Data Driven Innovation (DDI)

What is the Edinburgh & South East City Deal?

The Edinburgh and South East City Deal comprises six local authorities who are working together with regional schools, universities, colleges and the private sector, as well as the UK and Scottish Government, to drive productivity and growth while addressing inequalities and deprivation.

Edinburgh and South East City Deal has launched an ambitious eight-year plan which will see it invest £25 million in eight employability and skills-based projects to overcome barriers those from disadvantaged communities face when it comes to enhancing employability.

The Data Driven Innovation (DDI) Skills Gateway is one of the projects which will help those from disadvantaged communities with the passion to explore the world of digital, enhance employability and access progression pathways towards a career in Scotland’s growing digital sector across the subject areas of finance, business and sport.

Learn more about the Edinburgh and South East City Deal.

How we will help you get started towards a new career?

Through the DDI Skills Gateway project, Edinburgh College, is delivering free, online short data science courses focused on the subject areas of Computing, Business and Finance. Supported by our experienced teaching staff, these courses can be completed at your own pace and are flexible as a means to fit around your current commitments. In the short space of four months, you will have gained a National Progression Award qualification which can be used to enter employment in the digital sector or progress to the next level of further study.

Data Driven Innovation Courses at Edinburgh College

Data Driven Innovation Courses across the region

Are you keen to explore the possibility of short data science courses in another subject? Not to worry, our partner colleges, Borders College, Fife College and West Lothian College are delivering free, online courses across a range of alternative subjects in support of the DDI Skills Gateway project.

Who might benefit from our data science short courses?

Anyone with the passion, drive and commitment to develop their digital skills towards a positive future in the digital sector should consider what we have to offer. We have provided a list below of specific groups who may benefit from what we have to offer the DDI Skills Gateway Project.

• Long-term unemployed who would like to enhance employability and explore a potential new career pathway.
• Adult learners considering returning to further study to enhance employability or explore the possibility of a career change.
• Women returning to further study who wish to explore careers in the digital sector, previously discouraged by gender inequality.
• Young people who are not currently engaged in education, employment or training and looking to enhance their digital skills.
• Members of the Armed Forces who are currently working through their transition from the military to civilian life.

Why consider a future in the digital data sector?

Scotland’s digital sector continues to flourish, which generates over six billion pounds towards the Scottish economy. As a result, it is estimated that a total of 13,000 new roles are created on an annual basis in the sector to meet the demands of expansion and growth. Those who are currently developing careers within the digital sector are 23% more likely to be employed on a full-time, permanent basis and their annual salaries are growing faster than any other sector in Scotland. Better still, should you have ambitions to set up your own digital business, the sector has seen a 60% growth in digital-based business start-ups. Now is the perfect time to make your aspirations happen within the world of digital.

Ready to apply?

View all of our Digital Driven Innovation (DDI) courses on our website.