The Bristol Skills Accelerator (BSA) programme is designed to help students develop the workplace skills employers are looking for. Through four flexible online modules covering topics such as innovation, business models and leadership, you’ll build practical knowledge at your own pace, from campus or home.
Once you’ve completed the training, you’ll have the chance to apply what you’ve learned through a project placement with a real business or charity. Working in a small interdisciplinary team, you’ll spend around 70 hours across four weeks tackling real-world challenges, gaining valuable experience, and making a meaningful impact.
As part of our most recent project round, English undergraduate Emily Maclean stepped up to the challenge. We spoke with her to find out how she found the experience and the skills she took away from it.
Can you tell us about the project you worked on?
As part of the Bristol Skills Accelerator, I worked with Zebera, an organisation focused on youth innovation and real-world change. Our team’s task was to conduct market research and identify two to three potential scaling strategies for the organisation.
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
Although we had limited prior experience in the education sector, we collaborated effectively, communicating regularly to navigate challenges. We gained valuable insights into an industry we were previously unfamiliar with and developed research and presentation skills that are widely transferrable. Through consistent communication, we were able to come up with creative solutions to challenges, producing a comprehensive market research report and offering useful recommendations.
What did you gain from the project?
In addition to developing practical skills, I gained confidence working within a team in a professional setting. I discovered that sharing ideas is not as intimidating as I had anticipated and that all contributions are valuable, regardless of prior industry experience.
Before the project, I was unsure about my suitability for the role and whether I had the correct skillset for this project as an English student. However, I have gained a greater appreciation of my own capabilities. I now appreciate the many ways creativity can be applied to practical problem-solving and feel more confidence exploring a broader range of career paths.
What would you say to students considering the Bristol Skills Accelerator?
I would encourage anyone considering participating in the Bristol Skills Accelerator to give it a try! I have gained far more than I expected and feel significantly more optimistic about my future career prospects. I am particularly thankful for our organisation contact for her support and consistent communication throughout the project.
How do I sign up?
The first step to participating is to register on the Bristol Skills Accelerator training Pathway. You can find out more on our website.
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.