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A course for ex-military personnel going back into civilian life has wowed Ofsted. Bath Spa University’s skills boot camp has been rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas, with ex-soldiers being taught everything from how to use AI to how to avoid ‘extreme views’.
The university- which is based in Bath – runs skills boot camps online and in person at Corsham Court in Wiltshire. About 20 students were all the course at the time of the inspection, most of whom were in the process of leaving military service.
The report, which was published last week on Friday, September 12, said that the ex-soldiers are being taught to use AI: “The [employer advisory group] identified a need for greater development of AI skills in the workforce. Leaders subsequently added this to their courses so that learners now learn how to use a range of AI tools in the context of project management.
“Leaders ensure that the curriculums learners study contain industry-recognised qualifications, increasing the likelihood that learners secure interviews and get the jobs they aspire to.”
AI is an polarising topic. Many feel the technology is revolutionising society by freeing up time and making knowledge more accessible. Others have criticised AI for its environmental impact, effect on the jobs’ market, and its potential for plagiarism.
The report went on to say that the course teaches them how to “to keep themselves safe from extremist views”: “Staff adeptly teach learners about the dangers of radicalisation and how to keep themselves safe from extremist views. Teaching staff on the tailored learning courses respond skilfully to the risks presented to learners who are isolated, live on their own and receive most of their information through social media and online sources.
“Staff challenge learners sensitively and non-judgementally, where they may have been influenced by conspiracy-led views.”
The report continued: “Most learners have not been in education, training or employment for a considerable time. Learners build their self-esteem and rapidly recognise the value of their new skills.
“Almost all learners move on to self-employment, paid work or pathways to higher education as a result of their training.”
Despite Bath Spa also of course being a university, the inspector observed that students on their skills boot camp are treated equally to undergrads: “Leaders ensure that adult learners on short courses are treated equally to full-time students so they feel included and have full access to the resources, benefits and support the university provides.”
Overall, the course was rated ‘Outstanding’ in all categories, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
Speaking to Somerset Live, a spokesperson for Bath Spa University said: “Bath Spa University supports all learners participating in its Skills Bootcamps in a variety of ways inclusive of the Ofsted requirements of Safeguarding and Prevent. BSU works with a range of learners from different backgrounds including military veterans transitioning to civilian life and those looking to develop their employment opportunities.
“Part of the Prevent and Safeguarding support helps learners to stay safe in vulnerable situations.”
The statement continued: “The Skills Bootcamp that Ofsted visited was a course in Agile Foundation and AI. This course teaches learners the Agile principles and the foundational AI skills to meet the growing local and national demand for these high-impact skills.
“Learners undertake two recognised professional certifications during the course. Bath Spa University is at the very forefront in offering opportunities for learners to access the skills training which addresses the training demands of the area and region, BSU is also keen to work with local business and organisations to develop appropriate learning and skills training wherever possible.”
