GSK Data Academy

Develop your skills in data analytics, data science and AI

For employees of

The_Signal

GSK's Digital Transformation and Data Strategy

GSK has teamed up with Cambridge Spark to deliver Data Science, Analytics & AI learning programmes to support the worldwide research and development, pharma supply chain and enabling functions.

GSK is committed to transforming the way the company uses digital platforms and data to improve health outcomes and the experience of patients, providers and payers. Our focus is on uncovering blind spots in patients’ journeys and working to use insights from data to deliver a more integrated experience. At the core of this objective is a focus on learning and development for those employees who use data on a daily basis.

As part of this strategy we have teamed up with Cambridge Spark to deliver apprenticeship programmes to support the worldwide research and development, pharma supply chain and enabling functions. The programmes consist of applied practical learning through live workshops, real world-simulated assignments and work-based projects. Learners are also supported by a personal coach and technical mentors.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Apprenticeships provide a well-defined route for internal talent development in England. They are open to new and existing employees in full-time roles working with data. Funded by the Apprenticeship Levy, apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to upskill employees in analytics, data science and AI.

Available Programmes

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Data Citizen

13-month Data Citizen Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Covers the core concepts, skills and tools all professionals need to be data-driven and independent in their work.

The programme is designed to empower apprentices to develop a strong understanding of the value and opportunities that are possible with the smart use of data.

Choose between Apprenticeship-levy funded and employer-funded routes

Learn more

What the programme covers:

  • How to prepare and analyse data efficiently
  • How to visualise and present actionable data-driven insights in impactful ways
  • How to use industry-standard tools including Excel, Power BI and Tableau

 

This apprenticeship is for your team if they are:

  • Looking to build confidence and technical skills to work with data effectively
  • Already working with spreadsheets but want to create more value from data and improve productivity
  • Keen to learn data analysis skills that will enable them to progress into more technical, data-driven roles
  • Looking for more interesting and engaging ways to present data insights

Apprenticeship-levy funded

For employees based in England, training is funded by the UK government’s Apprenticeship Levy scheme, meaning there is no direct cost to the employer. Learners complete the training as an apprenticeship and receive a nationally recognised apprenticeship certificate.

Employer-funded

Training is funded by the employer. The training includes all the same modules as the apprenticeship, but without the requirements and commitments. For more flexibility, learning content can be customised to meet budget, timescales and skills requirements.

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Data Citizen with people analytics pathway

13-month Data Citizen Apprenticeship with People Analytics Pathway (Level 3)

Covering the fundamentals of data literacy, enhanced through a people lens.

CIPD has worked with Cambridge Spark to provide a pathway to help contextualise the skills learned in the Data Citizen Apprenticeship towards People Roles.

Through this content, you will examine practical case studies on how to effectively use people analytics in your organisation so you can demonstrate the value of your people function.

Learn more

What the programme covers:

  • How to prepare and analyse data efficiently
  • How to visualise and present actionable data-driven insights in impactful ways
  • How to use industry-standard tools including Excel, Power BI and Tableau

 

This apprenticeship is for your team if they are:

  • Looking to build confidence and technical skills to work with data effectively
  • Already working with spreadsheets but want to create more value from data and improve productivity
  • Keen to learn data analysis skills that will enable them to progress into more technical, data-driven roles
  • Looking for more interesting and engaging ways to present data insights

Apprenticeship-levy funded

For employees based in England, training is funded by the UK government’s Apprenticeship Levy scheme, meaning there is no direct cost to the employer. Learners complete the training as an apprenticeship and receive a nationally recognised apprenticeship certificate.

Employer-funded

Training is funded by the employer. The training includes all the same modules as the apprenticeship, but without the requirements and commitments. For more flexibility, learning content can be customised to meet budget, timescales and skills requirements.

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Data Analyst

14-month Data Analyst Apprenticeship (Level 4)

Learn how to extract, manipulate and visualise data to answer complex business questions and drive strategic value, using Python, data mining and big data.

Choose between Apprenticeship-levy funded and employer-funded routes.

