The main challenge for employers of all sizes is not a paucity of data, rather the sheer overwhelming amount available, and having the requisite skills to make sense and effectively utilise this valuable resource to help reach organisational objectives. To give scale to the amount of data generated, this is estimated at 328.77 million terabytes every day (note that 1 terabyte could store every single book ever written on it and is a 1 followed by x12 zeroes)!
Whilst we’re not suggesting organisations will deal with this much data (ever!), massive amounts of data is readily available from common, everyday software platforms and web searches on sales and marketing information, customers, demographics, productivity, trends, occupancy and usage etc. etc. the list goes on.
So organisations must have the skills to access data, cleanse and sort it, store it securely and in a way it can be used, link databases with tools such as CRMs, ensure data flows across systems, prevent inefficiencies with single data entry, visualise it, analyse and report on it and finally have the skills to use the insight to make better and more effective decisions, making sure data is used legally and ethically.
To develop these skills, a range of Government funded programmes are available that are responsive to employer’s varied needs and can support employees to progress from beginners learning the basics through to degree level leaders implementing business-wide data solutions. Supporting skills development at different levels is key and organisations will need this range in their workforce;
Skills Bootcamps are short, targeted skills development programmes that can help employees make better use of common programmes such as Microsoft Excel and some of its more advanced functions such as formulae, data validation, pivot tables and conditional formatting. AI has an impact here as Microsoft is implementing an AI assistant to its software packages and platforms such as ChatGPT are useful to provide answers to more advanced formula requirements.
Level 3 Apprenticeships in Data can reskill and develop existing employees to use existing data sets available to an organisation and produce reporting and visualisation using software such as Power BI and Tableau.
Level 4 Apprenticeships can develop staff onto higher levels of expertise being able to source new data sets and respond to senior management requirements for reporting and dashboards, becoming subject matter experts in their field.
And senior staff on a Digital Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 BSc Hons (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship can develop in a wider range of fields such as Cyber Security, Networks and Software to bring all this insight together and provide business wide solutions in data, for example linking systems together to create single data entry.
These programmes are employer responsive and Training Providers can support employers with their specific skills needs, also factoring in the prior experience of learners. Another important factor is digital skills development are so-called “soft” skills such as autonomy, motivation, communication, accountability and productivity. Indeed, developing the ability to relearn, research solutions using search engines, AI platforms and forums and reflect on own performance is vital to enable employees to constantly learn as digital technologies constantly evolve.
Whilst these programmes are Government funded, Employers should be prepared to invest in time released by employees to train (roughly 1 day per week) and also release time for managers and supervisors to mentor their staff and stay up to date with their learning.
The impact on businesses having the skills to effectively harness data are substantial; data insights on customers, employees, markets, trends, sources of risk and effectiveness enable improved decision making, product development, and competitive advantage, whilst automation allows for increased efficiencies, reduced risk and costs.
Get in touch with the TDM team to find out more Data Apprenticeships and Training.
The Development Manager (TDM) is a Tech and Digital training and coaching provider, delivering Government funded programmes from Beginner Skills Bootcamps, through Level 3 and 4 Apprenticeships and on to BSc Hons (Integrated Degree) Level 6 Apprenticeships.
TDM is committed to supporting employers to digitally transform and workforce plan through bespoke, individualised learning plans, developing the skills of employees in Data, Tech, Networking and Cyber, Developer programmes and Digital Marketing..
