Data apprentices put skills into practice at University Hackathon
As part of the University’s commitment to delivering on our Digital Strategic Plan – recently rebranded as Digital@Southampton – around 150 colleagues are currently undertaking data and AI apprenticeships. Data apprentices recently gained hands-on experience through a Data Hackathon – a one-day event where participants collaborate to solve real-world data challenges – designed to strengthen practical capability across our community.
The hackathon forms a key step in the learning journey for apprentices on programmes such as the Data Fellowship and Data & Insights for Business Decisions. Guided by tutors from Multiverse, 40 apprentices spent the day at 1 Guildhall Square tackling a real data challenge using a live, complex student admissions dataset involving nearly a million lines of data!
The event was designed not only to build technical confidence but also to deepen understanding of the role high-quality data plays in supporting education, research, and knowledge exchange. By providing a supportive environment to experiment, problem-solve, and learn from peers, the hackathon aimed to futureproof digital capability in line with the University’s strategic ambitions.
“The hackathon has really helped our apprentices develop, giving us the chance to tackle a real data problem using the skills we’ve already built up over the past six months. The apprentices will take back a new appreciation for data complexity and its importance to their areas of the University.” — Florian Bay, Multiverse tutor
For many participants, the event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues from across departments, share learning, and explore new analytical tools.
Sam Johnson, an Assistant Accountant undertaking a Data Fellowship, said:
“It’s been a fantastic networking opportunity, and working with other apprentices face-to-face has been brilliant. Learning how to use heatmaps has been especially interesting.”
Others found the day boosted their confidence in applying digital tools that support their daily work.
Louise Barrett, Principal Library Assistant, reflected:
“I hadn’t used Excel extensively in my role, but after a few months of the apprenticeship, I’m feeling confident and really enjoying making use of its functionality. Today has helped me build on that, sharing learning and experiences with other apprentices.”
For some, the event pushed them beyond familiar tools into more advanced techniques.
Emily Stilwell, Senior Administrative Officer in Student Admin & Academic Affairs, said:
“Working with people who have different experiences and skills in using data has been really useful today. It’s pushed me out of my Excel comfort zone and introduced me to more advanced tools within Power BI for cleaning data.”
The Data Hackathon is one of several initiatives supporting the University’s ambition to build strong digital and data foundations. By empowering staff to develop the skills needed to work confidently with data, the programme directly contributes to greater data quality, improved decision-making, and a more digitally enabled organisation.
Kelly Weber, Director of Digital Strategy, summed up the event:
“The buzz in the room was fantastic. I was so impressed by how much our apprentices have developed over the past six months — their presentations showed real impact, from identifying which local areas to focus our marketing efforts on to spotting emerging market trends worldwide. It was a brilliant day of learning, collaboration, and community.”
As data and AI continue to shape the sector, events like this ensure our colleagues are not only equipped with technical skills but also understand the strategic importance of data in delivering outstanding education, research, and student experience.
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