Closing the UK Data Skills Gap: Learning People Launches Two New Data Training Pathways
With data professionals in higher demand than ever before in the UK, our two new data learning pathways unlock faster, job-ready routes into the industry.
As the demand for data professionals continues to boom in the UK and globally, we’re delighted to announce the launch of two new industry-aligned data learning pathways for Learning People students: our Data Engineer and Data Scientist pathways.
For those serious about a career in data and undertaking data courses and training, these learning pathways will equip you with the practical skills employers are actually hiring for in this sector, providing an effective way to break into one of the UK’s fastest-growing fields.
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As our Head of Curriculum, Product and Partnerships, Mark is passionate about making Learning People the best-in-class for delivering job-ready education and changing lives for people who want careers in IT, Coding, and Project Management.
There’s never been a better time to get into Data….
We’re thrilled to announce our new Data Engineer and Data Scientist pathways, designed specifically to help career changers gain the industry-recognised certifications that employers are actively seeking.
With thousands of data roles across the UK remaining unfilled, there’s never been a better time to step into this growing field. At Learning People, we’re committed to supporting our students with the professional skills and certifications that open doors to rewarding careers in data, empowering them to turn their ambitions into real opportunities.
Data: A High-Demand Sector
Numerous recent reports are illuminating a widening data skills gap in the UK that’s resulting in a growing demand for qualified data (and AI) professionals.
While this is leaving businesses with lacking data capabilities within their workforces and concerning cases of ‘data blindness’, it also means there is huge employment opportunity for those wanting to pursue a career in the data field.
Companies across every sector, from finance to healthcare to retail, are accelerating their investment in data talent to stay competitive. As a result, entry-level roles are becoming more accessible, and structured training routes are increasingly viewed as a credible pathway into high-growth data careers.
Almost half of UK businesses need more data professionals
48% of all UK businesses are actively recruiting for roles requiring data skills, according to data from gov.uk.
In fact, according to UK Government data, between 178,000 and 234,000 data positions could remain vacant due to the widening skills gap across industries — unless there is an increase in the number trained data professionals entering the workforce.
In-demand Data Roles (that Our Pathways Train You For)
The UK’s demand for skilled data professionals is growing far faster than the supply of trained talent. Across the board from entry-level analyst roles to highly technical engineering and scientist positions, businesses are urgently looking for people who can turn raw information into clear insights, smarter decisions, and long-term strategy.
Below is a simple breakdown of the core roles shaping today’s data teams; the very roles our new data pathways are designed to prepare you for.
Junior Data Analyst
They help collect and tidy up data so it’s ready to be used. This could mean pulling reports from Excel or databases, cleaning messy spreadsheets, or checking information for mistakes. It’s the best place to start building confidence with real datasets.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts tell the story behind the numbers — like spotting that sales went up because of a new marketing campaign, or that customers are leaving because delivery times are too slow. Analysts turn business questions into data-backed answers.
Senior Data Analyst
They lead projects, manage other analysts, and make bigger business recommendations. They know the tools inside out and often present their findings directly to managers or directors. Their insights often influence major company decisions.
Data Engineer
They build the systems that make all the other analysis possible. Data Engineers design and maintain pipelines, databases, and cloud infrastructure so data is clean, organised, and accessible. Think of them as the architects who ensure the right data flows smoothly to analysts and data scientists. They work heavily with coding, automation, and big-data tools — making this a high-demand, high-salary technical career path.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists take data analysis a step further by predicting what might happen in the future. They use advanced maths, coding, and machine learning to build models that forecast outcomes such as which customers are likely to buy again or which products will see demand next quarter.
Data Director
They set the overall data strategy for a business. They decide what kind of data should be collected, how it’s used, and how it helps the company make better decisions. They lead the whole data team and often sit on the leadership board.
Ready to Step Into One of These Data Roles?
Our data pathways have been created specifically to help learners progress confidently along this career journey, from foundational skills to job-ready expertise.
Whether you’re looking to launch your data career, progress to a more senior role, or even move into the sector from an entirely different one, we will have an effective learning solution for you.
Hit the button below to introduce yourself and set up a free consultation call with one of our specialised data consultants today.
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