Cambridge Spark, a provider of data science and AI apprenticeships, reports it has inducted more than 100 professionals in its latest cohort to undertake apprenticeships in data science, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
The Cambridge and London based tech apprentice provider is currently delivering its instructor-led training remotely, until further notice.
The new apprentices will be in the Level 4 (Data Analyst) and Level 7 (Data Science and Machine Learning Engineer) programmes.
The Level 4 apprentices will learn the basics of coding using Python language, while the Level 7 apprentices undertaking the Data Science and Machine Learning Engineer programmes are the first apprentices to do so in the UK.
The firm is also working with Anglia Ruskin University to deliver more than 80 degree apprentices.
Combined with the 50 apprentices Cambridge Spark is already training, this brings the total number of learners on degree-level programmes to over 200, making Cambridge Spark larger than many Computer Science departments at top UK universities.
Raoul-Gabriel Urma, CEO and founder of Cambridge Spark said, “This year’s cohort of more than 100 apprentices marks a major achievement for Cambridge Spark, in our mission to provide accessible training to help people to develop data science and machine learning skills and pursue new careers.
“Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers. They are open to current as well as new employees, people of any age, and even those with previous qualifications. It is an affordable option for people wanting to pursue a career in data science or AI and is also helping to provision the high skills that are in high demand in businesses. ”
Huw Davies, Senior Early Careers Portfolio Manager at the BBC has been working with Cambridge Spark and other organisations in the Trailblazer group on the development and design of the apprenticeships.
He said: “The apprenticeships for us serve a dual purpose and offer a professional entry-level pathway for graduates and as well as offering an authentic route for our existing staff who require an applied and practical knowledge and skills training in machine learning as it becomes a more important part of our organisation.
“The 18 month apprenticeship has allowed us to bridge a skills gap in our mid to senior engineering teams as the pace of change has been significant across the domain of Data Science, ML and AI.
As a public service organisation, we need to ensure that we are knowledgeable and lead on data science for our sector while working safely and securely.”