Unlocking opportunity through the data skills gateway
In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, I believe that data and digital literacy are no longer optional—they’re essential. That’s why I’m proud to be part of the Data Skills Gateway, a transformative initiative designed to ensure that everyone, no matter their background or circumstances, can access the skills they need to thrive in this new landscape.
At its heart, the Data Skills Gateway is about inclusion and empowerment. I’ve seen firsthand how the benefits of the digital economy can—and should—extend far beyond tech professionals. Whether it’s a young girl in school who might feel discouraged by the male-dominated image of tech, a parent returning to the workforce after a career break, or someone facing redundancy due to automation, our work opens doors for all.
The programme spans the entire learning journey—from early years education right through to adult learning—so no one is left behind. We support people from all walks of life, including individuals with disabilities, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and people with varying levels of education. We work closely with partners who are best placed to support a wide range of learners, helping each person get the most out of the programme. In doing so, we’re building a more inclusive and resilient workforce for the future.
The Gateway is structured around four key strands:
Each strand is tailored to meet learners where they are, offering relevant, accessible, and practical skills development. And we’re not trying to turn everyone into data scientists or coders. What we focus on is building strong foundational data and digital skills—the kind now required in around 90% of jobs.
This approach feels more important than ever, especially as technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics continue to reshape the job market. While these innovations create demand for highly skilled roles, they also affect nearly every profession. Through the Gateway, we help individuals adapt, upskill, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing world.
The programme’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. We’ve been honoured to receive numerous awards for our work, standing out among hundreds of UK-wide entries for our innovative, cross-sector approach. One particular highlight for me came in 2024, when the Data Education in Schools strand won the British Data Award for Education Initiative of the Year. That was the second year in a row we were recognised by the British Data Awards. In 2023, we were thrilled to receive the Data for Good Initiative of the Year Award, celebrating the work we did—funded by Skills Development Scotland—to develop and test more than 500 new British Sign Language signs related to Cyber Security, Computing Science, and Data Science. It was a powerful reflection of our commitment to accessibility and meaningful impact.
As part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, the Data Skills Gateway, which we run out of the University of Edinburgh, plays a vital role in regional economic development. But its influence reaches well beyond our geography. I see it as a model for how inclusive, forward-thinking education can prepare society for the future.
In a world where data is power, I’m passionate about ensuring that power is shared. To me, it’s not just about learning new skills—it’s about creating new opportunities, building confidence, and shaping a more equitable digital future for everyone. And now, we’re widening our focus to explore how citizens can be upskilled to respond to the opportunities AI presents—because the future belongs to us all.
Read More Data & Decision Making
