Cambridge Spark

“The fact that I'm getting the opportunity to explore different areas of machine learning in data science and that I have the time to do that because I've shifted my career completely from one direction to another to come into data science and it's something that really interests me and having that time and the guidance to be able to learn all of this has been fantastic.”

“Back when I did my degree, I had one idea of what I wanted to do. But then you hit the real world and reality sinks in and it's not exactly what you thought it was going to be. I never thought I would work in insurance. But then these apprenticeships come along and you see something that you are interested in, and you can change the direction of your career, which is a lot harder to do without that guiding hand on your back.”

“The level 4 apprenticeship that I did to start off with was great for giving me a base level of understanding to get a role in Quantum where I am now. But I've always had a mindset of trying to keep learning new things, keep going, and expanding my skills. And then Cambridge Spark’s Level 7 apprenticeship came up, which was a lot more focused. It goes a lot more into complicated areas of machine learning, which is exactly the way in which I want my career to move. I think that's really going to help me to expand the types of projects that I can be a part of within Quantum.”

“Because I've shifted my career completely to come into data science, getting the opportunity to explore different areas of machine learning and having that time and the guidance to be able to learn all of this has been fantastic.”

“I’m really enjoying the experience of the apprenticeship. The modules I have worked through and completed have already helped me to change my mindset and approach to the data tasks I'm working on. For example, how I present information, in terms of the various aggregations, has changed since starting the course. The pointers and guidance from my mentors and coaches has taught me how to think more logically and has definitely helped me to be more productive.”

“There's so many avenues that Cambridge Spark has given me to communicate with my teachers, my mentors and as well as other data apprentices at the NHS. The networking opportunities and instant feedback has been incredible. We have become a mini community and there's comradery across a pool of others learners, all from very different backgrounds, as well as those with NHS backgrounds. It's a long course but it's always moving forward. The pace is good and I don't feel alone.”

“I was surprised by how closely the programme has complemented my role. Especially the work I was already doing with processing patient feedback, it just mapped to all the KSBs for the apprenticeship.”

“My whole outlook has changed. Now I start to think of how to categorise data as we’re collecting it and why we’re sending data. I can now see the different ways to best communicate with and present data to different types of people.”

“In a pharmaceutical company, false results that lead to incorrect conclusions can impact lives so the techniques we practiced in our workshops were immediately transferable to the workplace.”

“In a pharmaceutical company, false results that lead to incorrect conclusions can impact lives so the techniques we practiced in our workshops to eliminate human error were immediately transferable to the workplace.”

“This is business transformation. It's cultural transformation, not just technology transformation. 12 weeks ago, there was a lot of trepidation in the room. 12 weeks on, there's an air of confidence that we can do this stuff.”

“Cambridge Spark has been amazing managing the top-down and the most senior leaders. Marrying up top-down upskilling with bottom-up initiatives ensures everyone feels equipped and capable around AI.”

““They are genuinely keen and passionate to see our learners succeed as much as we are, but also understand us and how we are constantly evolving as an organisation.””

“Ultimately this knowledge will give me the foundation to create my own bespoke models tailored to meet the dynamic requirements of the aviation industry. With these skills, I can drive lasting, positive change and optimise our data driven decision making processes, immediately.””

“This course provided me with an overview of other tools in data science that have application in my research, an ability to implement some of these tools, and a stronger basis from which I can learn new methods.”

“The Accelerate Programme and working with Cambridge Spark gave me the confidence and curiosity to learn how to use different algorithms and solve problems with ML.”

“The Level 7 AI and Data Science Apprenticeship has helped in many ways;”

““I'm really pleased with how the Lloyds Banking Group AI for Leaders Program that targets our Senior Leaders is progressing.””

““You need to work with trusted partners to deliver something fantastic. That’s what we’ve achieved here today.””

““It’s invigorating, one of the rare occasions where being in a classroom has felt energising.””

““You need to have leaders that really understand how to lead AI… and more importantly lead how we reimagine various aspects of banking.””

“I was able to apply what I learned about contracts and reports straight away, making a good and positive difference to my job. I'm having more strategic, more in-depth conversations with my peers and I'm doing more tasks with minimum support since joining this course.”

“The immersive learning techniques that were given to me on the L3 programme will help me throughout my career. Looking at different organisations to see how they use data and how they overcome data quality issues has been a real eye-opener for me. It helped me to increase my network too, which is great for Barnardo's.”

“I love my job but after ten year's in the same role I was looking for a new focus. I asked my manager what courses were available and they suggested data skills training. I knew I had the potential to do a lot more with data, I just needed the confidence, and a little training, to reach my full potential.”

“After 10 years there were discussions about my job role changing. I wanted to focus more on data so I took the Level 3 Apprenticeship for new skills and more confidence. Since then, I've been given a promotion. Now I'm supporting the whole of Barnardo's with data requests and Barnardo's has brought Data Specialists into the company; a role I'd love to do next.”