In our recent Introduction to Data Visualisation workshop, led by Senior Tutor Scott Owens, attendees were introduced to the power of business intelligence and how tools like Power BI can transform raw data into clear, compelling insights that drive smarter decision-making.

Whether you’re just getting started with data or looking to sharpen your visualisation skills, this session was packed with actionable advice, real-world examples, and a live dashboard demonstration that brought data to life.

Why Data Visualisation Matters

Scott kicked off the session by reminding us that data doesn’t speak for itself—it needs a storyteller. Using visualisation tools like Power BI, businesses can uncover trends, track performance, and understand the narrative within their numbers:

What happened? Where are we now? How did we get here and where are we going?

With experience spanning industries from painting to pension funds, Scott brought a fresh perspective to the role of business intelligence in everyday decision-making. His key message? Data is only as powerful as your ability to interpret and communicate it.

Power BI: Your Visualisation Superpower

Scott introduced Power BI as a user-friendly, powerful tool, often freely available via Microsoft Office 365, that enables users to create interactive dashboards. These dashboards allow teams to collaborate, track key performance indicators, and identify trends with just a few clicks.

He shared some simple but effective rules for building dashboards:

From tree maps to slicers and line charts, Scott demonstrated how to build a Power BI dashboard step-by-step using a real financial dataset. He covered:

The result? A dashboard that not only looks great, but actually helps organisations act on what the data is telling them.

Advanced Features & What's Next

The session wrapped up with a peek into Power BI’s more advanced capabilities—like predictive analytics, time series, and bookmarks—along with encouragement to dive deeper and continue exploring.

For those looking to take the next step, Scott introduced the Level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship, a hands-on course designed to equip learners with core data analysis and visualisation skills. From regular tutor support to real-world projects and hackathons, the course offers a structured yet flexible way to build data confidence.

Bonus: attendees also received a 50% discount code for our upcoming October Hackathon, a fun and competitive opportunity to test your new skills, meet other learners, and even win prizes.

Interested in joining the next session or learning more about the course?

Whether you’re new to data or looking to upskill your team, our Level 4 Data Analyst course can help you turn curiosity into capability.

Enquire now or join our next free workshop to start your journey into data storytelling.

By Sandeep, Level 7 AI Data Specialist Apprentice at the Science and Technology Facilities Council

As part of our Level 7 AI Data Specialist apprenticeship, we're proud to support professionals like Sandeep who are using artificial intelligence to bring meaningful change to complex project environments. In this blog, Sandeep shares why he joined the course, how he’s applying his learning, and what he hopes to achieve by blending technical AI knowledge with real-world project delivery in the science and technology sector.

Why I chose the Level 7 AI Data Specialist course

I chose the Level 7 AI Data Specialist apprenticeship because I saw a clear opportunity to bring real value to the way we plan and deliver research and experimental projects in the physics and space domain. My role involves supporting Project Managers and Work Package Managers with scheduling, monitoring, and controlling tasks and it’s clear there’s significant scope to improve how we handle data, automate repetitive processes, and make better-informed decisions.

There’s huge potential for AI and data-driven tools to support early risk identification, resource forecasting, and reducing the admin burden on project teams. I wanted to develop the skills to build and apply these kinds of tools in practice and this course felt like the right way to do that.

What I’ve learnt so far and how I’m applying it to my role

The course began with the fundamentals of AI and machine learning, which gave me a solid grounding in the core concepts and techniques. More recently, we’ve explored deep neural networks which I’ve found particularly interesting. It’s made me consider how we might use these models to identify patterns in historical project data, or even predict issues like schedule overruns before they occur.

Even at this early stage, I’ve started applying some of the learning. For example, identifying manual processes that could be automated, or using structured data more effectively to spot trends and anomalies. It’s also changed how I think about data not just as something we collect, but as something we can actively use to improve project delivery.

What’s next

Looking ahead, I’m keen to start developing small AI-based tools that we can test within our team. These might include predictive models for scheduling risks or using natural language processing to extract insights from technical reports and risk logs. I also see real potential in building dashboards or digital assistants to support stakeholders with day-to-day monitoring and reporting.

Ultimately, my goal is to help create a more intelligent, data-aware project environment where decisions are evidence-based, and where we’re making the most of the data we already have. As I progress through the course, I hope to bridge the gap between technical AI knowledge and practical project delivery in a way that genuinely benefits the organisation.

Want to start your own data journey?

If you’re considering advancing your career with an AI apprenticeship, you might be wondering exactly what skills you’ll walk away with. At the Level 7 AI Data Specialist level, you’re not just learning how to use AI—you’re learning how to lead with it.

