40,000 learners to take part in the initiative – from veterans looking for a career change, to underrepresented groups who are looking for an introduction to entry level tech and digital roles, to young learners looking to start their careers.

Now in its 11th cohort, Click Start by Bath Spa in Creative Digital Skills has given over 150 18-30 year olds in the South West the next level skills in digital marketing, UI/UX design and web development needed to start a career in a creative or technology-based field.

With the help of a personal career coach from Catch22, learners are supported for six months towards their next step in their career, whether that’s a new job, apprenticeship, volunteering role or further education. 

The celebration event will highlight the achievements of the past year, including the successful transitions of over 80 learners to new careers and the impact the course has had on learners’ confidence. 

The evening will feature a dynamic lineup of guest speakers covering various topics, from recruitment strategies, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship opportunities to career inspirations and aspirations, health and wellbeing. Learners and local businesses will have an opportunity to network, connect with employability experts, and showcase their new digital skills.  

Reflecting on the past year, Jason John, Short Course Unit Programme Manager at Bath Spa University, said: 

“Click Start has proved to be a genuinely life-changing experience for many young people in the South West. It's been hugely rewarding for us to build this project and help upskill and open doors for learners who can work with peers, experts and on their portfolios, and gain opportunities in digital and tech, which might not otherwise have been possible without Click Start!”

Clea Wood, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Institute of Coding, added: 

“Celebrating one year of the Click Start by Bath Spa University programme is not just about marking time; it's about celebrating the transformative journey of learners, the invaluable partnerships formed, and the boundless opportunities that lie ahead.

"It fills me with pride to witness BSU's Click Start programme empowering individuals, opening doors to new horizons, and equipping them with the skills to thrive in the digital age. To all the learners embarking on this journey, congratulations and we wish you the best of luck. Here's to your bright futures ahead!”

Find out more about the celebration event by visiting the website.