Data is fast becoming the world’s most valuable resource with the demand rising rapidly for data scientists. Fife, Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders regions are looking to help equip the population with data science skills. With one of the free Data Science courses available, you can master the tools, techniques and knowledge required to think like a data scientist and switch to this sought- after, highly valued career.

The three regions who are looking to implement this have come together to form the Edinburgh and South East City Deal that runs the Data Driven Innovation (DDI) Gateway - helping to promote the free online data skills courses.

Data Science reveals trends and produces insights for businesses to use by gathering, processing, modelling, and analysing data in order to acquire a better understanding of the data, allowing them to make better decisions and create more innovative products or services.

Did you know? The message exchange on WhatsApp can reach 65 billion daily!

Want to know how this number was generated? Join one of our Data Science courses and we’ll show you how.

Nothing. All data science courses under the Data Driven Innovation (DDI) Gateway are free to each student.

Anyone with an interest in developing their digital skills towards a positive future in the digital sector should consider what we have to offer.

Courses may be particularly relevant to the following groups:

• Long-term unemployed who would like to enhance employability and explore a potential new career pathway.
• Adult learners considering returning to further study to enhance employability or explore the possibility of a career change.
• Women returning to further study who wish to explore careers in the digital sector, previously discouraged by gender inequality.
• Young people who are not currently engaged in education, employment or training and looking to enhance their digital skills.
• Members of the Armed Forces who are currently working through their transition from the military to civilian life.

The programme is supported by experienced college teaching staff, these courses can be completed at your own pace and are flexible as a means to fit around your current commitments. You will learn how to analyse figures, facts and statistics with new software and IT skills. No previous digital or coding experience is required, we will teach you all you need to know to enter employment in the digital sector or progress to the next level of further study. In the short space of four months, you will have gained a National Progression Award qualification.

Are you keen to explore the possibility of short data science courses in another subject? Not to worry, our partner colleges, Borders College, Edinburgh College and West Lothian College are delivering free, online courses across a range of alternative subjects in support of the DDI Skills Gateway project.

NPA in Data Science (Veterans Programme) - Edinburgh College

NPA in Data Science – Women in Data & Digital Innovation Skills - Edinburgh College

Sole Traders/SMEs Digital Handholding – Borders College

Social Media for small business – Borders College

Book Keeping for Small Business – Borders College

Digital Support for Ukrainian Learners – Borders College

The Edinburgh and South East City Deal comprises six local authorities who are working together with regional schools, universities, colleges and the private sector, as well as the UK and Scottish Government, to drive productivity and growth while addressing inequalities and deprivation.

Edinburgh and South East City Deal has launched an ambitious eight-year plan which will see it invest £25 million in eight employability and skills-based projects to overcome barriers those from disadvantaged communities face when it comes to enhancing employability.

The Data Driven Innovation (DDI) Skills Gateway is one of the projects which will help those from disadvantaged communities with the passion to explore the world of digital, enhance employability and access progression pathways towards a career in Scotland’s growing digital sector across the subject areas of finance, business and sport.

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