The Multiverse blog

Today Multiverse, the upskilling platform for tech and AI adoption, announces a commitment to train 15,000 new AI apprentices over the next two years. This ambitious initiative supports the UK Government's AI Opportunities Action Plan, laying out a tangible first step towards expanding pathways into AI careers across the nation.

The adoption of AI technologies is projected to contribute £79.3 billion to the UK economy by 2035, but businesses urgently need skilled workers in order to realise these gains. More than half of workers have received fewer than five hours of training on AI, and just one third (34%) of FTSE 100 companies reference AI training in their latest annual reports.

These new AI apprenticeships will be created and delivered in partnership with leading employers across the country, including Skanska, John Lewis Partnership, Visa, The University of Manchester and Legal & General, ensuring that AI opportunities are not confined to certain regions.

Multiverse’s existing AI learner base spans geographic locations. More than 2,200 AI apprentices are currently enrolled through over 200 employers, from Wigan to Wiltshire and Manchester to Maidstone, demonstrating the nationwide demand for these critical skills. The 15,000 new AI apprentices will join their ranks, creating a nationwide community of AI experts that will boost the productivity and innovation of their organisations.

Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle said: "Cutting-edge technologies like AI are transforming the way our economy works, so it is vital that British people have the right skills to make the most of the new opportunities tech presents. These efforts are central to the ambitions for jobs and growth, at the heart of our Plan for Change.

“Multiverse's commitment to thousands of AI apprenticeships will help us achieve just that, backing people right across our country to develop the skills they need to for a career in AI, no matter where they live.”

Katy Dowding, President and CEO at Skanska, said: “The construction industry is a key driver of economic growth, and we are equipping ourselves with the core foundational skills in AI that will ensure we can support our customers in delivering their ambitions, drive efficiency and improve productivity. Our first 25 AI apprentices are already showing the great potential of these technologies.”

Financial services provider Legal and General recognised the opportunity to proactively adopt responsible AI across its functions through upskilling. It has 50 apprentices on AI programmes.

Derrick Hastie, Chief Technology Officer, Asset Management, L&G said: “AI isn't just a buzzword for us; it's a critical enabler of efficiency and growth. AI will soon be embedded in all our delivery teams, to help us create innovative solutions for our customers. But technology alone isn't enough. Education and skills are essential to ensure our people aren't just observers of change — they're active architects of it.”

Baroness Martha Lane Fox, Non-Executive Director at Multiverse, said: "The promise of AI will remain unfulfilled unless all kinds of people possess the skills to truly harness it. This is no longer a distant concern but an urgent agenda in boardrooms nationwide. Training is a vital conduit to productivity, ensuring that the UK workforce is not just AI-literate, but AI-fluent, and capable of turning potential into prosperity."

Euan Blair, CEO, Multiverse, said: "Whether it's impacting you directly yet or not, we are already undergoing an AI revolution - and the key to winning in this new era lies in augmenting human capability. Our commitment to 15,000 AI apprenticeships is a bold declaration that AI skills must be for everyone, at every stage of their career. We want to equip entire organisations with the ability to seize the opportunities AI offers and build the workforce of tomorrow."

The new AI apprentices will enrol through their employers as early as June, either coming in as new hires or through upskilling initiatives for existing staff, and programmes will be funded by the Growth and Skills Levy. Learners will develop skills tailored to their requisite level of expertise, from AI ethics and prompt engineering, to data management and governance, to building and deploying machine learning and AI models.

All programmes will be delivered by industry-expert coaches, with apprentices’ new skills applied within the day-to-day requirements of their roles. Business impact is measured through projects, in the form of new revenue unlocked by skills, or costs avoided through additional productivity.

Rachané Bryan-Henderson, an account manager at advertising agency BBH, part of Publicis Groupe, said: “As someone who didn’t go to university I didn’t take a “traditional” pathway. The experience I gained through working has stood me in good stead, but AI now gives me an even greater advantage. By applying these new skills in my role I’m able to lead the way in my company, putting AI to use as we grow.”

For more information on apprenticeships, visit the Government’s Find an Apprenticeship service.

Professional services company Capita has enrolled nearly 200 apprentices onto AI programmes across its UK offices, from Bradford to Bristol. Adolfo Hernandez, Capita’s CEO, said: "Developing our colleagues’ AI proficiency is not just about identifying opportunities for efficiency, but about future-proofing our workforce and driving innovation across our organisation. By combining people, processes, and technology we help our clients across the public and private sectors deliver better, faster, and more efficient services to customers and citizens. We see AI as a once-in-a-generation shift that will redefine how organisations operate, and Multiverse's approach ensures our colleagues gain practical, job-relevant AI skills that make an immediate impact."

Nottingham City Council is upskilling 40 of its staff in AI, the latest step in its efforts to digitally transform its workforce. Sajeeda Rose, chief executive of Nottingham City Council, said: “As a council we are always looking for ways to bring better services to the people of Nottingham.Combining data insights with AI capabilities will help us to effectively deliver on our improvement plan.”

Mandy Lamb, Managing Director, Visa UK and Ireland, said: “Visa has been harnessing the power of AI for decades. We see AI as a catalyst—not just for technology, but for talent. We’re excited to be investing in the next generation of leaders who can harness the power of AI and continue to help shape the future of payments.”

Swim England, the national governing body for swimming in England, has partnered with Multiverse to launch a new data and AI skills programme for its employees. The initiative aims to empower Swim England staff with the expertise needed to supercharge its mission of great experiences for all involved in aquatics and has been supported by an apprenticeship levy transfer from Amazon.

Beginning with an initial pilot, Swim England plans to enrol 30 apprentices onto Multiverse programmes over the next year. This investment in data and AI literacy will enable Swim England to better analyse participation trends, optimise programme delivery, and measure the impact of its initiatives.

Training programmes will include AI-Powered Productivity, AI for Business Value and Data and Insights for Business Decisions. The resulting data and AI skills will play a key role in Swim England’s digital transformation journey, empowering staff to make data-driven decisions, streamline processes, and reduce manual administrative tasks.

Training is being delivered by Multiverse, a tech company that identifies, closes and prevents skills gaps, through personalised, on-the-job learning. Multiverse has trained more than 20,000 apprentices in AI, data and digital skills since 2016.

Maria Papadopoulos, People Director at Swim England said: “Data is crucial to understanding how we can best lead and serve our aquatics community and grow swimming participation. This partnership with Multiverse will equip our team with the skills to use data and AI effectively, ensuring we can make informed decisions and maximise our impact.”

Gary Eimerman, Chief Learning Officer at Multiverse,said: "By investing in skills, Swim England is empowering its employees to drive innovation and make a real difference in the health and engagement of communities across the country."

Multiverse combines work and learning to unlock economic opportunity for everyone. It works with more than 1,500 organisations to close critical skill gaps in the workforce in AI, data and technology.