Whether you’re a senior data professional, project leader, or business decision-maker, this apprenticeship equips you with the technical depth and strategic perspective needed to apply artificial intelligence across complex, real-world projects.

Let’s break down the key skills you’ll gain across two core areas: technical capabilities and leadership competencies.

Technical Skills: AI That Solves Real Problems

The Level 7 apprenticeship is built around high-impact, applied learning. You won’t just study theory, you’ll apply AI and data science techniques to real project environments.

Here’s what you’ll master:

Machine Learning (ML)

You’ll explore how to build, test, and validate machine learning models that help organisations uncover patterns, automate decisions, and enhance project outcomes. This includes:

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

You'll learn how to process, classify, and extract insights from text data using tools like:

Data Engineering & Data Science

AI doesn’t work without clean, usable data. That’s why you’ll build a strong foundation in:

Tools & Technologies

hroughout the programme, you’ll get hands-on with industry-standard tools like:

This technical knowledge is grounded in frameworks like the UK AI Standards Hub and the Office for AI’s roadmap, ensuring your learning is aligned with the national agenda for AI maturity.

Leadership Skills: AI with Purpose and Responsibility

Unlike many technical bootcamps, this apprenticeship also strengthens your strategic thinking, leadership, and ethical decision-making, all essential for driving transformation in your organisation.

Ethical and Responsible AI

You’ll explore how to design and deploy AI responsibly, considering:

This ensures you’re not just technically proficient, but trusted to lead initiatives with real-world impact.

Business-Centric AI Strategy

AI is only as valuable as the business outcomes it delivers. You’ll learn how to:

Communication and Stakeholder Management

Translating technical outputs into business language is key. You’ll build confidence in:

Why These Skills Matter

The UK faces a significant AI and data skills gap, particularly at the leadership level. The Level 7 AI Data Specialist apprenticeship helps close this gap, supporting professionals ready to drive innovation, governance, and adoption of AI across sectors like infrastructure, defence, energy, and government.

And with 100% of training funded for eligible employers, there’s never been a better time to invest in your career.

Learn More

Ready to build advanced AI capabilities and become a strategic leader in your organisation?

The demand for advanced artificial intelligence and data skills is skyrocketing and right now, your organisation can access government-funded training to build real capability at zero cost. But funding for our Level 7 AI & Data Specialist Apprenticeship closes on January 26. If you want to upskill your team or advance your own career, now is the time to act.

Why Upskill in AI Now?

Businesses that invest in AI and data science capability are already seeing better decision-making, process automation, and new product innovations. But the AI skills gap remains one of the biggest barriers to growth, especially for organisations that lack in-house expertise in:

Fully Funded Through the Apprenticeship Levy

One of the biggest advantages of the Level 7 AI & Data Specialist Apprenticeship is that it’s 100% funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. This means:

What Makes Our Level 7 AI & Data Specialist Programme Unique

At Projecting Success, our apprenticeship is designed for Heads of Data, Data Leaders, and Senior Data Analysts ready to step up into strategic roles. Unlike generic training, you’ll get:

Key Areas You’ll Master

• Data Science Principles
• Machine Learning
• Neural Networks and Deep Learning
• Model Interpretability
• Data Architecture and Pipelines
• Big Data and Data Security

Final Funding Deadline: Jan 26

Once this levy funding window closes, you’ll need to wait for the next funding cycle. If your training budget goes unused, those funds can expire ,which means missing out on fully funded, high-impact training for your team.

Next Steps — Secure Your Place

Check your eligibility
Download the course brochure: Get the full syllabus and outcomes.
Apply early: Secure your cohort spot before the deadline.

In The Gentle Singularity, Sam Altman describes a world being gradually reshaped by AI. Not through one explosive moment, but through a steady, compounding evolution. A change that builds so quietly that we hardly notice it — until we look back and realise the foundations have shifted.

That same transformation is underway in project delivery.

We are not heading toward a new era. We are already in it.

AI agents are being embedded in assurance processes. Language models are supporting scheduling and risk analytics. Data pipelines are beginning to replace manual reporting. Project teams are augmenting their workflows with tools that didn’t exist 18 months ago.

But here’s the challenge: the pace of technological change is now far outstripping the pace of professional and organisational adaptation.

The window is closing

The recent UK Government paper, Data Analytics and AI in Government Project Delivery, was initiated in June 2023. That’s just two years ago yet it feels like a different era.

In those two years, we’ve seen a leap in capability. AI tools have moved from lab experiments to operational pilots. Models are more powerful. Interfaces are more accessible. Solutions that once took months to configure can now be built in days.

