Introducing the Advanced Data Fellowship

Facing a critical skills gap, more and more businesses are looking for talented data experts.

We’re excited to announce the launch of a new data programme, delivered in partnership with Multiverse, that will create the next generation of data leaders. 

The Advanced Data Fellowship is a new apprenticeship programme that will create incredible opportunities for young adults at the start of their careers and those looking to retrain.

Data demand outstrips skills supply

Demand for data skills is growing exponentially.

In 2019, one in 10 job vacancies required data expertise, while over 100,000 data positions remain unfilled.  Despite this clamour for data skills and the clear benefits they bring to businesses, most people still shiver at the prospect of handling large amounts of data. 

According to research by Accenture, 74% of us reported feeling overwhelmed when working with data. This lack of confidence and skills costs UK businesses a staggering $10 billion a year in lost productivity. Incredibly, in the US, the figure is ten times higher.

Unleashing new data leaders  

To tackle this enormous challenge, we’ve partnered with Multiverse – a tech startup that’s on a mission to accelerate the careers of a diverse group of future leaders through apprenticeships – on the Advanced Data Fellowship programme. 

The Advanced Data Fellowship will empower apprentices to develop their skills in data analysis and data science while adding value to their businesses. Apprentices will also build core capabilities in areas like statistical testing, data ethics, predictive modelling and data security.

Those who complete the Advanced Data Fellowship will receive a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (Data Analytics) degree, awarded by Northeastern University London. They will also receive Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Apprenticeship qualification.

Through constantly refined content, deep application and world-class coaching, we’re creating a new cohort of data leaders. 

Data careers for all

We believe these well-paid data opportunities should be open to everyone – regardless of their socioeconomic or ethnic background, but as we know, this isn’t always the case. Just 4% of those claiming free school meals in year 11 make it to a Russell Group university, while only 57% of those hired onto grad schemes went to a state school.

This programme will open up opportunities for everyone. 52% of apprentices hired by Multiverse come from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds, and 53% are women. These Multiverse apprentices can gain a qualification from a globally recognised university while benefiting from world-class teaching and Applied Learning.

Learning is a lifelong journey 

We’re excited to partner with Multiverse, and train apprentices in ever deeper, more complex subject areas. Building on advanced skills, the Fellowship is true to our mission of ensuring every student can achieve their full potential, and be fully equipped to face the challenges of our increasingly complex world.

This commitment to lasting professional relationships is shared by our apprentices. Those hired by Multiverse are three times more likely to stay in their role or get promoted than their graduate equivalents. 

Lisa Barrett, VP of Learning, Innovation & Operations at Multiverse, said: “Launching our very first degree apprenticeship is an important moment for the development of professional apprenticeships, showing that they can stand as a true alternative to what’s gone before in university and corporate training. Apprentices master skills for some of the most critical jobs of the future, getting trained by exceptional coaches while working full time while getting paid and earning a degree.

The Advanced Data Fellowship creates individuals with deep skills in data analysis and data science and leaders who return real value for their businesses.

“Through constantly refined content, deep application and world-class coaching, we’re creating a new cohort of data leaders. We’re proud to launch this programme today with Northeastern University London.”