Welcome
to the Data Academy!
You are part of something special
As part of our vision to become the best Pet Care Business in the world, our goal is to use Data to better serve our customers and drive strategic decision making and automation.
Our Data Academy enables us to invest in our people, raising data literacy across all departments and helping to achieve our vision.
Data literacy improves decision-making, time efficiency, innovation and productivity, as well as equipping you and your team to identify problems, communicate them effectively and learn from these experiences.
Working with Cambridge Spark, you will increase your knowledge and understanding of data and will get the opportunity to make a real difference.
The Data Academy's impact so far
"Data analysis is a critical aspect of my role as a Product Owner because it enables me to make well-informed decisions about the direction and development of my product. By analysing data on customer behaviour, market trends, and system performance, I am able to identify opportunities and optimize the product roadmap to meet the needs of our target audience. Additionally, using data analysis to track the performance of product development allows me to learn from iterations, ensure that feature releases align with customer demands and business objectives, and continuously improve the product.
The apprenticeship program has significantly enhanced my skills in data analysis and reduced my reliance on external teams. For instance, I worked on a project aimed at increasing store-fulfilled home delivery orders. It was identified that we were not fulfilling as many delivery orders from stores as we had forecast was possible. To resolve this issue, I outlined the data requirements to be captured, implemented data capture, analysed the data, and identified areas for improvement. This project helped me discover four issues with the system and processes that would not have been identified without data analysis. After implementing resolutions, the number of orders from stores increased from 15,000 to 17,500 per week"
- Adam Hunt, Lead Product Owner
...the possibilities are endless!
What support is available to me?
You will be able to access the following means of support internally while on programme:
- Data Academy Community Teams Channel (link) – This channel is for all on-programme learners to interact with each other and ask any questions in the first instance. We have two PCAG colleagues available on this channel specifically to support, as well as other cohorts who can share knowledge.
- Data Community Teams Channel (link) – Phil Armstrong welcomes all Data Academy Colleagues to request access to join this channel. Here colleagues across our Data Community are available to support with any questions that the Data Academy Community were not able to help with. This channel also includes pages of helpful information.
- Wednesday 3.30pm drop in session, apprentices can drop in, ask a question and be directed to the correct call being held by the PCAG team. You will receive an invite to this call from the Future Talent Team.
Cambridge Spark offer a double support method, where you will have access to a professional coach as well as subject tutor. We do encourage you to reach out to your coach to see what additional support is available.
You can also reach out to the Future Talent team at apprenticeships@vets4pets.com who can support with your learner needs and any training provider issues
What software do I need access to?
- Microsoft Teams
- A suitable computer with enough RAM and space Memory (GB) to run Microsoft Office Suite
- You will need a large screen during workshops, or if using a laptop a second screen is highly recommended
- Power BI or Tableau
- Archive Files
Full details on software, RAM requirements and download guide here.
Access requests to be raised on HEAT. Installation is preferable in the office, but can be done remotely.
- A suitable computer with enough RAM (16GB or more)
- You will need a large screen during workshops, or if using a laptop a second screen is highly recommended
- Archive Files
- Anaconda Python 3.x
- Power BI / Tableau
- Additional Software and Tools detailed page 50 of Cambridge Spark's IT requirements guide (download below)
- Data Engineer only - GIT
Full details on software, RAM requirements and download guide here.
Access requests to be raised on HEAT. Installation is preferable in the office, but can be done remotely.
Cambridge Spark primarily use Python within this apprenticeship, and Pets at Home data is usually SQL based. If you haven't used SQL before, you may be interested in this free course available online.
- A suitable computer with enough RAM (16GB or more)
- You will need a large screen during workshops, or if using a laptop a second screen is highly recommended
- Archive Files
- Microsoft Office
- Process mapping tools e.g. Microsoft Visio
- Miro
- Access to video sharing platforms e.g. YouTube and TedTalks
Full details on software, RAM requirements and download guide here.
Access requests to be raised on HEAT. Installation is preferable in the office, but can be done remotely.
- A suitable computer with enough RAM (16GB or more)
- You will need a large screen during workshops, or if using a laptop a second screen is highly recommended
- Archive Files
- Anaconda Python 3.x
- Microsoft VS Code & Git
- Additional Software and Tools detailed page 86 of Cambridge Spark's IT requirements guide (download below)
Full details on software, RAM requirements and download guide here.
Access requests to be raised on HEAT. Installation is preferable in the office, but can be done remotely.
What can I expect?
Off-the-job training is learning that takes place outside of the normal day-to-day duties which supports the achievement of the apprenticeship.
The Education and Skills Funding Agency have stated all apprentices are required to complete at least 6 hours of their paid, contracted, working hours on off-the-job training (or 20% for those who started their apprenticeship prior to 1 Aug 2022).
You and your line manager must ensure that you get time in your working week to focus on off-the-job time. Failure to log your off-the-job time will impact your ability to complete your apprenticeship.
Cambridge Spark will provide training on what is and isn't classed as off-the-job time and you can find out more in the off-the-job section of our Apprenticeships Guide, page 5.
Your line manager will be required to meet virtually with Cambridge Spark on a regular basis to keep up-to-date on your learning and provide any support needed.
By undertaking a Data Academy apprenticeship, the business has invested up to £20,000 to support you with this learning, as well as 6 hours a week to focus on off-the-job time.
As an apprentice you are expected to stay on track of your learning, complete your End Point Assessment and achieve your apprenticeship in full.
Failure to complete an apprenticeship can be considered an ability and conduct issue and will affect your eligibility to an apprenticeship with the business in the future.
We encourage you to use all the support available and contact the Future Talent team should you struggle at any point to meet the expected standards of your apprenticeship.
Future Talent Team - apprenticeships@vets4pets.com
As well as the regular updates between Cambridge Spark and your line manager, the Future Talent team also receive monthly reports on your progress.
Here we will identify if additional support is required (for example more off-the-job time or help with exams) and will reach out to you and/or your line manager as appropriate.
We will also share with your line manager if you have been identified as a high performer!
You will be required to complete a work-based project in order to pass your End Point Assessment (EPA) and achieve your apprenticeship.
We encourage you to identify a work based project with your line manager that will have a positive impact to your team and showcase your new abilities.
Your Future Talent team contact
Donna Regueira
