DataSmart initiative awards foundation credential to 150 participants of pilot project
Microsoft and the Analytics Institute have awarded 150 people from 13 organisations with a DataSmart Foundation credential in data skills following an event hosted by Microsoft.
Developed by Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet in partnership with Microsoft and the Analytics Institute, DataSmart is a data literacy initiative designed for non-IT professionals who want to harness data strategically in their roles.
Research shows that employees with core data skills advance faster in their careers, while organisations making data-driven decisions achieve accelerated market progress and revenue growth. Major companies including Bord Gais, Pfizer and Flutter have already enrolled employees in the programme, recognising the competitive advantage of building organisation-wide data literacy.
The 12-week programme aimed to equip professionals with foundational skills in data collection, cleaning, transformation, visualisation, and storytelling, while exploring cutting-edge topics like AI, data governance and emerging technologies.
The programme’s format combined online tutorials with interactive workshops, allowing working professionals to acquire valuable data literacy competence in a cost-effective way that accommodates busy schedules.
Maire Hunt, network director of Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet, said: “The DataSmart initiative has been a resounding success, helping individuals across all sectors build the confidence and skills needed to navigate today’s data-driven world. This programme has proven to be an ideal solution for organisations looking to upskill large groups of employees efficiently, ensuring their workforce can interpret and apply data to make better business decisions.
“With its flexible, accessible learning approach and practical applications, DataSmart has opened new opportunities for both individuals and businesses, reinforcing the vital role of data skills in future-proofing Ireland’s workforce.”
Lorcan Malone, CEO, Analytics Institute, said: “The completion of the DataSmart pilot programme marks an important milestone in advancing data literacy at scale. The positive response from participating organisations highlights the growing recognition that data skills are essential across all roles and industries. By providing a structured yet flexible approach to learning, DataSmart has helped integrate data-driven thinking into everyday decision-making. We are excited to see how this initiative continues to support businesses in building a more confident and data-literate workforce.”
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