The intent behind the paper is clear. It rightly highlights the potential for AI and data analytics to transform project delivery. But recognising the opportunity is only the first step. We now need to turn ambition into implementation.

This is not a criticism. Government has an essential role to play as a catalyst. It can unlock access to data, create safe spaces for innovation, and build shared infrastructure that others can build upon.

But it cannot do it alone. Imagine what we can do if we collaborate at scale. 

Top-down will never be fast enough

We cannot rely solely on central strategies or policy-led initiatives. The scale of change we are facing demands a more open, distributed and community-driven approach.

If we are to close the gap between what is possible and what is practiced, we need to focus on enablement. That includes:

No single entity can do this alone. The complexity is too great. The pace is too fast. The resources are too scattered.

A new model for change: community-led delivery transformation

We need to stop duplicating effort and start collaborating at scale.

That’s the model being pioneered through the Project Data Analytics (PDA) Coalition. It’s not theoretical. It’s practical and focused. Organisations including Rolls-Royce, EDF, United Utilities, Ministry of Defence, Thales, Environment Agency, Hitachi Rail, Projecting Success and many others are already working together. Not just in principle, but in real-world projects.

We are building product groups to reimagine entire functional disciplines. Running hackathons. Sharing insights. Developing open-source solutions. Connecting apprenticeships to drive coherent product pipelines. And learning together as a profession.

It’s not about cutting-edge for the sake of it. It’s about improving outcomes... more confidence in delivery, earlier warning signals, smarter assurance, better return on investment.

Why it matters now

If we continue to approach transformation as a series of isolated pilots, we will fall further behind. Other industries are already accelerating. The tools are here. The ideas are proven. The barrier is not technology. It is coordination.

We need government to enable. Industry to engage. Academia to contribute. And delivery teams to take action.

A call to action

Let’s not allow the gentle singularity to pass us by. Let’s shape it together.

We need:

The singularity in project delivery is already underway. The only question is whether we will shape the change or be shaped by it.

Now is the moment to act. Let’s move with purpose. Together.

Background: From Sociology with Criminology to Data Analytics 

My academic journey began at the University of York, where I studied Sociology and Criminology but my curiosity soon led me to the world of data and coding. During lockdown, I dove into online courses, eventually completing a coding bootcamp that opened the door to a career in tech. 
I started as a Technical Consultant at a fintech company, where I discovered my passion for everything data analytics. But another love persisted: teaching. After leading online bootcamps, I combined these interests and transitioned into my current role as a Data Analyst Tutor, helping others unlock their potential in this fast-growing field. 

Current Role: Empowering the Next Generation of Data Analysts 

Today, I guide students through the Level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship, teaching sessions and supporting them as they navigate the world of data. But beyond the classroom, I noticed a gap: tech remains a male-dominated space. That realisation sparked Project Womxn a platform to amplify women’s voices in project controls and data, showcasing their skills and fostering community. 

Hobbies: Teaching, Crochet, and Food Adventures

When I’m not teaching data analytics, you’ll likely find me: 
• Tutoring GCSE/A-Level students or teaching children at Sunday school at my local church. 
• Rewatching The Office or Gilmore Girls (for the 100th time!) while learning to crochet. 
• Exploring London’s food scene and sharing my finds on Instagram. 
My passion for mentorship extends further: as a STEM Ambassador, I visit schools to inspire students especially young women to pursue tech careers. I also volunteer with Next Tech Girls as a Role Model, encouraging sixth formers to embrace data and AI with confidence. 

The Heart of It All: Project Womxn

All these experiences fuelled Project:Womxn, an initiative close to my heart. It’s more than a platform—it’s a movement to empower women in tech, challenge stereotypes, and create a space where their contributions shine. Whether through teaching, advocacy, or community building, my goal is the same: to make tech more inclusive, one step at a time.

If you're passionate about creating change in data, tech, or project delivery—and want to be part of shaping what comes next—we’d love to hear from you.

Join the Project:Womxn steering group and help us build a stronger, more inclusive future.

📩 To get involved, contact Zoe

Microsoft Copilot’s New Capabilities: Breakthrough or Hype for Project Delivery?

Microsoft is set to roll out the next wave of Copilot updates in mid to late May, and the expectations are sky-high:

But will these upgrades transform the way we manage projects—or are we facing another round of enterprise AI overpromising and underdelivering?

For those just starting with Project Data Analytics (PDA), this could be the breakthrough moment. But for others, entrenched in complex delivery environments, there are tough questions to answer.

