Boost your data science and visualisation skills

The Data Science and Data Visualisation Accelerator mentoring programmes are open for application from Monday 13 June to Thursday 7 July 2022. The programmes are open to all UK government and public sector staff currently in analytical roles, with an interest in developing data science and data visualisation skills.

You will work on a data science or data visualisation project of your choosing for one day a week over a 12-week period. You will be supported by an experienced mentor, and have the opportunity to experiment with different data science techniques, visualisation techniques and open-source software.

You can find more information about the Accelerator with instructions for applying on GOV.UK.

Become a mentor

Data science mentors provide advice and guidance to help colleagues develop technical skills while working on an analytical project. Being a mentor could also provide opportunities your current role may not, such as demonstrating and developing skills like coaching, communication and leadership.

If you would like to share your data science skills and knowledge, and learn while helping others grow, there is a range of mentoring opportunities available. This includes opportunities to get involved with the Data Science and Data Visualisation Accelerator programmes, as well as international mentoring programmes.

You can find out more about the programmes available and how to get involved by attending our data science mentoring clinic. The clinic will take place at 2pm on Friday 1 July 2022. This will be an opportunity to put your questions to a panel of experienced data science mentors. If you are unable to attend the clinic, but are still interested in opportunities to become a mentor, please email the team at Data.Science.Accelerator@ons.gov.uk.

Help us with sifting applications

We are currently seeking additional sifters to help us review applications for the accelerator programme.

Applicants for the programme submit a project proposal detailing their project’s aims, approach, and outputs. These proposals are then reviewed and scored by sifters, with the highest scoring applicants securing a place on the programme. Sifters should be experienced in data science and have capacity to sift a batch of applications between Tuesday 12 July and Tuesday 26 July 2022.

Sifters would also need to be available on Monday 1 August from 1pm to 4pm for the sift panel discussion.

A full briefing will be given to first-time sifters.

If you are interested in becoming a sifter, please email Data.Science.Accelerator@ons.gov.uk.