DMA Talent: Introducing Creative Data Laboratories supported by Sainsbury's

Creative Data 2018 returns this March with an even bigger programme that will enable over 250 aspiring marketers the opportunity to explore the data and marketing industry. Hosted by DMA Talent and sponsored by the DM Trust, Rapp, REaD Group, Data IQ and Global, the programme will provide invaluable learning opportunities for attendees through a variety of workshops, talks and networking sessions.

Excitingly, 2018 sees the introduction of 6 1-day labs workshops in various locations across the UK. These workshops will provide a collection of collaborative environments for 180 individuals (30 per session) that are designed to give an authentic taste of working on a data-related challenge. The labs will encourage students to share innovative ideas and forward-thinking solutions to real-life problems in a hackathon-style environment.

Sainsbury’s is supporting this year’s labs programme, with The Specialist Works and Outra pulling together the challenge for the sessions. Data experts from each business will also be on hand to provide insight, consultancy and advice to students on the day.

James Morgan, Head of Information Strategy and Management at Sainsbury’s and chair of the DMA Data council commented: “As an industry we are facing a potentially huge skills gap of people with the right analytical skills to grow our businesses. This programme is tackling this problem at a grass roots level. The laboratories are the perfect environment to challenge individuals in a real-world capacity and Sainsbury’s is delighted to support the first ever series of labs workshops.”

Kate Burnett, MD at DMA Talent, said: “We need to adapt to the growing digital age and ensure we have the right talent entering our industry to keep pace with this changing world. Creative Data was originally launched to open new routes to our industry to the data-skilled students the sector needs and its extension UK-wide this year is a sign of the programme’s success.”

Morgan continues: “Interest in the Creative Data programme has grown every year since its inception in 2013 and I’m really looking forward to seeing how these new, immersive environments will enable this talent to respond to the challenge presented. By giving participants a tangible insight into working with data and how, when used correctly, it can benefit both customers and businesses I anticipate some fantastic outcomes.”

Matt Housden, Chair of the DM Trust, said: “The DM Trust is particularly proud to support this vital initiative in bringing new talent and skills to the industry in an area where it needs it most. Our focus is on funding greater access where gaps exist to the benefit of individuals and the industry, so the Creative Data is a great match for our objectives.”

The full Creative Data programme will begin with the London laboratory in mid-March. For more information, please visit here.