"Artificial Intelligence will have a more profound impact on Humanity than fire, electricity and the internet" Sundar Pichai, CEO Alphabet Inc. 

It feels almost like yesterday that our world became “data driven”. And no sooner have (some people) caught up with this, the world has changed again with the next BIG thing: AI.  

AI data specialists are at the forefront of this technological innovation- they're ahead of the curve and leaving most of us trailing in their wake.  

The AI data Specialist is playing a crucial role in transforming vast amounts of data into actionable insights that the rest of us can benefit from.  

With organisations across various industries recognising the value of data, the demand for AI data specialists is skyrocketing and demand is likely to outstrip supply for a long time to come.  So in this blog post I explore some of the career opportunities available for AI data specialists and what you can expect in this exciting and dynamic field. 

The Role of an AI Data Specialist 

AI data specialists are professionals who collect, manage, and analyse large datasets to support AI and machine learning (ML) initiatives. Their expertise lies in ensuring that data is accurate, clean, and ready for use in training AI models. Key responsibilities include: 

Career Pathways 

AI data specialists have a variety of career pathways to choose from, each with its unique opportunities and challenges. Some of the prominent roles include: 

1. Data Analyst 

Data analysts focus on interpreting data to help organizations make informed decisions. They use statistical techniques and software to analyse datasets, identify trends, and generate reports. 

2. Data Engineer 

Data engineers design and maintain the infrastructure required for data generation, storage, and processing. They ensure that data pipelines are robust, scalable, and efficient. 

3. Machine Learning Engineer 

Machine learning engineers build and deploy machine learning models. They work closely with data scientists to turn raw data into actionable insights through model training and optimisation. 

4. Data Scientist 

Data scientists combine their expertise in statistics, programming, and domain knowledge to extract actionable insights from data. They develop predictive models and algorithms to solve complex business problems. 

5. AI Research Scientist 

AI research scientists work on advancing the field of AI through research and development. They explore new algorithms, methodologies, and applications of AI to push the boundaries of what is possible. 

Industries Hiring AI Data Specialists 

AI data specialists are in demand across a wide range of industries. Some of the sectors actively hiring include: 

Future Outlook 

The future for AI data specialists looks promising, with continued growth expected in the coming years. As AI technology advances and more organisations recognise the value of data-driven decision-making, the demand for skilled data specialists will only increase. 

Key Trends to Watch 

Conclusion 

A career as an AI data specialist not only future-proofs your career but offers diverse opportunities and the chance to work on exciting and innovative projects that shape the future of the world in which we live in.  

With the right skills and a passion for data, you can be at the forefront of this amazing field and make a significant impact across various industries. Whether you're just starting or looking to advance your career, the path of an AI data specialist promises growth, challenges, and the satisfaction of contributing to groundbreaking advancements in AI. 

To find out how you could advance your career in AI, contact us about our Level 7 AI Data Specialist Apprenticeship at enquiries@projectingsuccess.co.uk

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science are transforming industries, creating new opportunities for innovation and efficiency. As these fields continue to evolve, the demand for skilled AI data specialists is growing rapidly. Whether you're looking to enhance your current skill set or pivot into a new career, the AI Data Specialist Course offers comprehensive training to equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge. Here are the top 10 skills you will learn in this course:

1. Data Analysis and Interpretation

In this course, you'll learn how to analyse and interpret complex data sets. You'll gain the ability to extract meaningful insights that can inform decision-making and drive business strategies. This skill is fundamental in understanding patterns, trends, and anomalies within data.

2. Machine Learning Algorithms

A significant portion of the course is dedicated to machine learning. You'll learn to implement and optimise various machine learning algorithms for predictive modeling and data analysis. This includes both supervised and unsupervised learning techniques, empowering you to handle a wide range of data problems.

3. Data Preprocessing Techniques

Before data can be analysed or used in machine learning models, it often needs to be preprocessed. This course will teach you essential techniques for cleaning, transforming, and preparing data. Effective preprocessing is crucial for improving the accuracy and performance of your models.

4. Programming Skills

Programming is at the heart of data science and AI. You'll develop strong programming skills in languages commonly used in these fields, such as Python and R. These languages are versatile and widely adopted, making them valuable tools in your AI and data science toolkit.

5. Statistical Methods

Understanding and applying statistical methods is key to analyzing data and validating models. The course covers a range of statistical techniques that are essential for hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and more. These methods help ensure that your conclusions are based on sound data analysis.