The Academy includes staff from major areas of the Council, from public health to public transport, and children’s services to neighbourhood safety. Training will equip employees with practical, applied AI skills, enabling them to reduce manual work, enhance decision-making, and unlock innovation in their day-to-day roles. It aligns closely with the council’s strategic drivers, including boosting productivity, minimising external spend, and improving resident outcomes.

The programmes are being delivered by Multiverse, the upskilling platform for AI and tech adoption, which delivers personalised, on-the-job learning. Multiverse has trained more than 20,000 apprentices in AI, data and digital skills since 2016, and has been a longstanding training partner for the Council.

Previous Nottingham City Council data learners have already improved individual efficiency in working with data by 21%, with the average learner projected to save more than one working month per year in improved productivity by end of programme.

The new cohort has enrolled on the 13-month AI for Business Value programme, a Level 4 apprenticeship. This will train staff to identify business value gains that can be achieved through using AI, as well as how to execute ethical AI projects for the benefit of local people. These new skills will help ensure more sustainable and effective public services.

Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive of Nottingham City Council said: “This expanded Data and AI Academy allows us to combine data insights with AI capabilities, putting us in a strong position to deliver on our improvement plan. We’re striving to be a council that works more effectively and efficiently for the people of Nottingham, and the skills acquired through our partnership with Multiverse will help us to achieve this goal.”

Gary Eimerman, Chief Learning Officer at Multiverse said: “Building on nearly four years of Multiverse training, Nottingham City Council’s latest cohort is taking the next step in digital skills development: AI literacy. These are key credentials that will further empower the council to deliver tangible benefits to their residents, from community services to transportation, while enriching the careers of their teams.”

Multiverse combines work and learning to unlock economic opportunity for everyone. It works with more than 1,500 organisations to close critical skill gaps in the workforce in AI, data and tech, through a new kind of apprenticeship.

The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) have launched a Data Academy for a wide range of staff working across clinical, operational, administrative and data-focused roles. By increasing the operational efficiencies of both patient and non-patient facing staff, the Academy aims to improve patient experience and outcomes, boost employee job satisfaction and enable UHN to get more value from its digital investments.

Funded by the Apprenticeship Levy, the training is being delivered by Multiverse, the upskilling platform for AI and tech adoption. Multiverse has trained more than 20,000 apprentices in AI, data and digital skills since 2016, and works with 100 NHS trusts, empowering their employees to unlock innovation and improve patient care through its dedicated NHS Coaching team.

UHN’s new Data Academy will see staff with roles in theatres, pharmacy, quality and clinical coding enrol across four different programmes. Multiverse’s Level 3 Data & Insights for Business Decisions develops analytical and technical skills to use data to identify areas for improvement and enact change. The Level 4 Data Fellowship will help drive measurable impact by upskilling staff to harness tools like Power BI, while the Level 4 Business Transformation Fellowship will enable staff to develop digital solutions and support strategic change.

Multiverse will also deliver its three-year Level 4-6 programme Advanced Data Fellowship, an applied degree-equivalent course that builds on data capabilities and upskills staff in areas such as data infrastructure and machine learning.

Learners’ projects will contribute to real organisational initiatives such as reducing patient waiting times from referral to treatment, and improving theatre utilisation.

Jayne Chambers, Transformation Programme Manager and data apprentice at UHN, said: “Data skills have been transformational for me. Though I came to this programme later on in my career, I’ve found that the learning I’ve applied to my role has already been impactful in helping me create sense out of disparate data sources and truly drive change.”

William Monaghan, Group Chief Digital Information Officer at UHN said: “This academy has already proven itself to be the gateway to a far more data-enabled organisation. Our view has been those closest to the change are those who will always know best what needs to change. By equipping our colleagues with the skills to better interpret and use data, we’re not only making the care we deliver safer and more efficient but more importantly, ensuring our patients receive the excellent care they deserve.”

Gary Eimerman, Chief Learning Officer at Multiverse said: “Across the healthcare sector, we’re seeing that when staff are empowered to understand and act on data, it leads to smarter decision making, average time savings of 7.4 hours per week and greater opportunities for cost reduction and cost avoidance. It’s incredibly rewarding to support organisations like University Hospitals of Northamptonshire as they drive meaningful change through data that ultimately helps create better patient outcomes for all they serve.”

Multiverse combines work and learning to unlock economic opportunity for everyone. It works with more than 1,500 organisations to close critical skill gaps in the workforce in AI, data and tech, through a new kind of apprenticeship. Multiverse has delivered more than £10M+ in savings for NHS trusts through the application of new digital skills, helping to build an NHS workforce that’s fit for the future.

You can’t bring your desk or your work friends when you change jobs, but you can take your transferable skills. These abilities apply across many different roles and industries, making them uniquely portable. For example, someone transitioning from data engineering to product management may never build a data pipeline again. But their problem-solving skills? Invaluable in both roles.

Transferable skills are more important than ever as major changes ripple through the job market. Experts predict that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) may disrupt up to 8 million UK jobs. At the same time, a digital skills shortage could cost the UK economy £27.6 billion by 2030. These trends have inspired many aspiring career changers and upskillers to invest in transferable abilities that can help them adapt.

The good news? You probably already have some of these skills, even if you don’t realise it. This guide spotlights examples of transferable skills and shares practical strategies for gaining them.

What are transferable skills?

Transferable skills are abilities that you can apply across careers and industries. Unlike job-specific skills, they typically stay relevant for many years.

For example, your knowledge of how to format emails in Mailchimp may become obsolete in a decade — or tomorrow, if your new boss doesn’t use the platform. But employers will continue to value your communication skills and ability to create beautiful visuals.

These abilities fall into two categories:

• Hard skills: Technical abilities that you can use anywhere, such as data analysis and project management.
• Soft skills: Personality traits and behaviours that help you interact with others and complete tasks.

Traditional employment can help you pick up some of these transferable abilities, but it’s not the only way. Apprenticeships are a great way to learn coding and other technical skills while getting paid. You could also pursue certifications or take online classes.

And don’t discount informal opportunities to build transferable skills, such as:

• Hobbies
• Volunteering
• Interacting with family members and friends

Hosting a board game night? Time to work on your conflict resolution and negotiation skills. And nothing will stretch your communication skills (and patience) more than coaching your kid’s football team or volunteering at their school.

Types of transferable skills

Your current job may require niche knowledge — like the ability to troubleshoot that glitchy accounting software your company has used since 2008. But when employers seek transferable skills, they’re looking for much broader abilities. It’s like choosing a toolkit: You don’t need a set of 12 fancy hammers when your sink breaks.

With that in mind, here are a few in-demand abilities to add to your metaphorical toolbox.

Communication skills

Practically every role involves frequent interactions with colleagues and clients. These must-have communication skills will help you build positive relationships.

Verbal and written communication

Effective verbal communication allows you to express your thoughts clearly to different audiences. You may discuss an extremely technical problem with your IT team, then make small talk with a client over lunch.

Writing skills are just as essential. Casual emails, persuasive proposals — a talented communicator can craft them all. And don’t forget to brush up on your grammar. After all, no one wants to struggle through an incoherent, typo-filled report.