What’s Coming — and Why It Matters

Reasoning Models: From Output to Outcomes

We’re not just talking about generating text anymore. These new models could enable structured, context-aware problem solving—bringing us closer to automating key elements of assurance and delivery.

I’ve tested these capabilities in ChatGPT and Gemini, and the early signs are promising.

Persistent Memory: Beyond the Shallow Chat

The days of disconnected prompts could be behind us. Persistent memory has the potential to support longer, more contextualised workflows—vital for navigating project complexity.

Notebooks for Project Intelligence

Microsoft’s move into Notebook functionality echoes Google’s NotebookLM. If done right, it could help bring together fragmented project data, turning raw information into a reasoning-ready workspace.

Analyst & Researcher Agents: Smarter Support for Messy Data

AI agents that can cut across systems to extract insight? That’s the dream. But we’ve been here before. Can they really deliver value across siloed data, or will organisational boundaries kill the potential?

But Let’s Talk About the Risks

Data Silos and Politics: Will these agents survive cross-functional barriers?

Model Context Limitations: Will reasoning models actually perform in real-world delivery scenarios—or collapse under complexity?

Security Constraints vs. Memory Use: Persistent memory sounds powerful, but how secure is it in reality?

Readiness of Organisations: Let’s be honest—can most teams even operationalise this without solid data governance?

Where I Stand Now

Personally, I still use both platforms:

Yes, Microsoft is behind on raw functionality. But the audit capabilities and enterprise-grade oversight matter in high-stakes delivery environments.

One major blocker for me has been Copilot’s small context windows. If Microsoft has genuinely fixed this, it could be a game changer.

There’s a trade-off here:

Strategic, Not Experimental

Copilot is no longer just a side experiment. It’s shaping up to be a strategic AI capability for project delivery, combining orchestrated agents, structured memory, and integrated tools.

But we need to stay grounded.

This won’t work for everyone—not without strong data foundations and change-ready teams.

What About You?

Are you still experimenting with Copilot and generative AI, or have you already gone all in?
What’s working—and where are you hitting walls?

👉 Follow us on LinkedIn to share your thoughts, keep up with the latest insights, and join the conversation on shaping the future of project delivery with data and AI.

More Than Just a Prototype—A Winning Vision

Project:Hack 24 wasn’t just another hackathon. For Team 4C, it was a chance to prove what’s possible in just 48 hours—with the right challenge, the right people, and the right energy.

Taking on a complex brief from the Ministry of Defence and Major Projects Association, the team asked a bold question:

Can AI improve bid quality before submission?

Their answer? Assura—a smart, scalable AI Red Team assistant designed to transform how bids are reviewed. That answer didn’t just impress the judges—it won them the top prize.

But what made this project really special was the people behind it—one member of the team being Laura, an apprentice and project manager in the Civil Service, whose reflections capture the spirit of what it means to win a hackathon.

Laura’s Story: Winning, Learning, and Leading

“Hi, I’m Laura, a project manager in the Civil Service and an apprentice since March 2024. Hack 24 was my second hackathon with Projecting Success, and I can safely say it was just as exciting as my first!”

Laura chose the Assurance challenge because it felt like more than just a technical exercise—it was a real-world problem with big implications across procurement, project delivery, and supplier-client collaboration.

“There were 8 of us on the team, which is a little unusual—but I honestly think that worked to our advantage. We were able to dive quickly into product decomposition, take time to understand the root causes, and assign tasks effectively.”

That strategic coordination led to something remarkable: a functioning prototype in under 48 hours that wowed judges, challenge sponsors, and peers alike.

“I’m still blown away by what we achieved in two days. To win as well? That felt like the icing on the cake. Knowing the judges saw real potential in our work—and how it could be applied in real businesses—was so rewarding.”

And the win didn’t just end on the day.

“It’s opened doors to new opportunities. I’ve spoken with senior leaders, joined working groups, and had the chance to show how apprenticeship learning can drive real impact. It’s given me so much confidence—and I can’t wait for the next hackathon in June!”

What Did Team 4C Build? Introducing Assura

Team 4C’s winning solution, Assura, is an AI-powered bid review tool that simulates the value of Red Team Reviews—providing instant, tailored feedback to strengthen bids before submission.

Core Features of Assura:

Assura isn’t just about speed. It’s about building trust and quality into the bidding process—something every supplier, project team, and evaluator can benefit from.

Behind the Build: What Made the Win Possible

Creating Assura in 48 hours wasn’t easy. Team 4C had to overcome:

The team’s ability to break down a complex brief, rapidly prototype, and deliver a solution with both immediate and long-term value is what set them apart—and ultimately secured the win.

Ready to Take Part in the Next Hackathon?