Learn More

This programme is ideal for teams who are:

  • Working with data on a regular basis (whether they’re generating reports, analysing data, or crunching numbers using spreadsheets)
  • Looking to add more strategic value that’s backed by data
  • Looking to automate the manual collation and processing of data
  • Wanting to future-proof their skill set by learning in-demand, industry-relevant skills
  • Working in a data-driven department

By the end of the programme, apprentices will be able to:

  • Programme in Python and use data analysis tools such as Pandas and Numpy, as well as work with different data formats, types and databases such as SQL
  • Use a range of analytics techniques such as data mining, time series forecasting and modelling techniques to identify and predict trends and patterns in data
  • Summarise, present and make recommendations from the results of data analysis using data visualisation
  • Quickly test and prototype code in a production environment, follow industry best practices and use collaborative workflows
  • Identify, collect and migrate to/from a range of internal and external systems and perform database queries across multiple tables to extract data for analysis
  • Understand the architecture and engineering constraints of big data systems, and how to apply tools such as Hadoop and Spark to gather, process and analyse large amounts of data

Apprenticeship-levy funded

For employees based in England, training is funded by the UK government’s Apprenticeship Levy scheme, meaning there is no direct cost to the employer. Learners complete the training as an apprenticeship and receive a nationally recognised apprenticeship certificate.

Employer-funded

Training is funded by the employer. The training includes all the same modules as the apprenticeship, but without the requirements and commitments. For more flexibility, learning content can be customised to meet budget, timescales and skills requirements.

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Digital Business Analyst (L4)

Learn the core concepts, skills and tools all professionals need to drive digital improvements and development in their departments at GSK. 

Learn more

 

In this programme you will learn; 

  • Analyse business processes
  • Develop a growth and digital mindset
  • Understand emerging technologies such as Data Science and AI, Big Data and Cloud and their uses
  • Make data-driven decisions and proposals through storytelling with data

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Data Engineer

14-month Data Engineer Apprenticeship (Level 4)

Build capability to create and maintain key data infrastructure. This programme equips learners with the technical and leadership skills to support business functions in creating and maintaining data analytics pipelines. 

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Who is this data engineer apprenticeship for?

This apprenticeship offers an upskilling or reskilling opportunity for employees looking to move into a junior data engineering role.

The programme is suitable for existing analysts and other professionals looking to develop skills in Python, SQL, data modelling approaches, software testing, git, CI/CD and DevOps mindset.

Apprenticeship-levy funded

For employees based in England, training is funded by the UK government’s Apprenticeship Levy scheme, meaning there is no direct cost to the employer. Learners complete the training as an apprenticeship and receive a nationally recognised apprenticeship certificate.

Employer-funded

Training is funded by the employer. The training includes all the same modules as the apprenticeship, but without the requirements and commitments. For more flexibility, learning content can be customised to meet budget, timescales and skills requirements.

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AI & Data Science Apprenticeship

Learn how to discover and devise new data-driven AI solutions, automate and optimise business processes, and support, augment and enhance human decision-making.

Choose between Apprenticeship-levy funded and employer-funded routes.

Learn More

This programme is ideal for teams who are:

  • Are required to analyse complex datasets on a regular basis
  • Already use Python at an intermediate level and have fundamental statistics experience
  • Are looking to upskill into Data Scientist or Machine Learning Engineer roles
  • Want to champion AI and its applications within the organisation

By the end of the programme, apprentices will be able to:

  • Identify areas where AI solutions can create new business opportunities and efficiencies
  • Initiate and design new projects and develop innovative, scalable, data-driven AI solutions focussed on addressing business or customer needs and problems
  • Deliver value-creating products and processes for the business by advancing the use of data, machine learning and AI
  • Provide technical authority, direction and strategic guidance for the business on emerging opportunities and insights for AI that are relevant to business goals
  • Simplify models and deliver insights that everyone in the business can understand

Apprenticeship-levy funded

For employees based in England, training is funded by the UK government’s Apprenticeship Levy scheme, meaning there is no direct cost to the employer. Learners complete the training as an apprenticeship and receive a nationally recognised apprenticeship certificate.

Employer-funded

Training is funded by the employer. The training includes all the same modules as the apprenticeship, but without the requirements and commitments. For more flexibility, learning content can be customised to meet budget, timescales and skills requirements.

Which programme is right for you?