6. Data Visualisation

Communicating your findings effectively is just as important as the analysis itself. You'll learn to create compelling data visualizations that convey insights clearly and persuasively. Mastering tools like Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Tableau will enable you to present data in a way that is easily understood by stakeholders.

7. Effective Storytelling with Data

In addition to visualization techniques, you'll master the art of storytelling with data. This involves structuring your presentations to highlight key insights and narratives, making data more relatable and impactful. You'll learn to craft stories that resonate with your audience, using data to support your message and drive home the importance of your findings. This skill is essential for influencing decisions and driving strategic initiatives based on your analyses.

8. Deep Learning

Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that focuses on neural networks. You'll gain knowledge in deep learning techniques and learn to use frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch. This skill is particularly valuable for tasks such as image and speech recognition, natural language processing, and more.

9. AI Ethics and Governance

As AI becomes more integrated into society, understanding the ethical considerations and governance issues is crucial. The course covers topics such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and ethical AI practices. You'll learn to navigate the complex landscape of AI ethics and ensure your work aligns with responsible standards.

10. Project Management

Successful AI and data projects require effective project management. You'll develop skills in planning, executing, and delivering AI projects. This includes understanding project lifecycles, managing resources, and ensuring that projects meet their objectives and deadlines.

Conclusion

The AI Data Specialist Course is designed to provide you with a robust and comprehensive education in AI and data science. By mastering these top 10 skills, you'll be well-prepared to tackle complex data challenges and contribute to the growing field of AI. Whether you're aiming to advance in your current role or transition to a new career, this course offers the expertise you need to succeed.

Embark on your journey to becoming an AI data specialist and unlock new opportunities in the world of data and technology, get in touch with us now!

Introduction

In the evolving landscape of project management, the integration of data automation and advanced analytics is becoming indispensable. Jane, a Project Manager from the Ministry of Defence, shares her journey as an apprentice, highlighting the transformative impact of these technologies on her role and the broader Project Management Office (PMO).

The Power of Data Automation

Jane's experience underscores the significant shift from manual data handling to automated processes. She explains, "I have the skills now to develop dashboards that present information and automatically pull data feeds and updates." This transition from manually creating slide packs to automated data presentation has resulted in substantial time savings and increased efficiency. The ability to instantly update and present data has eliminated the repetitive and time-consuming manual processes, allowing for more strategic and analytical tasks.

Learning and Development in the Apprenticeship

Jane's initial hesitation about the apprenticeship quickly gave way to enthusiasm as she delved into the learning process. "It's something I was quite hesitant to do at first," she admits, "but I have enjoyed every second of my learning on the apprenticeship." The structured approach, starting from the basics and building up to more complex concepts, has made the learning journey accessible and rewarding. Jane finds herself astonished by the skills and knowledge she has acquired, which she initially found confusing.

Building Networks and Facing Challenges

The apprenticeship has also provided Jane with valuable networking opportunities. Through events like hackathons, she has connected with like-minded professionals and stretched her abilities to meet challenging scenarios. She emphasizes the realistic and doable nature of these challenges, contributing to her growth and confidence in her role.

Recommending the Apprenticeship

Jane is a strong advocate for the project and success apprenticeship. She highlights the fantastic tutors, engaging content, and the importance of the skills developed for project and programme professionals. "It's a fantastic challenge," she says, "and I think it's really important for project and programme professionals to have these skills."

Conclusion

Jane's journey through the apprenticeship illustrates the profound impact of integrating data automation and advanced analytics into project management. The skills and networks she has developed are not only enhancing her current role but also preparing her for future challenges. This case study is a testament to the transformative potential of next-generation PMOs and the critical role of continuous learning and development in navigating this evolving landscape.

Call to action

To explore how data automation and advanced analytics can revolutionise your project management practices, get in touch with us at enquiries@projectingsuccess.co.uk

In today's rapidly evolving job market, staying ahead of the curve means continuously enhancing your skills and knowledge. For those looking to specialise in advanced fields like artificial intelligence (AI), a Level 7 Apprenticeship offers a unique and valuable pathway. But what exactly is a Level 7 Apprenticeship, and why should you consider enrolling in one? Let’s dive into the details. 

Understanding the Level 7 Apprenticeship 

A Level 7 Apprenticeship is a prestigious program equivalent to studying a master’s degree. It is designed to provide a high level of training and education in a specific field, combining practical work experience with academic learning. This type of apprenticeship is particularly beneficial for those who want to gain in-depth knowledge and advanced skills without the traditional full-time study route. 

