Data Analytics Program: Harnessing data to achieve professional goals

Toronto, 12 July 2021

The tremendous growth of data and the increasing need of organizations to utilize data to make better decisions as well as rapid web-connectivity, along with the ever-growing popularity of internet-enabled devices has resulted in the ascending demand for professionals with data analytical abilities. To bridge the current skills gap in data analytics, Skills for Change is building a Data Analytics program for newcomers, immigrants, and refugees. The program, funded by TD Bank Group and facilitated by Skills for Change, will be accessible through virtual classroom training and will provide an in-depth curriculum to support market-relevant certification in Data Analytics. Supported through the TD Ready Commitment, this program aims to create opportunities that will help mid-level career professionals reskill and upskill while creating viable career paths for the future.

Starting on July 19th, 2021, this 8-week program is uniquely designed to help participants build a range of skills to help them advance in their careers using a combination of hands-on training, instruction from data experts and mentoring programs, and potential employment opportunities.

“We are proud to support Skills for Change and the launch of their new Data Analytics Program,” says Naki Osutei, Associate Vice President, Social Impact (Canada), TD Bank Group. “Through the TD Ready Commitment, we aspire to create the conditions for Canadians, including newcomers, immigrants, and refugees, to succeed in an ever-changing world. With this unique program, together, we’re supporting participants in building new, relevant skills and transforming their careers amidst a continually evolving workforce.”

“We greatly appreciate TD’s support to bridge the gap in the job market by creating skilling opportunities in data analytics,” said Surranna Sandy, CEO, Skills for Change. “Skills for Change has always been at the forefront leading conversations to improve and create new opportunities for newcomers, immigrants, and refugees. We are looking forward to connecting with new talent and integrating them into the Canadian workforce through this new program.”

Why is Data Analytics important?

Data Analytics uses data insights to uncover the story behind information. By drawing correlations, visualizing hidden patterns, and presenting information in a comprehensible manner, data analytics helps organizations make informed and strategic decisions, understand the needs of their customers, and prepare intelligent solutions for tomorrow. The World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report 2018 revealed that in a rapidly changing labour market, data analysts and big data specialists roles are likely to be in an increasing demand through 2022 and beyond.

Data Analytics and predictive analysis play an important role in facilitating strategic decision-making, enhancing organizational performance and efficiency, and designing new products by understanding customers’ needs and improving relationships. Due to data-driven decision-making, the demand for data experts has seen a surge across different sectors such as finance, human resources, IT, product development, government departments, and research among others harnessing the power of big data. Many leading companies rely on data-driven decision-making creating a large-scale trend and demand for data analysts. The scale and scope of analytical abilities involved in the process of analyzing data requires in-depth knowledge and training in programming languages and visualization tools making it one of the most sought-after skills set.

There is a noticeable gap between the job opportunities in big data and talent supply. The Skills for Change Data Analytics program funded by TD Bank is an attempt to address this gap. This program is open to professionals looking to hone their data analytical skills and use data insights to help advance in their careers.

The program, led by expert practitioners, is designed as a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to build data analytics concepts and foundation, analytical tools and methods to interpret data, and solve problems using data insights and patterns.

Participants will also have access to the mentoring programs at Skills for Change where they will be matched with sector experts to guide them towards career development. At the close of the program, Skills for Change will organize networking sessions with TD to connect potential employers and participants.

For more information about the Data Analytics program, please visit the program webpage on the Skills for Change website here.

For over 38 years, Skills for Change has supported the integration and well-being of immigrants and refugees in Canada. For more information, please visit www.skillsforchange.org, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

For more information about the Data Analytics Program, please contact Vijay James, Project Manager at vjames@skillsforchange.org.