Active listening

Good communication also involves actively listening to other people, and not just their words. Body language can give you subtle cues about the speaker’s emotions and thoughts.

For example, a client might insist that your design is “fine.” But based on their clipped tone and stiff shoulders, well… you know they dislike it. By tuning into these spoken and unspoken cues, you can truly understand what people are telling you and respond appropriately.

Presentation abilities

Most jobs require you to communicate information to all sorts of stakeholders. You might need to win over sceptical leads with a sales pitch or give your boss periodic status updates for a complex project. With excellent public speaking skills, you can confidently relay all the necessary information — and keep your audience engaged the entire time.

Interpersonal skills

Many employers put a lot of value on people skills, especially for client-facing roles. And no, just being nice won’t cut it. You need these soft skills to interact effectively with others in the workplace.

Teamwork

Successful collaboration takes a lot of work, to put it mildly. Even if everyone is perfectly pleasant, different communication styles or personality clashes can lead to major headaches.

Strong teamwork skills will help you find common ground with colleagues and work toward shared goals.

Empathy

Empathy is one of the most underrated interpersonal skills. At first, it might seem like an innate trait — either you care about others, or you don’t. But it’s actually a learnable ability, just like coding or designing a slide deck.

Strengthen your empathy by considering other perspectives and being a good listener. Even simple acts like reading memoirs or watching documentaries can open your eyes to diverse experiences.

Conflict resolution

One in four UK workers has experienced conflict in their workplace in the last year. This can range from snide comments from a hostile coworker to outright arguments.

Improving your conflict resolution skills can help you handle these situations gracefully. For instance, you might create a compromise that satisfies everyone instead of bickering over different strategies. Or you could politely call out a coworker’s toxic behaviour and explain how it’s hurting the team.

Cultural competence

For many UK residents, interacting with people from different cultures has become a part of everyday life. You can build your cultural competence by learning about and respecting different traditions.

Clients from Asia, for instance, might care deeply about hierarchy during meetings, while their American counterparts are more casual. With a little cultural awareness, you can help everyone feel comfortable and valued.

Analytical and problem solving skills

Challenges are inevitable at every stage in your career. These analytical skills will help you conquer any obstacle.

Critical thinking

Workplace problems often have no obvious fixes. Critical thinking skills enable you to analyze all the facts and reason through possible solutions. This can mean the difference between making sound decisions and acting on impulse.

Data analysis

The Multiverse Skills Intelligence Report 2024 found that UK employees spend an average of 14 hours a week on data tasks. Yet 57% of them have no or basic Excel skills, and 55% don’t know how to use Power BI or Tableau.

Learning foundational data analysis concepts and tools can help you assess problems and find the best solutions. For example, you could analyse thousands of customer reviews to pinpoint where your support is lacking. This data can also help you recommend a few improvements, like hiring more representatives or speeding up returns.

Decision-making

Professionals often have to make quick choices. You may need to respond to an angry customer, for instance, or act fast to solve a catastrophic supply chain delay. Strong decision-making skills will help you weigh each possibility and think through potential consequences before you act.

Organisational skills

Every career path comes with a long list of responsibilities. These abilities will help you complete your tasks effectively and meet deadlines.

Time management

When you have an overflowing to-do list, getting everything done can seem impossible. But you can manage your time effectively by prioritising tasks and breaking everything down into smaller steps. And, of course, you’ll need to minimise distractions — goodbye, Instagram and TikTok (at least for a few hours).

Project management skills

Managing complex projects is another essential skill. Software like Asana and Trello can help you monitor all the moving parts and keep everything on schedule. You’ll also need strong budgeting skills to avoid accidentally overspending.

Multitasking

Even the best planners occasionally stretch themselves too thin. True multitasking lets you juggle two or more tasks without — and this is key — cutting corners anywhere. For example, you might catch up on emails while waiting on hold with an insurance company or design a data visualisation during an informal meeting.

Technical skills

While some technologies are only relevant in certain roles, others are practically universal. Here are a few technical skills that you can carry across industries.

Proficient in software tools

Get familiar with some of the most popular software tools, such as Microsoft Office and Canva. These versatile platforms don’t take long to learn, and they can come in handy for any career.

Basic coding or data entry

You might not work in a tech role right now, but a little coding knowledge could still come in handy.

Languages like HTML and JavaScript are relatively easy to learn through online courses or tutorials. You can use these technical skills to update your company’s website or build a portfolio to impress potential employers.

Polish your data entry skills, too. Most businesses need people who can pay close attention to detail and input data quickly.

Familiarity with CRM systems

Companies often rely on customer relationship management (CRM) systems to organise all their client data. You don’t need to learn them all, but consider studying one or two popular platforms. Both HubSpot and Salesforce offer certifications and training to get you up to speed quickly.

How to identify your transferable skills

You’ve probably already acquired a few portable skills from school or previous work experience. Conducting a skill inventory will help you understand your strengths and spot areas where you can improve.

Get started by reflecting on your past experiences and what you took away from them. One easy method is reviewing your past job descriptions and jotting down all the transferable abilities. And don’t forget about informal learning opportunities. For example, you may have gained expert-level project management skills while planning a local charity run.

For a more objective evaluation, take the National Careers Service skills assessment. It takes around 10 minutes to complete and will reveal your existing transferable skills. You could also ask colleagues or mentors for feedback about your abilities.

Developing and enhancing transferable skills

It’s no secret that gaining new skills is a vital part of professional growth. Continuous learning isn’t just about exercising your mind (though that’s certainly a perk). It can also open new career paths or empower you to take on new roles in your current organisation.

Pick a handful of transferable skills to focus on, and look for relevant online courses or workshops. Many professional associations offer affordable training for members. For instance, you could participate in a management workshop to sharpen your leadership skills. Or join your local Toastmasters chapter to become a more confident public speaker.

An apprenticeship is another excellent way to gain practical experience. Multiverse’s upskilling programmes let you learn in-demand transferable skills — without disrupting your current role. These apprenticeships are funded by your employer, so you don’t even have to worry about paying tuition.

Intrigued by the world of artificial intelligence? Multiverse’s 18-month AI & Machine Learning Fellowship will teach you how to use this technology to make smarter decisions and boost your productivity.

Or maybe you’re eager to hone your data analysis skills. The 13-month Data Fellowship focuses on foundational concepts, including data visualisation and machine learning.

Multiverse also offers apprenticeships in Project Management, Transformative Leadership, Software Engineering, and more. These programmes all focus on transferable skills that you can use to future-proof your career.

Gain valuable transferable skills with Multiverse

In 2016, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report forecasted that “65% of children entering primary school today will ultimately end up working in completely new job types that don’t yet exist.” This prediction is already starting to come true — just look at recent job postings for brand-new roles like Prompt Engineer and Drone Operator.

Developing transferable skills is key to adapting to current and future changes in the job market. These abilities are valuable assets in any career transition, whether you’re aiming for a promotion or switching to a new industry.