Data Citizen Apprenticeship (Level 3)

  • Designed to empower apprentices to develop a strong understanding of the value and opportunities that are possible with the smart use of data.
  • Suitable for people keen to learn data analysis skills that will enable them to progress into more technical, data-driven roles
  • Apprentices must have a GCSE (or equivalent) at Grade B in one STEM subject (Maths is desirable)
  • Also available with a People Analytics Pathway in collaboration with the CIPD

Data Analyst Apprenticeship (Level 4)

  • Fast-track programme to equip apprentices with practical data analysis skills, including Python, Data visualisation, Big Data Systems and Machine Learning
  • Suitable for people in roles where they are required to carry out data analysis, such as scientists or or anyone analysing data in departments such as HR, Finance, Marketing, Operations, Supply chain, Manufacturing, Consumer Insights etc.
  • Entry-level course for beginner programmers and those with no previous programming experience

Digital Business Analysts Apprenticeship (Level 4)

  • Use industry standard methodologies and frameworks for business analysis, including Agile
  • Change management and leading digital transformation
  • Identify opportunities for digital and data-driven solutions
  • Understand key digital and data-driven technologies such as data science, cloud and AI

Data Engineer Apprenticeship (Level 4)

  • Understand the data engineering lifecycle and the role of a data engineer
  • Develop the technical skills to create and maintain data analytics pipelines
  • Understand the fundamentals of data modelling, its best practices and why it is important
  • Effectively work with stakeholders to define and translate business requirements to a data model and data pipeline

AI & Data Science Apprenticeship (Level 7)

  • Fast-track programme for upskilling people into Data Scientist roles
  • Apprentices must have intermediate Python programming & maths skill
  • Includes 3 optional pathways:
    • Advanced Data Scientist
    • ML Ops
    • Data Ops

Funding Options

Training programmes can be funded in two ways:

Apprenticeship-levy funded

For employees based in England, training is funded by the UK government’s Apprenticeship Levy scheme, meaning there is no direct cost to the employer. Learners complete the training as an apprenticeship and receive a nationally recognised apprenticeship certificate. 

Apprenticeship requirements:

  • Employees must be based in England
  • Learning must take place during work hours
  • Apprentices must commit 20% of their working hours to learning 
  • Work-based projects are completed as part of a portfolio
  • Apprentices and managers attend regular coaching sessions and progress reviews
  • End point assessments must be completed to receive certification
  • Individuals must meet the eligibility criteria set by the apprenticeship
  • Typical length of 13-15 months, or 24-48 months for degree apprenticeships 

 

Employer-funded

Training is funded by the employer. The training includes all the same modules as the apprenticeship, but without the requirements and commitments. For more flexibility, learning content can be customised to meet budget, timescales and skills requirements.

About this route:

  • Learning can be undertaken at any time 
  • No requirements to complete assignments, assessments or projects
  • Programmes can be customised for teams 
  • The length of the programme can be adapted to suit

The employer-funded route would suit those who are either looking for more flexibility, are not eligible for funding or are not suitable for an apprenticeship. Some examples would include individuals who are:

  • Not based in England
  • In roles where they are not able/not looking to apply their skills or build a portfolio of projects e.g. could be a manager or director managing a Data focused team or project  
  • In need of greater flexibility e.g. those who don't need a full programme and are only looking for a shorter more targeted set of modules
  • Cannot / do not want to commit a minimum of 20% of their normal working hours to learning e.g. senior leaders or directors

The Learning Experience

Experiential learning

We apply an approach of blended experiential learning through a mixture of interactive, instructor-led workshops and hands-on practice using Jupyter notebooks and EDUKATE.AI, creating the optimum balance between theoretical and practical learning.

This accelerates learning and equips learners with the ability to apply their skills and knowledge in practice, guaranteeing ROI.

EDUKATE.AI - learning and assessment platform with instant feedback.

L4 Data Analyst Webinar

 

EDUKATE.AI is Cambridge Spark’s proprietary learning platform for data science.

Developed with funding from InnovateUK and in collaboration with Cambridge University, EDUKATE.AI is a smart system that allows learners to experience and experiment with real-world simulated projects whilst receiving immediate and personalised feedback and recommendations on their code.

Integrated into the platform are video lectures and learning resources for a complete learning experience. EDUKATE.AI is in itself a standalone, industry-leading virtual learning solution for data, analytics and AI.

Powered by our teaching engine K.A.T.E.®, what makes it unique is that it's focused on production-ready data science code rather than ‘toy’ learning examples and exercises, simulating a real working environment.

