Marks & Spencer has planned to train more than 1000 of its employees on data science skills to make them more digital savvy. The retailer has introduced this program to beat new rising fast fashion and online retailers like Amazon.
For this, the company has launched new data academy where the staff from every function in the business will be enrolled in an 18 months training program. Under the curriculum, the staff will be trained on using data analytics tools, Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and programming languages such as R and Python.
Once the employee completes the program, he/she will be entitled to data analytics certification by the British Computer Society.
The training partner for this program is Decoded, a London based education business that specialises in giving digital skills training. Also, the funding will be provided by Apprenticeships levy, a UK government scheme.
“Transformation of our business is the key to survival and a huge part of this lies with our colleagues. We need to change our digital behaviours, mindsets, and our culture to make the business fit for the digital age,” said Steve Rowe, Chief Executive Officer, M&S.
M&S is the first listed retailer in UK to create a data skill academy for its employees. Company is yet to decide when will the training begin and how its staff will be selected for the program.