Take the next step on your career journey with a Multiverse apprenticeship. You’ll strengthen your marketable skills and start applying them in the workplace immediately. Explore our programmes to find the right fit, or fill out our quick application.

On the positive side, this crisis offers unique opportunities for workers. By gaining high income skills, you could step into one of those vacancies — and possibly negotiate a higher salary. Or you could significantly boost your earning potential in your current role.

High income skills are in-demand abilities that companies are willing to pay a premium for. They’re often highly specialised skills or ones that are absolutely vital for business operations. For example, companies in all industries need Data Analysts to wrangle datasets.

These skills can improve your job security, even in the face of disruptions from automation and artificial intelligence (AI). But which areas should you focus on? This guide breaks down high paying skills and why they’re so valuable right now.

What are high income skills?

Obviously, no skill can guarantee you a lucrative salary. But some abilities can open the door to higher-paying roles.

High income skills share a few traits:

• They’re highly desirable for employers.
• They take effort to learn.
• It’s impossible or extremely difficult to automate them.
• They transfer across multiple industries.

Take AI and machine learning, for instance. Over half (55%) of UK employers say they’re facing the biggest talent shortages in these areas. It’s no surprise, then, that Machine Learning Engineers earn an average base salary of £62,000 in the UK.

For upskillers, focusing on high income skills can fast-track career development. For example, Simon Page joined Multiverse’s Data Fellowship programme to learn Tableau and other analytics tools. “I’ve moved roles since [completing the apprenticeship],” Page explains. “I’m now a Brand Experience Manager. I used an example from my apprenticeship in my interview, and I got the job.”

Top high income skills to learn

Not every in demand skill will make sense for your career path. For instance, learning cloud computing could make your application more appealing for tech firms, but it probably wouldn’t help you transition to a digital marketing job. Take the time to research industry trends and browse job ads to see what employers are actually looking for.

Here are a few high income skills to consider as you plan your upskilling journey.

Data analysis

Modern businesses have access to a vast ocean of data. Customer reviews, financial statements, web traffic — the list goes on and on.

But many companies don’t have the talent they need to use this information effectively. The Multiverse Skills Intelligence Report 2024 found that this data skills gap causes the average employee to lose around 25 days of productive time every year.

Multiverse’s data upskilling programmes can help you fill this need and boost your efficiency. These apprenticeships teach you how to apply data analysis methods to real datasets. For example, you could perform a time series analysis on sales data to predict when customers will begin buying winter gear.

Gaining proficiency in data science tools can also give you a competitive edge. The Multiverse report found that 57% of employees have no or basic Microsoft Excel skills, and 86% don’t know how to use Python. Stand out by familiarising yourself with Excel formulas and completing online courses.

Career paths

It’s no exaggeration to say that virtually every industry relies on data analysis. In business and finance, for instance, Data Analysts help leaders make smart investment decisions and interpret financial data. In healthcare, these professionals use data for everything from predicting flu outbreaks to planning the best schedule for nurses.

Here are two careers you can pursue with data analysis skills:

Data Analyst

• Average salary: £36,000*
• Key responsibilities:
  • Collect data from many sources, such as financial transactions and surveys
  • Clean and organise datasets
  • Evaluate data to uncover patterns and answer questions
  • Use findings to help stakeholders make informed decisions

Business Intelligence Analyst

• Average salary: £42,000*
• Key responsibilities:
  • Analyse business data, such as sales trends and supply chain reports
  • Use data to answer questions and solve business problems
  • Translate findings into data visualisations
  • Assist business leaders with strategic thinking and planning

*All salary information is based on Indeed data.

Generative artificial intelligence and AI tools

Once seen as a distant fantasy, artificial intelligence has quickly become a must-have technology for businesses. Multiverse’s The ROI of AI report found that 74% of tech leaders plan to invest more in this technology in the next one to two years.

But many employees lack the skills to keep up with this rapid adoption. Around half (51%) have received less than five hours of formal AI training, yet many of them consider themselves experts. This disconnect has contributed to the high demand for people with in-depth AI knowledge.

Get ahead of the curve by mastering the top AI skills, such as:

• Machine learning: This popular type of AI uses algorithms (or snippets of code) to automatically perform specific tasks. For example, Netflix uses machine learning to analyse viewer preferences and recommend rom-coms, horror movies, or whatever suits your fancy.
• Programming languages: AI Engineers frequently use Julia and Python to create machine learning models.
• Natural language processing: Complex algorithms interpret human language and generate responses. It’s why you can hold natural-sounding conversations with AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT.
• Prompt engineering: AI platforms generate drastically different outputs based on your input, so writing savvy prompts is key.

While artificial intelligence is relatively new, there are already plenty of resources to help you gain these skills. Multiverse’s AI programmes cover fundamental concepts like data governance, AI ethics, and use cases. You’ll learn how to kickstart AI projects in your current organisation to gain hands-on experience.

Career paths

Like data analysis, AI and machine learning have many applications in all industries, from agriculture to telecommunications. Mastering these high income skills can lead to these careers, among others:

AI Engineer

• Average salary: £62,000
• Key responsibilities:
  • Program machine learning models and algorithms
  • Design AI solutions for business problems
  • Build data pipelines to feed AI models
  • Train algorithms
  • Test and improve AI systems

Computer Vision Engineer

• Average salary: £63,000
• Key responsibilities:
  • Develop algorithms that can recognise images
  • Collect and analyse visual data
  • Train and test image detection algorithms
  • Collaborate with Data Scientists and Software Developers

Cloud computing and cybersecurity

Many companies have fully embraced cloud storage. It makes sense. Remote employees can access cloud data from home, and there’s no risk of physical servers getting wiped out in a flood or fire.

But this shift has also led to new concerns about data privacy and security. In April 2025, 43% of UK businesses reported that they had fallen victim to a cybersecurity breach or attack in the previous 12 months. That’s why many companies are searching for job candidates with the technical knowledge to protect their information.

Cloud computing focuses on building and maintaining cloud infrastructure. Here are a few skills you’ll need:

• Familiarity with popular cloud services: Many businesses rely on pre-built platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. Master the basics with an AWS Certification or the Azure Fundamentals certificate.
• Database management: Use SQL and NoSQL to build and organise databases.
• Programming languages: Cloud Engineers often use JavaScript and Ruby to develop cloud software.

Cybersecurity is also in high demand, with approximately 44% of UK businesses experiencing a skills gap in this area. Focus on high income skills like:

• Intrusion detection: Use software to automatically scan networks for suspicious activity.
• Incident response: Know how to react quickly if a data breach or hack occurs.
• Communication skills: Even educated professionals can fall for phishing scams and other threats. You’ll need to teach your colleagues how to avoid them.

CompTIA’s Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification is a great way to start building these foundational skills.

