Penguin Random House UK has teamed up with EdTech start-up company Multiverse to launch their Data Academy, an apprenticeship scheme where colleagues can build their confidence and learn more about all things data.
More than 50 colleagues from around the business have signed up to an apprenticeship scheme to enhance their learning and become experts in tools that will help them analyse multiple types of data.
Apprentices will be enrolled on one of two data programmes offered by Multiverse. The 13-month Data Literacy programme covers core technical skills, and the 15-month Data Fellowship programme focuses on more advanced skills - including analysing and modelling data.
Pete Williams, Director of Data and Online at Penguin Random House UK says “At Penguin Random House we’re committed to helping every colleague use data in their role, and we’re innovating how we analyse data to sharpen insights. We’ve teamed up with Multiverse to launch our Data Academy and believe this is another strong step towards improving data literacy across the business.”
Research by the UK Government has found that almost a quarter of employees use data skills in their work, yet a shortage of skills in this area is estimated to cost UK businesses £2bn a year. In 2019, one in 10 job vacancies required data expertise, while over 100,000 data positions remain unfilled.
Jeremy Duggan, president of Multiverse, said: "The use of data is crucial for business success - yet in order to harness data, team members at every level need the skills and expertise to collect and analyse it.
"The Data Academy being launched by Penguin Random House will give staff across the business exactly those skills and expertise. Through Applied Learning, backed by personalised coaching from an industry expert, apprentices will not only add value to the business, they'll also receive an invaluable career development opportunity."
Multiverse apprentices benefit from personalised coaching with an industry expert and are supported by a thriving community with events, socials, mentoring and leadership programmes designed to exceed a university experience.
Penguin Random House UK Online Sales manager, Hannah Welsh says ‘The opportunity to learn with the Data Academy has been invaluable to our team, improving our skillset in a practical way and helping us to excel in our roles. Data is so vital to a modern business and the course has shown us how improving our data skills can ensure we make better, faster decisions. The Multiverse Community is a great way to network with other apprentices and access additional training sessions on a variety of subjects. The Multiverse coaches are also excellent, providing extra 1:1 support as needed so that no-one is left behind!’
