Code Division - Data Skills Accelerator

Data Skills Accelerator

Fully funded by the Digital Start Fund administered by SDS
on behalf of the Scottish Government

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To be Eligible you need to:

  • Receive, or be eligible for, Universal Credit or other income-based benefits

    • OR

  • Be low Income employed and face two or more barriers

Eligibility will be checked before the course starts

Register for our Courses below

What you can expect from our Course

Course summary

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Pre Course

To prepare for the course we will first develop an individual learning plan and then each learner will be given access to our VLE. This will give you access to our videos, quizzes, exercises and other resources. You will also receive training in Python, Excel and Statistics fundamentals.

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Course Content

A 10 week program designed to develop analytic, collaborative and creative problem skills. Using both business applications (Excel, Power BI) and programming tools (Python) to analyse and manipulate data, create visualisations. The course finishes with a Real World project for a third sector organisation.

Course background

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Data supports crucial decisions about where to focus limited energy, time and budget using evidence not assumptions. It enhances faster decision making, gives a clear understanding of patterns and provides an environment for innovation. Harnessing data reduces costs, drives revenues and increases engagement with both clients and customers.

"Scotland’s future will be forged in a digital world. It’s a world in which data and digital technologies are transforming every element of our nation and our lives – people, place, economy and government." A Changing Nation: How Scotland will Thrive in a Digital World (Scottish Govt 11/03/2021)

Who is this course suitable for?

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  • Those working part time or full time and can spare 15 hours a week. The flexible course has self paced resources and workshops during the day and evening;
  • Those from any background – including those from the social sciences or creative arts who wish to utilise their creative problem solving, analytical thinking and team working skills to work in the exciting world of data;
  • Those who have an interest in developing Python and Excel skills in relation to data;
  • Those who are interested in pursuing a career in Data Analysis;
  • Those who are interested in a career change;
  • Those who wish to harness the potential of data and apply data-driven solutions;

Don’t worry if you are new to Python or if your knowledge of statistics is a bit rusty as before we dive into the data we will go through python fundamentals and a statistics refresher course. Flexible delivery including 3 daily workshops per week, optional expert classes, bite sized videos, interactive quizzes, podcasts, presentations, evening sessions, webinars and group work make up this course

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you’ll need to be resident in Scotland and have the right to work in the UK. This is open to graduates as long as you have not graduated in the last 12 months.

You will also have to either:

  • Receive, or be eligible for, Universal Credit or other income-based benefits.
  • Be currently economically inactive as a result of a COVID-19 employment shock with a household income below the Scottish average(£25,616)
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Or face two or more barriers to employment which could include:

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  • Low income employed (Under £16,000);
  • Refugee;
  • Primary Carer;
  • Migrant;
  • Mental Health Issues;
  • Rural areas;
  • Economically deprived area;
  • Asylum Seeker;
  • Disability;
  • Above 54 years of age;
  • Armed Forces Veteran;
  • Between the ages of 16 and 19 not in employment, education or training;

You can find the complete list of criteria here

Eligibility Criteria

Frequently Asked Questions

A – For example redundancy, leaving employment due to health reasons, under-employed, self-employed not working or are working reduced hours.

A – Learners will be given early access to the online resources to get better acquainted and will be allocated a designated tutor/work based assessor.

A – You can view examples of past projects here!

A – For example holding a part-time job despite desiring full time work or where the employee has education, experience, or skills beyond the requirements of the job.

A – The Scottish Government: European Structural and Investment Funds Participant Guidance document (page 9 onwards) provides a list of the barriers and disadvantages. Click here to read the document.

A – We understand that everyone has other commitments. This course is designed to be flexible and to fit around your busy schedule. We recommend dedicating at least 15 hours per week, as that would make sure that you get the most out of your course as well as put you on the path to get your qualification.

Register for our Courses here