The Developer Academy has been commended by Ofsted for its approach to preparing learners for work, following a New Provider Monitoring Visit earlier this year. These positive results came shortly after the training provider announced it had pulled important funding into the region, designed to improve data science skills in manufacturing.

The Developer Academy will deliver ‘Data Science for Industry’ training bootcamps from May, after a successful bid from a Department for Education (DfE) funding round was confirmed in January.

These bootcamps are designed for employees of manufacturers to develop hands-on Data Science skills for use in their day-to-day roles. The funding means that 90% of the course costs are covered by DfE, hopefully making them an accessible option for smaller, ambitious manufacturers.

“Our data science bootcamps serve as a catalyst for manufacturing businesses seeking to transform their operations,” said Ben Atha, Founder and CEO of The Developer Academy.

”By enabling employees to analyse data effectively, and derive actionable insights, we empower them to optimise processes. Identifying cost-saving opportunities, streamlining supply chains, and making better-informed decisions for their employers. The potential impact on manufacturing businesses is tremendous.”

Sheffield’s ‘high-quality employability programme’

On the back of this good news, The Developer Academy shared feedback from its recent Ofsted Report which revealed two ‘significant’ and one ‘reasonable’ progress scores.

The report emphasises the high quality of education and skilfully designed curricula developed in partnership with employers. It identifies the embedded “high-quality employability programme”, and leaders that are “very responsive to the rapidly changing needs of the sector”.

Inspectors praised the provider for instructors who provide “consistently high-quality teaching” and “swift and effective support” allowing learners to progress swiftly, with the majority of students going on to secure employment.

Neil Bizzell, Director of Education said: “This feedback from Ofsted recognises our high quality, industry focussed technical education. It highlights our learner centred approach and the value of our embedded careers support in helping our students find work. It is a testament to the hard work and expertise of our team of instructors and support staff’.”

Inspections of Skills Bootcamps began last April after a thematic survey by Ofsted highlighted weaknesses in some areas of existing provision.

Ben added: “The feedback in our report is fantastic to read. We’re a learner focused provider. Our focus has always been on getting learners into jobs they love. To be recognised for the quality experience we’re building, helps us to keep driving this industry forward.”

The Developer Academy offers full-time Skills Bootcamps for key digital skills with a focus on securing employment for students. It is currently offering courses in Data Science, Software Development and Games Development. Visit the website for more information: thedeveloperacademy.com/

To find out more about the new Data Science bootcamps for manufacturers, go to: thedeveloperacademy.com/data-science-for-industry/