The benefits of a level 7 apprenticeship

 

comparing to traditional education paths

While traditional master’s degree programs offer valuable academic knowledge, they often lack the practical experience component that is crucial in many industries. Level 7 Apprenticeships bridge this gap by integrating academic learning with on-the-job training. This holistic approach ensures that you not only understand the theory but also know how to apply it effectively. 

why you should consider a level 7 apprenticeship

Artificial intelligence is one of the most dynamic and impactful fields today. A Level 7 AI Specialist Apprenticeship equips you with the advanced skills needed to excel in this cutting-edge area. You’ll learn from industry experts, work on real AI projects, and gain insights that can propel your career to new heights. 

By enrolling in this apprenticeship, you’re not just learning AI; you’re preparing to shape the future of technology. The practical experience, combined with the depth of knowledge provided, ensures that you are ready to meet the challenges and opportunities in the AI landscape. 

get involved

If you’re looking to advance your career and specialise in AI, consider joining our Level 7 AI Specialist Apprenticeship program. It’s a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, gain valuable industry experience, and achieve a qualification equivalent to a master’s degree. 

Stay tuned for more information, and don't miss the chance to be part of this transformative journey. For those interested, please reach out, and let’s discuss how this program can help you achieve your career goals. 

The Labour Party's Skills Manifesto introduces several significant changes aimed at transforming the further education sector. These changes are poised to have a substantial impact on businesses operating within this sphere. This blog post provides a strategic overview of these key changes, their potential benefits and challenges, and the implications for businesses. 

Transformation of the Apprenticeship Levy 

Growth and Skills Levy: 

Labour plans to convert the existing Apprenticeship Levy into a Growth and Skills Levy. This new levy will allow businesses to allocate up to 50% of their levy contributions to non-apprenticeship training, such as modular courses and functional skills courses. The objective is to address key skills gaps and prepare the workforce for future challenges. 

Pros and Cons: 

The Growth and Skills Levy presents both opportunities and concerns. On the positive side, the ability to split funds can provide access to tailored, modular training that addresses specific skills gaps. However, there is concern that this shift could reduce the funds available for SMEs, which currently benefit from unused levy funds allocated by larger companies (Gifted Levy). Although Labour promises that non-levy payers will not see a reduction in funding, the potential reduction in quality of training is a significant concern. Maintaining high-quality training will require stringent quality control measures, adding further stress to an already struggling industry. 

Key Takeaway: 

While the Growth and Skills Levy offers flexibility in training allocation, businesses must be vigilant about maintaining the quality of training programs. The potential dilution of training quality counters past efforts to improve standards, necessitating robust quality control measures to ensure effective workforce development. 

Establishment of Skills England 

New Governing Body

Labour will create Skills England, a body designed to coordinate efforts between businesses, training providers, unions, and both regional and national governments. Skills England aims to ensure a highly trained workforce aligned with Labour's industrial strategy and the transition to a green economy. 

Pros and Cons

Enhanced coordination and alignment in the skills training sector could lead to a more skilled workforce. However, the challenges related to bureaucracy, implementation, and the risk of centralized control cannot be overlooked. The setup and operation of Skills England will incur administrative costs, potentially diverting resources from direct training initiatives. 

Key Takeaway: 

The establishment of Skills England may strain resources allocated to direct training programs, particularly in light of the Growth and Skills Levy allowing businesses to allocate up to 50% of their contributions to non-apprenticeship training. Businesses need to monitor this development closely to ensure that resource allocation and training quality are not compromised

Youth Guarantee 

Training and Employment Support

Labour has committed to a youth guarantee, ensuring that all 18- to 21-year-olds have access to training, an apprenticeship, or support to find work. This initiative aims to combat high levels of youth unemployment and NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) status. 

Pros and Cons

While the youth guarantee could have positive social and economic impacts, it requires careful implementation and sufficient resources to ensure its success and sustainability. Previous initiatives like the Youth Contract (2012-2015) and the Kickstart Scheme (2020-present) faced challenges such as insufficient employer engagement and complicated paperwork. 

Key Takeaway: 

For the youth guarantee to succeed, Labour must address the shortcomings of previous initiatives. Ensuring effective employer engagement, raising awareness among eligible youths, and simplifying the scheme's complexity are critical to its success. 

Integration of Further and Higher Education 

Comprehensive Strategy: 

Labour will develop a comprehensive strategy to better integrate further and higher education. This strategy aims to clarify the roles of different training providers, facilitate student mobility between institutions, and strengthen regulation to ensure high-quality teaching and learning. 

