From Freelancer to Front End Developer

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From Freelancer to Front End Developer, free online Skills Bootcamp helps local resident change career

Adam Wozniak, 36, has worked as a freelance motion graphics designer for the past five years. After deciding to start a new career in web design, Adam took part in a Skills Bootcamp in Web Development. He has since started a three month internship with the Unseen Group as a Front End Developer Intern.

Bath Spa University’s Skills Bootcamps are part-time, free courses of up to 12 weeks. They allow adults who want to retrain and pursue a career in digital technology to learn sector-specific skills and improve their employability. In the last 18 months Bath Spa has helped over 500 learners start their journey towards their dream career.

Explaining his decision to switch from being a freelancer to working in web development, Adam said: “After deciding to make a career change, I began learning about web development so that I could make my own illustration portfolio website. I found design for the web really interesting and coding really good for keeping an anxious mind focused. Web design ticked a lot of boxes and I really enjoyed it, so I knew there was something special about it for me.”

“A friend of mine told me about his experience on a Skills Bootcamp and I thought it’d be a brilliant opportunity to learn more about web development. I looked into it on the Government website and found the Skills Bootcamp in Web Development with Bath Spa University.”

Learning sector-specific skills such as the fundamentals of JavaScript, HTML and CSS has been hugely helpful for Adam’s internship. Another highlight was working with fellow learners on projects throughout the short course, which helped develop his communication skills and overall confidence.

“Being around people of such different ages and backgrounds was really interesting,” said Adam. “One of my favourite units in the Skills Bootcamp was to create a text-based adventure game. There were a lot of creative ideas in the group!”

After completing their Skills Bootcamp, learners are provided with six months of employability and career support, including help with interviews, updating their CVs or support putting together a business plan. 

When asked about the support he received after finishing his course, Adam said: “After the course finished my tutors continued to support me with employment advice and helped me refine my CV. I also attended a mock interview and technical test event with Gradcore, which resulted in me getting this internship.”

“I'm still in touch with a few people from my Skills Bootcamp. It's always nice to hear how they are getting on with their own career journeys.”

For anyone considering applying for one of Bath Spa University's Skills Bootcamps, Adam advises: “If the course subject is something you've been thinking about pursuing but you’re unsure, you'll never really feel completely ready, so just give it a go!”

Inspired by Adam’s story? Find out more about our Skills Bootcamps.