The Bristol Skills Accelerator (BSA), previously known as IKEEP, is relaunching for the new academic year on 15 September.
The BSA programme is designed for current students to develop skills ready for the workplace. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply these skills through projects with real businesses.
Develop your workplace skills
The programme includes training in a range of business areas such as managing innovation, business models and leadership strategies.
The training is split into 4 online modules which you can complete at your own pace, from campus or from home.
Once you’ve completed all 4 modules, a member of the Careers Service team will check you have undertaken each module and then send you a certificate.
Gain experience working with inspiring small businesses
After completing the training, you can apply for a project placement. We match organisations with teams of proactive students to tackle innovative projects.
Project placements require a commitment of 70 hours per student, spread flexibly over 4 weeks.
These often involve working remotely for a regional business or charity as part of an interdisciplinary team of 3 or 4 students.
Once you’ve completed your project and all related requirements, we will send you another certificate to show that you have participated in a BSA project.
Here’s what some previous participants had to say about the programme:
‘If you are interested in research, working in a team, or the early stages of building a business idea, this is a valuable opportunity.’
‘Based on my experience, I would like to recommend to other students who worry about future careers and do not have confidence to begin career journeys. This programme is a great opportunity to find your strengths and weaknesses when you are working for a great start! Please do not hesitate to attend this programme if you are considering your career!’
‘I’d like to thank everyone for the guidance and the entire team for making it such a thoughtful and collaborative experience! It definitely was an engaging learning experience and a very cool summer project.’
‘For other students who are considering enrolling on the programme, I would strongly recommend them to participate in the SME project. It is an invaluable opportunity.’
How do I sign up?
The first step to participating is to register on the Bristol Skills Accelerator training Pathway from 15 September. You can find out more on our website.
Information on dates for this term
The last Introductory Talk for the Autumn term will be on Tuesday 4 November 2025, please book onto a talk through your Pathway before this date.
The deadline to have completed your training is Friday 28 November 2025.
If you don’t complete your training by this date, you can complete and apply for a project in the Spring term ready for our June 2026 project round.