The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has partnered with a tech start-up to deliver data skills training to at least seven per cent of the workforce in the next three years.
Multiverse is working alongside the MCA to launch data apprenticeships in a drive to boost the skills of teams and make better use of data, through learning skills in visualisation, analytics, and forecasting.
So far, 42 apprentices have been enrolled on data apprenticeships within the maritime industry, with plans to expand the programme in the future.
Training is being delivered by Multiverse, a startup tech company building on an alternative to university with corporate training through apprenticeships.
A drive to upskill staff is supported by MCA employees, with 71 per cent recognising that data can be invaluable to shaping decisions while 91 per cent feel their skills are limited at present.
Research by the UK Government* found that almost a quarter of employees use data skills in their work, yet a shortage of these skills among staff is estimated to cost UK businesses as much as £2bn a year.
The partnership has been developed as part of a government drive to boost data skills across the civil service; alongside new initiatives such as One Big Thing, which encourages all civil servants to begin their data journey with a self-build seven-hour training course.
Charis Doidge, Head of Data Science and Analytics at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: “We’re committed to building data capability within the MCA and are excited to be offering a range of apprenticeships to our people.
“There is a growing understanding in government of just how much data analysis can add to an organisation – in all aspects of the business. Apprenticeships are enabling us to offer our colleagues new skills and knowledge, build our in-house capabilities, drive efficiency and, ultimately, make use of data going forward.”
Peppa Wise, VP of GTM at Multiverse, said: “The Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s vital work can be enhanced by the smart application of data – and that requires the skills to interpret and handle it.
“Applied learning is simply the best way to develop the competencies in the use of data. These skills will not only create value for the Agency, but they’ll also progress individuals’ careers as they develop some of the most in-demand skills.”
Multiverse apprentices at the MCA will benefit from one-to-one coaching with an industry expert and are supported by a thriving community with events, socials, mentoring and leadership programmes designed to exceed the best of the university experience.
