The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI announced it has equipped over 1000 learners with essential data literacy skills through its Data Skills for Work programme. The majority of the learners, about 800, came from Edinburgh and the South East of Scotland

Initiated as part of the DDI (Data Driven Innovation) Data Skills Gateway at the University of Edinburgh, the Data Skills for Work program is designed to bridge the tech skills divide by offering an array of digital and data courses. 

The program’s success is underpinned by funding from stakeholders, including the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, the Scottish Government, and the Tay Cities DigiTay project. This funding has facilitated training opportunities for individuals across Scotland, with plans to extend the program’s reach to Tay Cities learners in the upcoming year.

“The pace of technological change shows no signs of slowing down. Workplaces are becoming increasingly reliant on technology and, with data now at the heart of many aspects of our professional lives, those who can’t keep up risk being left behind,” said Anna Ashton Scott, programme manager for professional development at The Data Lab.

Beyond merely addressing the skills gap, the program is committed to promoting diversity within the workplace. While only 24% of the UK’s tech workforce comprises women and 14% represent employees from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, the Data Skills for Work program boasts an impressive enrollment with nearly 70% of learners being women or gender diverse, and nearly a quarter coming from minority backgrounds.

“We’re excited to expand the programme further and look forward to seeing more learners join the scheme. Diversity has been a major focus for us, and we hope to continue empowering individuals regardless of their background, gender, or location to create a more diverse, skilled and inclusive workforce for all,” continued Ashton Scott.

The Data Skills Credits scheme, aimed at providing free training opportunities, will open this April, democratising access to skills training in over 200 training places across Tay Cities, Edinburgh, and the South East of Scotland.

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“With more than 10 years of experience in my field, there is still much more to data skills than I had realised. Before joining the programme, I was keen to bridge the gap between my existing expertise and the rapidly changing technology the team are using daily. I was also keen to develop skills that would allow me to implement strong practice in data governance, management and strategy across my team,” said Dilraj Sokhi-Watson, director at Equate Scotland and a graduate of the Data Skills for Work programme.

“Being part of Equate Scotland, diversity and encouraging more women into STEM careers has always been important to me. It’s rewarding to see the meaningful change being driven by the Data Skills for Work programme and how it contributes to achieving a more inclusive and innovative STEM sector for Scotland.”