Career paths

These in-demand skills can help you qualify for several tech roles, including:

Cloud Engineer:

• Average salary: £76,000
• Key responsibilities:
  • Develop cloud-based applications and systems
  • Manage cloud databases
  • Secure data in the cloud

Cybersecurity Analyst:

• Average salary: £45,000
• Key responsibilities:
  • Install security protocols
  • Assess the risk of security threats
  • Use ethical hacking to test for weaknesses
  • Respond promptly to incidents to limit damage

Software development

Businesses rely on Software Developers for everything from mobile apps to web development. They design and maintain applications to provide the best user experience.

Essential software development skills include:

• Coding software with C++, Java, and other programming languages
• Debugging software
• User experience testing
• Soft skills like problem solving and creative thinking

Some Software Developers teach themselves how to write code and build their skills with personal projects. But a structured learning programme is usually much more efficient. Multiverse’s Software Engineering programmes combine educational modules with hands-on learning opportunities.

Career paths

There are many career opportunities in software development, including:

Software Engineer

• Average salary: £49,000
• Key responsibilities:
  • Build software based on user requirements and client specifications
  • Write code for applications
  • Create software documentation

Front-end Developer

• Average salary: £46,000
• Key responsibilities:
  • Design the user-facing site of websites
  • Create wireframes
  • Improve the user experience

Back-end Developer

• Average salary: £59,000
• Key responsibilities:
  • Develop the server-side features of applications
  • Use frameworks like Laravel and Ruby on Rails to speed up web development

Sales and business development

Skilled sales professionals focus on identifying promising leads and moving customers from the awareness phase to the final purchase.

High-paying sales skills include:

• Consultative or technical sales: Learning about each client’s needs and developing custom solutions. This approach requires in-depth product knowledge.
• Traditional sales: Promoting standard products and services to leads.
• Digital marketing: Using channels like social media and email to advertise brands.
• Emotional intelligence: Know how to read clients and adapt your sales techniques.

Many Sales Representatives learn these high income skills on the job, but you can also take online courses from companies like HubSpot Academy and Dale Carnegie.

Career paths

Sales skills can lead to many potentially lucrative roles, such as:

Account Executive

• Average salary: £36,000
• Key responsibilities:
  • Nurturing client relationships
  • Closing deals
  • Managing client accounts and troubleshooting issues

Business Development Representative

• Average salary: £32,000
• Key responsibilities:
  • Locating and qualifying leads
  • Researching growth opportunities
  • Collaborating with Product Developers

Leadership and project management

Even the most effective teams need someone to help them coordinate their efforts and make sure they have all the right resources. That’s where project management professionals come in.

These specialists have a unique combination of soft skills and technical abilities. Here are a few of their high-paying skills:

• Familiarity with project management tools like Asana and Trello
• Leadership skills
• Proficiency in Agile and Scrum methodologies

Career Path

Strong management skills can prepare you for this in demand role:

Project Manager

• Average salary: £45,000
• Key responsibilities:
  • Liaise between the client and the project team
  • Keep everything moving on schedule and within budget
  • Maintain high quality standards

Why learning high income skills matters in 2025

Upskilling isn’t just about adding a few new lines to your resume. It’s an investment in your professional growth and a pathway to financial independence.

Here are a few benefits of gaining high paying skills:

• Adapt to the changing job market: Automation, AI, and even remote work are shaking up roles in all industries. Gaining in demand skills can help you future-proof your career in these exciting times.
• Boost your earning potential: Obviously, growing your salary is the primary reason to focus on high income skills. The average weekly earnings for employees in Great Britain are £716, or around £37,000 annually. Many of these careers on this list have higher average salaries — in some cases, almost twice as high.

And, of course, you’ll get the personal satisfaction of continuous learning and career growth.

Boost your earning potential with Multiverse

In a competitive job market, high income skills are the key to financial and professional growth. Software engineering, project management, and other abilities can help you qualify for more advanced roles — and possibly lead to a healthy salary bump.

With a Multiverse apprenticeship, you can gain valuable skills while working at your current role. Your employer covers all the costs, so you don’t even need to spend anything to increase your earning potential and skillset — a win-win situation.
Browse our programmes for more information, or fill out our quick application.

The initiative is a key part of BCP Council’s broader transformation efforts, supporting its ambition to modernise processes, boost efficiency, and deliver better outcomes for residents. Staff from across Operations and IT and Programmes teams are participating in the training, which is designed to upskill colleagues in areas like data analysis, automation, and AI adoption.

By investing in technical capability through applied learning, the council is developing a workforce that is better equipped to deliver data-informed services and make strategic decisions with confidence. As a result of this training, staff have already unlocked over 200 hours of time previously used for manual activities.

Sarah Chamberlain, Director of IT & Programmes at BCP Council, said: “This partnership is a vital part of our digital transformation strategy. Building internal capability in data and AI allows us to make faster, better-informed decisions and deliver more responsive services for our communities. We’re already seeing early signs of impact and are excited to expand this further in the months ahead.”

Training is being delivered by Multiverse, the upskilling platform for AI and tech adoption. The programmes are fully funded through the apprenticeship levy and delivered through a model that combines real-world projects with high-impact coaching.

Programmes include:

• Data Literacy (Level 3): Equipping staff with the foundational data skills to interpret, visualise, and apply data in daily decision-making
• Data Fellowship (Level 4): Upskilling colleagues into advanced analysts capable of building dashboards, automating workflows, and drawing insight from complex datasets
• AI Productivity & Leadership: A suite of AI-focused programmes helping staff deliver value using tools like Microsoft Copilot, and enabling leaders to scope and deliver AI-driven transformation

This partnership has already led to measurable improvements in service design, reporting, and digital innovation, with learners contributing to projects that increase efficiency and unlock time and cost savings across departments.

Gary Eimerman, Chief Learning Officer at Multiverse, said: “BCP Council is showing what’s possible when public sector organisations invest in future-ready skills. By training over 50 staff in data and AI, they’re not just improving how decisions are made — they’re building a modern, agile workforce that can continuously adapt and innovate to meet residents’ needs.”

Multiverse has trained more than 20,000 apprentices since 2016 and has worked with over 50 UK councils to close skills gaps in data, AI and digital transformation.

Project management skills will become even more important in an AI-enhanced workforce. Our 2024 ROI of AI report found nearly half of tech leaders feel their organisations lack the skills to implement AI projects. As AI-related productivity soars, that means more in-flight projects for orgs and workers to tackle — and more PM hands on keyboards will be required.

Whether you’re already a Project Manager or simply want to learn how to better support projects on your team, you can set yourself up for success with these key project management skills.

What are project management skills?

If you’ve ever led a huge collaboration, you already know project management involves more than checking off a few boxes on a to-do list. Project Managers (PMs) need a combination of hard and soft skills to lead successful initiatives from start to finish.

These abilities allow PMs to juggle projects with tight deadlines and stay on budget. They must also satisfy stakeholders, who often have competing — or even contradictory — priorities. One client might be adamant about using a specific tool, while the IT team insists that it’s a cybersecurity risk. With the right technical expertise, a Project Manager can resolve these types of conflicts and keep everything moving forward.

Every industry relies on Project Managers, not just tech. Filming a movie, building a skyscraper, or just planning an Instagram campaign — all these initiatives need a savvy leader at the helm. But not everyone has the right skills.