With access to EDUKATE.AI you will get:
Multiple practical real-world simulated assignments with immediate and personalised feedback and ticketed tutor support for every module
Interactive instructor-led video workshops with notebook exercises
Tutor-led live-coded assignment solution videos

Read more about EDUKATE.AI here

 

Best-in-class Virtual Learning

Attend live workshops (or catch up with recordings): All of our live workshops are recorded and available afterwards so no matter what, you have ultimate flexibility and can always catch up.

Live 1:1 tutor support in every class: All our live, virtual instructor-led sessions have both a lecturer and at least one tutor on hand to answer questions and support learners, ensuring fewer disruptions and a more personal experience.

Instant Q&A: While one expert leads the virtual training sessions, tutors are also on hand for instant Q&A via the messaging platform.

Interactive, hands-on learning: Throughout the training programme and lectures, learners will complete exercises in Jupyter Notebooks and have access to EDUKATE.AI® to practice the skills they’ve learnt.

Study groups: Learners have access to a Slack community, where they can come together to chat, socialise and discuss what they are learning and working on.

Learning Experience-2

 

Case Studies

The technical skills already being applied in various departments are making waves throughout GSK’s UK and global teams. One solution developed by an apprentice allowed for over £30,000 savings due to task automation via a Python script.

“I wanted to get a strong grip on Python as a programming language and develop an understanding of data analysis. GSK collects a lot of data in various formats, with the right skill set, I would be able to identify patterns and unlock value for my team”.

Saad Abdullah, Apprentice

The L4 Data Analyst Academy accelerates learning and ensures ROI by allowing apprentices to work on a real-world data problem in the context of their business. Read the full case study here.

Our Delivery Partner

Cambridge Spark is a leader in transformational data science and AI training. Their pioneering training programmes are built on their proprietary AI-powered learning and assessment platform, EDUKATE.AI®, to accelerate the tech capability of both individuals and organisations.

Expert designed curriculum

Apprenticeship and Degree Apprenticeship Programmes are designed by Data Scientists and Data Analysts working in industry, for industry

Instant feedback 24/7 with EDUKATE.AI®

Learners are given instant feedback that’s aligned with standards such as PEP8, Pylint, Cyclomatic Complexity and Unit Tests, as well as machine learning metrics such as accuracy, F1 score, MSE and the confusion matrix.

Work-based projects and portfolios

Learners gain applied practical experience through completing real-world data problems. Programmes are focused on enabling learners to apply new skills into their work right away, driving value for the business and ensuring ROI.

Innovative virtual learning solutions

Live, instructor-led virtual learning sessions have been specifically designed for group remote learning. Training takes place over high-quality video and audio, creating a virtual classroom. Learners also have access to break out rooms, supported by Slack, where they can come together to chat, socialise and discuss the training.

Teaching & coaching from professionals

The very fabric of Cambridge Spark is deeply-rooted in academia, with the teaching and coaching team consisting of PhD’s from the UK’s best universities, and professionals with backgrounds in world-renowned Machine Learning organisations, such as Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, and Morgan Stanley.

Apprenticeship FAQs

What are apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are a long-term training commitment which seek to upskill existing UK-based employees within an organisation, enabling employers to foster a workforce consisting of highly-skilled and highly-engaged talent.

They typically run over 12-24 months and include 6 hours off-the-job training, enabling a blended approach between theory and practical-learning.

Who is eligible for apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are open to anyone in full-time employment in England. They are open to current as well as new employees, people of any age, and even those with previous qualifications.

Apprenticeships can be for people early in their careers as well as experienced talent looking to advance their skill set or change careers, which is increasingly necessary as the world of work changes.

How are apprenticeships funded?

In England, if you are a large organisation with annual salaries over £3m you can have your apprenticeships 100% funded by the government through the apprenticeship levy. Employers who do not fall into this group can either have 95% funded by the government (and pay just 5%) or can have levy transferred from another levy-paying organisation to have them 100% funded.

What does off-the-job training mean?

Off-the-job training is defined as learning which is undertaken outside of the day-to-day work duties and it must take place within the apprentice’s normal working hours.

It can be delivered on a flexible basis, for example, as part of each day, one day per week, one week out of five, or as block release, and can be carried out at the apprentice’s place of work or from home.

The 6 hours off-the-job training provides learners with the time to focus and develop the required skills, knowledge, and behaviours to achieve the apprenticeship

Register your interest in our Apprenticeships