WPP launches data and AI learning programme for young people

As part of WPP’s commitment to build better futures for the communities in which it operates, The Creative Data School teaches essential technical skills to over 6,000 young people aged 10-25 across the UK. The learning programme, designed by the company’s data and AI team, aims to inspire young people and build their confidence in Data and AI, while equipping the next generation with the skills they will need for the workplace of the future.

Against a backdrop where fewer than half of UK employers believe young people are leaving full-time education with sufficient digital skills[i], The Creative Data School provides content covering four key areas of data and AI: coding with Python; applications of machine learning; the fundamentals of data and AI; and using statistics and data to inform decision-making. The sessions are delivered both in schools and online, in partnership with leading non-profit and educational organisations, including City Year UK, Step Now, Primary Engineer and MyTutor.

Di Mayze, Global Head of Data & AI at WPP says: “While we know that data and AI will power almost every industry of the future, there is a critical skills shortage in this sector in the UK. To help fill this gap, we want The Creative Data School to excite and inspire the next generation and help them understand that creativity and technology are not mutually exclusive, encouraging them to become the data and AI champions of the future.”

Dr Susan Scurlock MBE, Founder and CEO at Primary Engineer commented: "Primary Engineer are delighted to be working with WPP and their Creative Data School to bring our STATWARS Competition to schools across the UK. STATWARS enables young people to investigate, understand and present data as well as use it to inform their decision making. Working with WPP helps us connect real life industry professionals with teachers and schools, helping address the digital skills gap and work towards inspiring the next generation of data scientists."

Following the programme, eligible participants will be invited to apply for work experience and internships within the WPP network, opening pathways to careers in data and AI in the creative industry and beyond.

Read more about the future of the data and AI profession on WPP iQ