New apprenticeship to drive data skills in the UK Published on: 7 October 2019 Recent graduates, people interested in technology and employees will be able to benefit from a new apprenticeship that has been created with the BBC, UK universities and a number of agencies. The new Level 7 Data Science Apprenticeship will give people the skills to help the BBC and others stay ahead in a datadriven future. In 2017, the BBC launched a major Data Science Research Partnership (DSRP) with eight UK universities. Alongside working with a number of organisations such as BT, EasyJet and TUI, the BBC designed and developed this new apprenticeship. Data is important to the BBC for two reasons: In order for the BBC to remain relevant in an era of streaming and subscription services, the BBC uses data to make its products and services even better – including helping people find content that suites their needs As a public service, the BBC relies on data to provide a service to everyone, making sure that any gaps in commissioning or public interest are fulfilled through the help of research and data The scheme will give apprentices the required skills for careers in data science, data research or to become leaders in data – used by organisations to either attract new talent into the organisation or upskill existing employees. Building the next generation of talent in AI Huw Davies, Chair – Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Specialist Trailblazer Group & BBC Senior Early Careers Portfolio Manager, said: “I am delighted that the IfATE have approved this Standard that has been in development for over two years. "It has been a challenging process but I’m thankful to the joint effort received from trailblazer group members who have gone over and above their duty to drive this apprenticeship standard forward. "I’m in consultation and working with our BBC Data Teams to open up graduate recruitment for this apprenticeship from this winter, for a scheme commencement from Sept 2020.” Dr Matthew Forshaw, Lecturer in Data Science at Â鶹´«Ã½ and Data Skills Policy Leader at The Alan Turing Institute, who are also partners with the BBC, adds: “The introduction of this new standard will help to build the next generation of talent in AI, who are so integral to the future of our society and the UK’s industrial ambitions. "The AI Data Specialist Apprenticeship curriculum directly addresses the skills gap and harnesses the expertise of world-class training providers to deliver advanced computing and statistics training. This will be done with a particular emphasis on the ethical approaches required to produce effective, innovative and selfdriven data leaders of tomorrow.” 'Count us in' vision The creation of this new apprenticeship responds to the British Academy’s ‘Count us in’ vision and builds upon the recommendations that came out of Universities UK, Analytic Britain report and the ‘Growing the AI industry in the UK’ report led by Professor Dame Wendy Hall and Jérôme Pesenti. The scheme is in its final stages of approval and is expected to start recruitment at the end of this year. Share: Latest News Volunteers help turn Whitley Bay beach into maths experiment Members of the public joined mathematicians from Â鶹´«Ã½ to create what organisers believe is the largest aperiodic tiling ever attempted on Whitley Bay beach. published on: 15 June 2026 Student leader drives misogyny law change A Â鶹´«Ã½ student leader has helped change the law after creating a petition to make misogyny a hate crime, which gathered over 114,000 signatures, prompting action in Parliament. published on: 12 June 2026 Freemen of Â鶹´«Ã½ see construction of new Castle Leazes The Freemen of Â鶹´«Ã½ and other key stakeholders have become an indelible part of new student accommodation at Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Castle Leazes. published on: 12 June 2026 Facts and figures
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