The Data Science Accelerator programme is open again for applications until 12 June. Don’t miss out.
Now in its third year, this successful skills programme has recently won an award for its impact on increasing data capability. It has now trained over 100 participants and delivered a variety of projects that have made a substantial difference to their public sector organisations.
These projects have ranged from predicting the presence of smoke alarms in households through data science to analysing survey results through LDA and R shiny. Information about past projects can be found on our blog. Most Data Science Accelerator projects begin as proof of concept, with some becoming a part of everyday business for departments.
The programme runs every four months, and gives analysts from across the public sector the opportunity to develop their data science skills by delivering a project of real business value. It also highlights the benefits which data science tools and approaches can bring to respective issues and problems.
The programme is backed by the Government Digital Service (GDS), the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Government Office for Science (GOS), and the analytical professions (statistics, economics, operational research and social research).
Interested? Here’s what to expect...
What happens on the programme?
Your aim will be to devise and deliver a data science project that will benefit your own particular area of government.
Participants will dedicate time away from their main job. You’ll commit at least 1 day per week for 12 weeks to your project, usually spending the day at one of the hubs (London, Manchester, Newcastle, Newport, Sheffield, or Taunton).
You will get the chance to sit with the data science community in your hub location and see what data scientists across government are working on. This will also give you the opportunity to connect with fellow programme participants.
Throughout the duration of the programme, you will have a dedicated mentor who will coach you through the data challenges (and opportunities) that your project brings, ensuring that you have the chance to develop your data skills and choose the right data applications for the problem you are solving.
At the end, you will present your work to other participants in the programme, as well as your departmental/profession project stakeholders.
How do we choose participants?
The most important thing we look for are interesting project ideas, enthusiasm to try new things, and dedication to the course. Your line manager and a more senior manager (usually a Head of Profession or equivalent) must agree that your project tackles a business problem with data, and that you can commit to the time requirements. You must also have access to the data you need. Coding experience is desirable but not essential.
How do I apply?
Visit the Data Science Accelerator programme on GOV.UK to apply by Tuesday 12 June 2018. The induction will be held on Tuesday 24 July and project work, in hub locations start on Thursday 2 August 2018.