In fact, the UK is currently experiencing a PM talent shortage. According to the Association for Project Management (APM), over half (56%) of businesses are struggling to attract new PMs.

Here are a few areas where these skills are in high demand:

• Professional and business services
• Construction
• Information technology
• Sustainability

7 top project management skills for career success

Project management professionals have a lot on their shoulders, to put it mildly. Their actions can make the difference between a project succeeding — or totally flopping.

Obviously, you’ll need the right technical skills to support your team. A Project Manager who can’t even recognise basic HTML won’t get far in a tech startup. But interpersonal skills are equally as important. Here are a few abilities to add to your project management toolkit.

1. Leadership skills

The best Project Managers don’t just bark orders at their teams. They know how to motivate employees and help them perform at their best. That might involve mentoring a chronically late employee — maybe they just need a little help with time management — or rallying everyone around a shared mission. When project teams feel supported, they’re more likely to give it their all.

Effective Project Managers are also masters of strategic thinking. They’re focused on long-term success and always think ten steps ahead. For example, a Construction Manager might notice that lumber prices are creeping up and order early, saving the client a fortune.

These soft skills simply can’t be replaced by technology. ChatGPT may be able to give an employee valid advice — in fact, that’s a perfectly legitimate use for it — but it doesn’t have the empathy and human intuition to truly lead teams.

2. Communication skills

Project Managers are — if you’ll forgive the old-school analogy — essentially human switchboards. They gather information from all sorts of project stakeholders and make sure it gets to the right person.

Often, this process requires a fair bit of translation. A client may say, “I hate this design,” but what they really mean is, “The layout seems clunky and outdated.” A successful Project Manager uses active listening to interpret this feedback and turn it into something the team can actually apply.

PMs need strong written communication skills, too. Their documents must clearly explain the project requirements, or employees may get confused. They also create accessible reports to keep stakeholders in the loop.

3. Time management & organisation

As the old cliche goes, “Time is money.” That’s especially true for complex initiatives, where even the smallest delays can lead to skyrocketing costs. Just look at some of the UK’s failed construction projects. An incomplete “bridge to nowhere” in Warwickshire, for instance, has cost taxpayers millions after supply shortages derailed the original project schedule.

As a Project Manager, the last thing you want to do is miss deadlines — that’s the fastest way to anger your clients. Task prioritisation can keep you on track. You’ll need to break down an undertaking into dozens of smaller tasks and decide how to complete them efficiently.

Project Managers also help teams manage their workloads. Burnout remains a widespread issue, with 91% of UK adults experiencing high or extreme stress levels at some point in the last year. When the pressure builds, a PM can step in to lighten the burden.

Organisational skills are another must-have. Traditional project management often involved paper calendars and handwritten to-do lists. But today, many PMs use software tools like Asana and Trello to stay organised. These programmes let teams plan and track their work in one place. That way, you never have to wonder if your Software Engineer sorted out a bug or if your sales reps are chasing leads.

4. Critical thinking & problem solving

In a perfect world, every project management certificate would come with a complimentary crystal ball to help PMs predict challenges. But in reality, some issues are impossible to foresee.

That’s why critical thinking skills are a key component of project management. Savvy leaders can look at challenges from many different angles. For example, they may use scenario-based decision-making to weigh possible outcomes and come up with the best solution.

5. Risk management & quality control

There’s no such thing as a totally risk-free project — if there was, everyone would focus on those areas. But the truth is every initiative comes with uncertainties.

In high-stakes industries like construction, these risks can literally be a matter of life or death. An unexpected storm or poorly secured scaffolding could lead to a catastrophic fall. Even simple tasks have dangers. If you don’t hand over project deliverables on time, for example, you may hurt your reputation — or even lose clients for good.

A Project Manager is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating these risks. While nothing is ever foolproof, simple steps like double-checking safety equipment and building a buffer into the project schedule can go a long way.

Quality control is also part of risk management. Obviously, keeping the project stakeholders happy is a top priority — especially if you’re dealing directly with clients. But you can’t always give them everything they want. For example, if you notice that the project scope is slowly creeping up, it’s probably time to rein it back in. Otherwise, the quality might plummet while your project team scrambles to finish everything on time.

6. Change management & adaptability

A client or business’s needs can flip like a switch. Budget cuts, new technology, PR debacles — anything can change a project’s direction. You might start with one tool, then suddenly need to pivot if the client decides they want to use AI instead. A few weeks later, they may decide that the AI isn’t working after all, so you’re back to the drawing board.

Experienced Project Managers have flexible mindsets that help them embrace these changes instead of digging in their heels. This adaptability helps them deliver projects successfully, no matter what happens along the way.

They also have the empathy to manage team morale during these transitions. Shifting to a new course can feel incredibly frustrating or scary, especially if the team doesn’t have any say in the matter. But a compassionate PM can gain buy-in and support employees as they adjust to changing expectations.

7. Conflict resolution

It’s no secret that team collaboration doesn’t always go smoothly. UK employees spend an average of 1.8 hours a week dealing with workplace conflict. Over a long-term project, that can add up to a lot of time not spent working on the initiative itself.

Sometimes, these conflicts are productive — like when employees politely debate the best approach or tool for a project. Other times, warring egos or outright bullying could lead to a toxic work environment. A Project Manager can step in to help team members find common ground and come up with productive solutions together.

Developing project management skills

You don’t need to go to uni to prepare for a role in this field. Here are a few ways to gain essential project management skills.

Formal training and certifications

Gaining well developed skills independently can be challenging. Sure, you can always practise problem solving or task management by yourself. But without guidance, you might not improve as quickly as you’d like. Or you may waste time by focusing on the wrong skills — like pouring all your energy into your writing when it’s really your organisation skills that are lacking.

A structured apprenticeship can help you avoid these common issues. Multiverse’s fully-funded Project Management programme will help you upskill without leaving your current job. You’ll develop valuable skills you can applying to your projects right away. Plus, you’ll receive one-on-one mentorship from Multiverse’s experienced coaches.

Many organisations also offer short courses in project management methodologies. For example, the Project Management Institute offers a series of Agile certificates to help you learn this popular framework. Similarly, PRINCE2 offers project management training courses for its process-based approach. These credentials are widely recognised by UK employers and can help you demonstrate your expertise.

On-the-job experience

Chances are, your current employer has at least a few projects in the works. Consider volunteering to oversee one of these internal initiatives. You’ll build your technical project management skills while collaborating with colleagues in new ways – a win-win situation. And, if you can achieve project success, you may even position yourself for a future promotion.

Shadowing experienced Project Managers can also help you upskill. By observing their soft project management skills, you’ll learn how to improve your own approach. For example, you might notice that they use active listening to resolve disputes and decide to practise it yourself. Or you could observe that they have a knack for building trust and ask them for tips.

Mentoring and peer learning

Don’t feel intimidated by seasoned Project Managers. They’re often eager to share their hard-won wisdom with newcomers. Look for opportunities to meet potential mentors who could help you on your career journey.

