100,000 Scots to be trained in data skills over the next decade

Two Edinburgh universities have launched a drive to train 100,000 Scots in data skills over the next decade.

The new venture between Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt universities could transform the area into the data capital of Europe.

It is estimated that Scotlands needs around 13,000 extra workers with data skills each year. The Scottish Government’s Digital Strategy includes plans to tackle the digital skills gap while growing the Scottish economy.

There will be an investment in a new data analysis facility as part of the drive which will help 1,000 organisations use data to innovate and grow within their sectors.

The two universities will increase data science teaching for their students over the time.

They will also support schools and colleges across the region to provide digital skills teaching and training in the classroom.

Training will cover everything from computer science specialists to traditional jobs that will increasingly use data.

The £661 million Data-Driven Innovation initiative is part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

In the classroom

Over the next ten years high school students will benefit from the data drive, but teaching can start in the classroom now.

BBC Bitesize has a range of resources available that can be used by both student and teacher. Technologies resources cover everything from coding to computer science with different work available for different ages.

ICO is the UK’s independent authority set up to uphold information rights. They provide a range of information for use in the classroom including lesson plans, infographics and curriculum information.

The lesson plans available for secondary schools teach students about personal data, what’s private, freedom of information and exercising their rights.

How will you be teaching data in the classroom? Let us know on Twitter.