Pros and Cons

Better integration can align educational programs with labor market needs, ensuring that graduates possess the required skills and knowledge. However, allocating sufficient resources to support these changes without compromising other areas of education funding can be challenging. Additionally, there is a risk that integration could disproportionately benefit larger, more established institutions, marginalizing smaller providers and disadvantaging students. 

Key Takeaway: 

The integration of further and higher education is a commendable initiative, but it requires a considered approach to ensure fair implementation. Ensuring that all regions benefit equally from the integration and addressing potential inequalities in educational access and quality are crucial for its success. 

Strategic Recommendations for Businesses 

Business leaders should closely monitor these developments to strategically align their workforce planning and training investments with the new policies. Adapting to these changes will be crucial for leveraging the benefits of the reformed funding and skills development landscape. Key strategies include: 

By proactively adapting to Labour's Skills Manifesto, businesses can navigate the changing landscape effectively and ensure a well-trained, competitive workforce for the future. 

I'm Kathryn Jones, and I am Head of PMO at United Utilities, the water company for the North West. In this blog I want to share some insights from a recent webinar where I had the opportunity to talk about the Project Data Analytics (PDA) Coalition. United Utilities is a proud member of this coalition, and I'd like to walk you through why we joined, what we hope to achieve, and the exciting potential this collaboration holds for the future of project management.

What is the Project Data Analytics Coalition?

The PDA Coalition is a collective of industry-leading organisations that have come together to explore and leverage the power of data analytics in project management. The fundamental belief driving this coalition is that the challenges and opportunities presented by Project Data Analytics are too vast and complex for any single organisation to tackle alone. By pooling our resources, knowledge, and expertise, we aim to accelerate our progress and drive significant improvements in project delivery.

Why Did United Utilities join?

At United Utilities, we recognise that the developments in Project Data Analytics and AI are going to evolve the way projects are delivered in the future. We want to ensure our business is embracing this change, building the skills needed and realising the potential benefits, to help us successfully and more efficiently delivery our capital projects and programmes. The pace at which Project Data Analytics and AI are evolving means that no single organisation can have all the answers. By joining the Coalition, we benefit from shared knowledge, cross-sector insights, and a collective approach to problem-solving. This collaboration is not just about sharing ideas, but the practical application of project data analytics into our organisation and speeding up our journey and adoption of AI solutions and the necessary Project Data analytical skills our teams need.

Key Focus Areas

So where do we start?  As a coalition we have identified three key areas to explore, where we see real potential to unlock new opportunities. They are; risk management; assurance; and scheduling . By focusing on these specific topics, we aim to reimagine how they might work in the context of advanced data analytics. The goal is to develop tangible case studies and deployed examples that demonstrate the real-world benefits of these solutions. We're leveraging tools like project data analytics apprenticeships and hackathons to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to these challenges. 

The Approach: Lego Blocks

These collective efforts can be compared to building a new Lego model. Each organisation contributes a piece of the puzzle, and together, we assemble these Lego blocks to create comprehensive solutions. This collaborative approach allows us to move faster and more efficiently than if we were working in isolation.

Real-World Applications and Future Prospects

A critical aspect for us as a coalition is to ensure that we can demonstrate robust business cases for change on the ‘Lego block’ solutions. By demonstrating clear benefits of the new solutions, such as increased capacity and efficiency, we aim to build momentum within our organisations and across the industry. This is not just theory; we're applying these concepts to real-world problems, testing solutions, and scaling successful initiatives.

Encouragement to Get Involved

During the webinar, we emphasised the importance of active participation. This coalition is not a spectator sport; it requires energy, commitment, and a willingness to step into the unknown. It does require individual and collective effort. The pace at which each organisation within the coalition may be able to move will be subject to their own individual circumstances, some will be able to pioneer and reimagine quickly and see step changes in their approach, others may need to go through the change in a more gradual way, but embracing a collaborative approach as a coalition we will move faster.  For example one of the key principles of the coalition is that we open source our solutions that we develop through the coalition, apprenticeships and hacks so that each member can in turn adopt them, along with the business cases back into our own organisations. 

If this initiative interests you, we encourage you to get involved. Join our product groups, nominate team members for apprenticeships, and participate in hackathons. The more we contribute collectively, the more impactful our results will be.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the session, I urged everyone to revisit the webinar content and dive deeper into the materials provided. There's a wealth of information to absorb, and we are just at the beginning of this exciting journey. As we move forward, I am confident that our collaborative efforts will lead to significant advancements in project data analytics and transform how we deliver projects.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to checking in with all of you in the coming months to share our progress and continue this journey together. Let's harness the power of data analytics to reshape the future of project management!