Whether you're new to data or a seasoned innovator, Project:Hack is your chance to build something real, meet incredible people, and apply your skills to meaningful challenges.

Join us at Project:Hack 25 this June
Collaborate, learn, and innovate over 48 hours
Build solutions that could change the future of project delivery

Spots fill quickly—don’t miss your chance.
Register your interest now

A couple of weeks ago, we had the privilege of hosting Andy Murray, Executive Director of the Major Projects Association, for a Projecting Success Lunch & Learn.

It was one of those rare sessions that hit on multiple levels—practical, strategic, and motivational. Here’s a reflection on the key takeaways and why this session resonated so strongly, especially with our apprentices.

“If you’re not using data, you’re winging it.”

That one line from Andy summed it up perfectly.

Whether you’re managing billion-pound portfolios or developing apprenticeship projects, the message is clear: data isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have.

Andy walked us through his journey—from engineering transatlantic fibre optic cables to revamping project methodologies at Transport for London. Across every story, the same truth emerged:

Data drives impact, but only if we choose to use it properly and actively challenge assumptions.

From “We” to “I”

One of the session’s most resonant moments came when Andy challenged us to rethink how we express personal impact.

As project professionals, we’re often conditioned to speak in team-centric language:
“We delivered this,” “Our team achieved that.”
But when it comes to personal and professional development—especially in apprenticeships—it’s crucial to embrace the “I.”

Andy shared his experience during his Chartered Director assessment, where he had to speak exclusively about his individual contributions. That mindset shift may feel uncomfortable, but it’s a powerful step forward for any career.

The Power of 1

Andy introduced a compelling idea we’ve already begun embedding in learner conversations: The Power of 1.

“If you can save 1 unit of time, reduce 1 unit of waste, or generate 1 unit of extra benefit—what would that be worth?”

Multiply that by a department, organisation, or portfolio, and you have a compelling business case.

For apprentices, it’s a crystal-clear lens for evaluating project choices, measuring value, and engaging stakeholders.
Next time you're presenting outcomes, try asking: “What’s 1% improvement worth to you?”

From Perceived Value to Measurable ROI

Andy also highlighted the importance of tracking perceived impact—not just hard ROI.

Tools like Net Promoter Scores, stakeholder feedback, and pulse surveys can be just as insightful. Small, consistent actions—like weekly check-ins or refining how insights are shared—can drive long-term value more effectively than complex reports.

Moving Forward: Action, Not Admiration

So, what next?

We’re incredibly grateful to Andy Murray for his time, insight, and generosity.
And yes—the singing stand-in joke has officially entered team folklore.

Did you miss the session?

Watch Here:

Data analytics is revolutionising project governance by enabling better decision-making, real-time performance tracking, and risk mitigation. Organizations that integrate data-driven insights into their project management processes gain a competitive advantage in efficiency and success. Here’s how data analytics can enhance project governance.

1. The Role of Data in Strategic Decision-Making

Effective project governance relies on informed decision-making. By leveraging data analytics, organisations can:

By using historical and real-time data, project managers can adjust strategies dynamically, ensuring better alignment with business objectives.

2. Tracking KPIs and Performance with Real-Time Dashboards

One of the most powerful applications of data analytics in project governance is real-time dashboarding. These tools help project teams and stakeholders:

With tools like Power BI, Tableau, and Google Data Studio, organizations can create interactive dashboards that enhance visibility and transparency in project governance.

3. Reducing Project Risks Through Better Insights

Risk management is a critical component of project governance, and data analytics helps mitigate uncertainties by:

By continuously analysing data, project managers can develop contingency plans and improve resilience against unforeseen setbacks.

4. Ensuring Data-Driven Accountability

Clear accountability is key to successful project governance. Data analytics supports this by:

With data-driven transparency, teams stay aligned with project goals and can make necessary adjustments in real time.

5. Investing in Data Analytics Training for Project Professionals

To fully leverage the power of data analytics in project governance, professionals need the right skills. Our Level 4 Data Analyst course equips project managers and teams with:

Enhance your project governance with data analytics. Learn more about our Level 4 Data Analyst course here:


Final Thoughts

Integrating data analytics into project governance isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of efficient and successful project delivery. By using real-time dashboards, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making, organisations can achieve greater control, transparency, and performance in their projects. Now is the time to embrace data analytics and take your project governance to the next level.

Enquire now

Projecting Success aren’t just working on data driven project delivery, we are taking a pivotal role in shaping and creating this future. If you’d like to speak to one of our experts on the subject then please register below, or drop us an email to enquiries@projectingsuccess.co.uk