Post-pandemic retraining programme launched by Bath College and Bath Spa University

At a time of significant economic and social turbulence, @BathCollege and Bath Spa University (@BathSpaUni) are proud to be working together in the creation and launch of RESTART, a post-pandemic recovery package of inclusive skills and reskilling.

Now, more so than ever, Bath College and Bath Spa feel passionately that people are not left behind at a time when jobs and futures are being adversely effected.

The core aim of RESTART is to ensure that the local community have an accessible opportunity to reskill in order to maximise employment and progression opportunities, whilst giving them the opportunity to maximise their chances of re-employment and/or employment in a new sector by focusing on ‘in demand’ skills from basic to advanced.

The programme will benefit those looking to begin new journeys in their careers, those recently made redundant, those recently furloughed or looking to start their own business venture.

This ground-breaking workplace skills delivery programme is open to anyone aged 19+ and utilises consistent communication with local employers and businesses about skillsets that they look for when hiring people.

Candidates will consider a wide range of pathways to employment and will develop skills within a multitude of business settings to enable them to fill gaps on CVs and progress in the workplace. Learners currently on our programmes are exploring CV masterclasses, Microsoft Office applications, Google Work place apps, resilience, positivity, confidence and job hunting skills with further potential of exploring customer service skills, entrepreneurship, business administration, leadership and management, digital innovation and cyber security at a higher level.

Andy Salmon, Pro-Vice Chancellor External at Bath Spa University, said:

“Restart teams up Bath’s post-16 education providers for the first time to deliver a joined up programme. Local businesses insist that it is increasingly important for employees to have both hard and soft skills, with the latter focusing on communication, agility, confidence and ability to solve problems.

“In fact, soft skills were frequently cited as even more important than more traditional harder skills. When companies did reference harder skills it was digital and business understanding that came out as crucial for building new jobs and career opportunities.

“We know that everyone has varying skillsets and objectives, and we are committed to enabling our local communities of learners to bridge those gaps so they can flourish, gaining new relevant skills in these very challenging times.”

Laurel Penrose, Principal and Chief Executive at Bath College, said:

“The joint approach between Bath College and Bath Spa University provides a timely and flexible opportunity for those requiring a fresh and different set of technical and employability skill set to secure their current or different future employment.

By working together, listening to individual needs and employers’ requirements we can ensure that the reskilling and upskilling courses fit a person’s and industry requisites, so that all in our community can benefit in these difficult times”.

Both institutions are proud of this venture and the learners who have already begun the process of building for their futures.