For example, you might click with a more experienced PM at a networking event and swap contact details. Or you could build relationships with local professionals on LinkedIn and invite them out for a coffee date. Who knows? These connections could open the door to new career opportunities down the line. At the very least, you can ask for career advice and recommendations for the best project management tools.

Project management forums are another valuable resource for upskillers. LinkedIn’s Project Manager Community is the largest one, currently boasting over 675,000 members. On Reddit, you’ll find r/projectmanagement and the smaller — but still active — r/PMCareers. These free communities can help you learn about industry trends and available project management roles.

Tools to know

These days, you won’t find many PMs relying on sticky notes and scribbled to-do lists. Most professionals use project management software, such as:

• Asana – Allows you to assign tasks to your team and visualise project's progress.
• Jira – Designed for Agile teams and includes many useful reporting tools
• Microsoft Project – Useful for large enterprises that need to manage intricate initiatives or huge teams
• Notion – A communication and collaboration platform popular with remote teams
• Trello – Uses Kanban-style boards to visualise and track tasks

Why project management is a future-proof skill

With so much to learn, you may wonder if developing your project management skills is really worth it. But if you’re interested in a flexible and future-proof career, the answer may be “yes.”

With the explosion of AI, you might assume that companies are hiring fewer PMs — or only those with strong technical skills. But that’s not true. Consider that European job adverts are now asking for 2.9 times more human skills than before. This shift suggests employers are placing more value on leadership and other soft skills that AI can’t imitate.

Many of the UK’s fastest-growing industries — such as tech and healthcare — also rely on Project Managers. For example, you could help a hospital develop a new staff training programme or plan a new building wing.

Project management skills are also incredibly versatile. Every sector needs people with strong communication and time management. These abilities are the foundation for any successful project, so they’ll never go out of style.

Many employers are also looking for Project Managers with strong data skills. The Multiverse’s Skills Intelligence Report 2024 found that the average employee spends 36% of their working week on data tasks — yet 57% have limited or no Excel skills. By focusing on in-demand data skills and tools, you can increase your chances of transitioning to new roles.

Start building your project management skills today

Project management isn’t as easy as jotting down tasks in a planner. Like an orchestra director, a successful PM must be aware of every instrument and know how to keep everyone in sync. It all starts by developing key skills, including communication, organisation, and conflict resolution.

Of course, you don’t need to be a formal Project Manager to sharpen these skills. Everyone contributes to projects in their everyday roles. By fine-tuning your soft skills, you can become a more productive collaborator.

Are you ready to grow your expertise and take on new leadership roles? Multiverse’s Project Management training pathway will help you upskill at no cost to you. You’ll learn how to establish data governance frameworks, use project management tools, and more.

Fill out our quick application today for more information.

Multiverse has partnered with Fremantle to launch a new Data Academy for Fremantle employees ahead of new technology and processes being deployed over the summer. Training will enable team members to automate manual processes, optimise decision making, and use predictive analytics for improved content forecasting and audience engagement.

The Data Academy will enhance Fremantle's data and insights capabilities, enabling key departments across the company to better utilise and leverage their data.

Training is being delivered by Multiverse, an upskilling platform for AI and tech adoption. Multiverse has trained more than 20,000 apprentices in AI, data and digital skills since 2016.

The 35-strong cohort will complete Multiverse’s Data & Insights for Business Decisions, a Level 3 apprenticeship which builds the technical and analytical skills needed to turn data into actionable insights, through the effective use of digital tools like Power BI and Power Automate.

Paul Wood, Head of Global Insight, Fremantle said: “This Data Academy is more than a training programme, it’s a signal of Fremantle’s intent to empower our people with the tools they need to thrive in a data driven, AI enabled world. I knew this would be a powerful next step for us, and it’s been incredible to see how enthusiastically everyone taking part from across the business has embraced the opportunity. We’re building a culture where data fluency is part of our creative DNA, and this is just the beginning.”

Jo Dolman and Kate Temple, Co-Directors Global HR, Fremantle added: “At Fremantle, we’re committed to helping our people grow with the business. This partnership with Multiverse supports that ambition, giving our colleagues new digital skills and confidence with data that will enhance their day-to-day work. It’s a real step forward in building a future ready workforce.”

Multiverse combines work and learning to unlock economic opportunity for everyone. It works with more than 1,500 organisations to close critical skill gaps in the workforce in AI, data and tech, through a new kind of apprenticeship.

Gary Eimerman, Chief Learning Officer at Multiverse, said: “Fremantle has a long-standing reputation as a major player in the global media landscape. We’re proud to support the team as they harness the power of data to fuel their continued creativity and innovation.”

Learning how to analyse different kinds of information is essential for many different functional roles, regardless of where they sit in an organisation. The most common types every data professional encounters are:

• Categorical data – Describes non-numerical traits, such as gender and occupation
• Quantitative data – Numerical values like age and height
• Structured data – Information that follows a consistent format, such as phone numbers and bank account details
• Unstructured data – Less uniform data that doesn’t follow a set pattern, including photos and webpages

Data Analysts and Data Scientists rely on all four types of data to build models and make savvy decisions. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of their differences and applications — and practical guidance to help you use them in your business.

What is data?

Data refers broadly to all the pieces of information that businesses collect or produce. Practically anything can be considered data — as long as someone takes the time to observe or record it.

Most information falls into two categories:

• Qualitative data – Information that’s open to interpretation and described with language, e.g., photos and open-ended survey responses.
• Quantitative data – Measurable information that’s represented numerically, e.g., revenue, number of sales, and average customer rating.

Data has become an incredibly valuable resource for businesses in all industries. Just look at Salesforce’s iconic “Gold Rush” commercial. “If AI is the Wild West,” Matthew McConaughey drawls from under his cowboy hat, “does that make data the new gold?”

While the ad might play off a bit silly, the analogy is on point. No, most businesses aren’t selling data like freshly-mined bars of gold. But they are using this information to make faster and more accurate decisions that directly impact their bottom lines.

Take Marks & Spencer, for instance. The British retailer gathers customer feedback, demand indicators, and other data. Machine learning algorithms analyse this information and spot opportunities to develop new products. According to executive Richard Price, this artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technology has helped Marks & Spencer provide “a more compelling fashion-led experience.”

Why data types matter in data science

Classifying information is a critical part of data analysis. After all, you can’t interpret something if you don’t even know what you’re working with.

Different data types call for specialised tools. For example, numerical data like customer income fits neatly into tables and Excel spreadsheets. Theoretically, you could also add qualitative data like audio recordings to these formats. But you won’t be able to search for specific sound bites quickly — at least, not without external software. A media management platform with annotation and transcription features would work much better for these files.

The kind of information also determines the analytical techniques you use. Statistical methods, for instance, can help you uncover valuable insights in quantitative data. Suppose a sudden drop in revenue has left your sales team baffled. By analysing historical data — such as the performance of past marketing campaigns — with regression tools, you could spot factors hurting your sales.