Explore the future of Risk Management with our new book. Read how to mitigate the risk of your role being reimagined. Download our free E-Book today and let's transform the future of project delivery together.

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Get ready for an action-packed year ahead with our lineup of events designed to inspire, innovate, and connect within our vibrant data analytics community!

Rolls Royce, Derby: October 22-23 Dive deep into data analytics challenges and explore groundbreaking insights in the heart of innovation. Don't miss this opportunity to make a real impact alongside industry leaders.

Meetups and Webinars Throughout the Year Stay connected and engaged with our dynamic data analytics community through a range of meetups and webinars. From thought-provoking discussions to hands-on workshops, these events are essential for networking, learning, and staying at the forefront of the field.

Don't miss out on these incredible opportunities to learn, grow, and connect in 2024!

See you there!

In the fast-paced world of construction management, the ability to harness data-driven insights is paramount for driving efficiency and success. At Projecting Success, we are constantly exploring innovative technologies to empower portfolio managers with tools that optimise project performance. In this blog post, we delve into the realm of anomaly detection using PyOD, a powerful Python library, to identify potential outliers in construction project data. While our focus is on the construction sector, the principles discussed here are universally applicable across industries.

understanding

PyOD PyOD, short for Python Outlier Detection, is a versatile library designed to detect outliers in multivariate data (data where each entry has multiple variables). It offers a comprehensive suite of algorithms and techniques for outlier detection, ranging from traditional statistical methods to advanced machine learning approaches. By leveraging PyOD, portfolio managers can gain valuable insights into project performance and identify potential anomalies that may impact project timelines, budgets, or resource allocation.

Application in the construction sector

In the construction industry, portfolio managers face the challenge of managing multiple projects simultaneously, each with its unique set of variables and constraints. PyOD offers a powerful solution for identifying outliers in project performance based on high-level project data such as budget, duration, and work hours. By applying outlier detection techniques, portfolio managers can:

  1. Gain Insights into Project Performance: Analyse project data to identify outliers that deviate significantly from the norm, indicating potential issues or anomalies in project execution.
  2. Optimise Resource Allocation: Identify projects with outlier performance metrics and reallocate resources as needed to ensure optimal project outcomes and resource utilization.
  3. Enhance Decision-Making: Make informed decisions based on data-driven insights, leveraging PyOD to identify outliers and prioritise actions to mitigate risks and maximise project success.

Demo: Identifying Project Outliers

In our example we showed how PyOD can be applied to identify potential outliers in construction project data:

  1. Data Generation: Generate synthetic data representing high-level project variables such as budget, duration, and work hours.
  2. Building the Model: Utilise PyOD's KNN outlier detection model to build a robust outlier detection system.
  3. Applying the Model: Apply the trained model to the portfolio data to identify potential outliers based on project performance metrics.

conclusion

In conclusion, PyOD offers a powerful toolkit for portfolio managers in the construction sector to identify potential outliers in project performance data. By leveraging data-driven insights, portfolio managers can optimise resource allocation, mitigate risks, and drive project success. This blog post has highlighted just one use case for PyOD in the construction industry, showcasing its potential to revolutionize project management and drive efficiency and innovation.

Wow, the pace of AI development continues to amaze me. Now we have Llama 3 and if like us here at Projecting Success you have taken an open source first approach and built technology agnostic infrastructure, then you might be thinking of leveraging it.

This release features pretrained and instruction-fine-tuned language models with 8B and 70B parameters, making it capable of supporting a broad range of use cases and it demonstrates state-of-the-art performance on various industry benchmarks and offers new capabilities, including improved reasoning.

With its 8B and 70B parameter models, Llama 3 can predict outcomes based on historical data. It enables accurate forecasting and trend analysis, essential for data-driven decision-making.

Whether you’re a project manager, data scientist, or business analyst, integrating Llama 3 into your existing workflows can yield significant benefits for project delivery.

Benefits of Llama 3 Integration

Enhanced Decision-Making:

Increased Efficiency:

Scalability and Flexibility:

Improved Communication:
Predictive Modeling:

Cost Implications

Initial Investment:
Maintenance Costs:

Resource Allocation:

Training and Skill Development:

It’s obviously not the only game in town, but we will be finding out just how good it is by integrating Llama 3 into our project delivery workflows, and seeing how powerful its capabilities to drive efficiency and enhance decision-making really are! How much is it a catalyst for data-driven success above it’s rivals? Watch this space.

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