Of course, you can’t plug qualitative data into a math formula. Just try subtracting or multiplying your customers’ favourite foods — pure nonsense. Instead, you can use strategies like content analysis and thematic analysis to spot patterns and draw conclusions.

The main types of data

Businesses rely on all sorts of information to guide decision-making. Let’s take a closer look at four popular types.

1. Categorical data

You already know that categorical — or qualitative — data is non-numerical. It uses descriptive labels to group items based on shared traits.

There are two kinds of categorical data:

• Nominal data – Information you can sort into categories, but they have no obvious order.
• Ordinal data – Data points that you can categorise and objectively rank.

Customer data can fall into either category. For example, clothing size is ordinal, because you can arrange it from “small” to “extra large.” Similarly, customer satisfaction ratings using a Likert scale — from “not at all satisfied” to “highly satisfied” — count as ordinal data.

On the other hand, customer segments are nominal because they only describe traits. You might personally care more about “new clients” than “inactive customers,” but there’s no natural order between them.

In business analytics, nominal and ordinal data helps organisations understand customer preferences. For example, Spotify learns your personal tastes by analysing nominal data like artists’ names and music genres. It also evaluates ordinal data, such as liked vs. unliked songs. Together, this information helps the streaming platform offer increasingly personalised song recommendations and playlists.

2. Quantitative data

There’s no clever wordplay going on here — quantitative data is simply anything you can quantify. If you can measure something or attach a number to it, it falls under this umbrella.

Of course, not all quantitative values are the same. This category has a few subtypes, including:

Discrete data

Discrete values are always whole numbers, and they represent things you can hypothetically count — even if it would take a very long time to do manually. For instance, you can’t have 3.75 users.

Here are a few examples of discrete data:

• Number of customers
• Number of support tickets
• Total purchases

You can easily represent discrete data with simple visualisations. If you’re analysing customer service, you could create a pie chart comparing open vs. resolved tickets.

Continuous data

Sometimes, you need to analyse complex data with decimals. That’s where continuous data comes in. It represents virtually any value and often changes over time.

This type of data gets its name because it’s measured on a continuous scale. For example, you can count minutes from 0 to infinity, but you’ll never have -3,000 minutes — unless you unlock the secrets of time travel. On the other hand, net sales revenue and temperature can have both positive and negative values. It all comes down to what you’re measuring.

Because this subtype is so flexible, it has numerous use cases in business. Predictive modelling often draws on continuous data like sales revenue to forecast future trends. You can also use these data points for regression analysis.

Interval data

Many types of data are measured on scales with consistent distances — or intervals — between each value. These interval scales can have positive or negative values, but they have no true zero. Take the hours of the day, for instance. 12:00am is an arbitrary starting point chosen by ancient humans, not the absence of time.

Other examples of interval data include dates and temperature in Celsius. You can use this type of information in data dashboards and comparisons. For example, you might compare how many days it takes to hit your sales goal based on the marketing techniques you use.

Ratio data

Of course, some types of data have equal intervals and absolute zeroes. These are known as ratio data.

Examples of ratio data include:

• Age
• Income
• Length

Ratio data comes in handy for performance measurement. An employee can’t spend negative time on a project, but they can spend zero minutes — not a great look for a performance review. However, assuming most of your team is putting in the work, absolute zero is just a useful starting point for measuring effort.

3. Structured data

Many kinds of data have a consistent, predictable format. This structured data is easy to organise in rows and columns.

Structured data includes customer names, prices, zip codes — basically, anything you can plug into a spreadsheet. Businesses use many techniques to analyse this information, such as cluster analysis and regression.

4. Unstructured data

On the other hand, unstructured data has no pre-established format, which can lead to huge variations.

An email, for example, could have one sentence or one hundred, images or no images, and all sorts of font colours. Other common types of unstructured data include multimedia — such as images and videos — and social media posts.

A spreadsheet could never capture all the nuances of this data. Instead, Data Analysts often store it in NoSQL databases or data lakes. They also use advanced analytics methods, such as natural language processing, to parse this data.

5. Semi-structured data

As you can probably guess, semi-structured data falls somewhere in between the last two categories. It has some consistent elements — such as metadata or tags — but it doesn’t fit a fixed schema. This type includes JSON and XML logs.

How Data Analysts use these types in the real world

You might assume only finance institutions and retailers use quantitative and qualitative data, but that’s not true. These types of data have many practical applications across industries.

Market researchers often use categorical data to segment customer groups. They might send exclusive discounts to VIP clients who spend over $10,000 a year, while inactive customers get limited-time offers. This approach helps businesses share the most relevant messages with each segment — instead of bombarding their entire audience with generic messages.

Similarly, marketers use discrete data to interpret A/B test results. For example, they could send out emails with different subject lines — one serious, another meme-inspired, and so on. By counting the number of clicks for each message, they can compare their performance.

Data Analysts also rely on continuous data for revenue forecasts. These models use historical data — like sales and stock market trends — to anticipate future growth. These models are extremely useful for improving business processes. If a big sales boom is on the horizon, a company might hire more staff to keep up.

Interested in trying out some of these methods yourself? Take the first step by sharpening your data classification skills. You can practise identifying data types from real-world data sets. Data.gov.uk has plenty of open databases to choose from, and you can find even more options on Github. Or join Multiverse’s Data Fellowship for hands-on learning and expert guidance.

Understanding the difference between discrete and continuous data

While experienced Data Analysts should be familiar with all data types, you don’t need to memorise everything at once. Start by learning the differences between discrete and continuous data. Here’s a quick refresher:

Distinguishing between these data types is key to choosing appropriate analysis techniques and visualisation tools. For example, you could use mode or bar charts to identify the most common value in discrete data.

Meanwhile, analysis of variance (ANOVA) allows you to compare differences between groups in continuous data sets. This might involve comparing average sales across franchises or website traffic during marketing campaigns.

Data summary and analysis techniques

You don’t need to jump right into complex calculations. There are many accessible methods to help you learn how to analyse data effectively.

Calculating summary statistics is an easy way to get started. These measures help you describe a data set’s key features. They include:

• Mean – The average of a data set. Useful for interval and ratio data.
• Median – The central value when you arrange all the numbers in order from least to greatest. Often used for ordinal data.
• Mode – The value that appears most frequently. Can measure qualitative and quantitative data.

Additionally, visualisations like bar graphs are useful for identifying patterns in categorical data. And histograms can spotlight trends in monthly sales and other numerical data.

Grow your data expertise

Understanding different data types is the first step on any data professional’s journey. This foundational knowledge will help you pick the right approaches and tools for each situation. As your calculations become more accurate and sophisticated, you can take on more responsibilities.

Are you ready to uplevel your data skills and catapult your career growth? Multiverse’s bespoke training pathways, like the Advanced Data Fellowship or Data and Insights for Business Decisions, will help you upskill without taking time off work. You’ll gain practical skills you can use to start implementing data driven initiatives in your current role — all at no cost to you.

Fill out our brief application today to learn more.