Data Capability

DataSMART

Empowering Data Literacy for the Digital Age

DataSMART is a series of programmes for non-IT professionals eager to harness data strategically and thrive in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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At a glance

What you need to know

This flexible 12-week programme combines engaging online tutorials with hands-on, interactive workshops, equipping participants with the confidence and skills needed to analyse and apply data strategically and effectively. The programme also includes two Datathon events, providing excellent netowrking opportunities.

This programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

The programme at a glance

4 Levels

Practitioner | Professional | Advanced | Leaders

weeks

Blended

Online modules & Interactive Workshops

Core Modules

Interactive Workshops

Outcomes

What you'll gain

For Participants

Enhanced Data Literacy

Participants will be equipped with the necessary skills to understand, interpret, and leverage data, enabline smarter, more informed decisions that drive success across all areas of their work.

Increased Efficiency

Learn how to streamline data management in your role, from collection to presentation, helping you save time, reduce errors and deliver high-quality results.

Future-Proof Skills

Stay ahead of the curve with an understanding of emerging technologies such as AI and data governance, so you remain relevant and adaptable in an increasingly data-driven world.

Strong Communication Skills

Translate your work into clear, compelling visualisations and stories, making it easier to communicate insights and influence stakeholders.

Flexible Learning Experience

Designed to fit busy schedules, the programme lets you build study into your daily life.

For Organistions

Nurture a Data-Driven Culture

Equip your teams with essential data skills to foster a data-driven mindset, encourage collaboration, inform decision-making and build confidence in using data effectively and efficiently.

Improved Customer Insights

A more data-literate workforce is better positioned to understand and respond to customer and client needs, driving engagement and satisfaction.

Future-Ready Workforce

Prepare for the evolving digital landscape by ensuring your teams have the most up-to-date data skills, building resilience in the market.

Build Operational Efficiency

Use data-driven insights to streamline processes, reduce costs and improve overall operational efficiency, creating a more agile organisation.

Tailored Programme

Workshops can be customised to align with your specific challenges and goals, delivering a targeted learning experience with immediate, real-world value.

About the programme

Programme Information

73% of Irish businesses say a lack of AI and data skills is the greatest barrier to adopting AI.

Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025, Skillnet Ireland

A Cutting-Edge Learning Experience Delivered Over 12 Weeks

Designed by Digital Skillnet in collaboration with The Analytics Institute and Microsoft, DataSMART provides a cutting-edge learning opportunity, enabling participants to gain valuable insights into the latest industry advancements.

The blended approach includes 12 core modules and 2 interactive workshops, offering hands-on learning that mirrors real-world challenges. Participants will work with case studies and simulations to develop practical data literacy skills that can be immediately applied within their organisations.

Running for 12 weeks, the programme delivers 16 hours of engaging, skill-building content. Integrated knowledge checks throughout the modules reinforce learning and ensure participants develop a thorough understanding of the key concepts.

Flexible Learning for Busy Professionals

The flexible learning delivery is designed for non-IT professionals and those with key responsibilities who may find full-time study challenging. The programme includes a combination of online tutorials and live workshops faciliated by Microsoft. Workshop recordings will be available on Digital Skillnet’s dedicated online learning platform after each session.

Learn from Global Experts

Participants can expect to learn from global industry guest speakers; experts in the field of data literacy and its practical application.

Award

Upon successful completion, participants receive the DataSMART Foundation Certificate in Data Skills jointly awarded by The Analytics Institute of Ireland and Microsoft.

Framework

Pathways

Data Skills Practitioners

Built for regular Excel users, this programme develops the full data-handling pathway from raw data through to a polished presentation - cleaning and preparing datasets, working efficiently with functions, and visualising and telling stories with data. It closes with two future-ready skills modules on communicating with impact and critical thinking, so participants can present and defend the insights they produce.

Data Skills Professional

This programme is aimed at professionals who work with data regularly and want to strengthen both their collaborative working skills and their practical Power BI capability. It opens with two transversal workshops on teamwork and design thinking, then takes participants on a structured, hands-on Power BI pathway - from building a first report through to publishing and sharing insights across an organisation.

Data Skills Advanced

Aimed at experienced professionals ready to move beyond spreadsheet-based tools into a more technical, Python-based skillset, the Advanced Data Skills for Professionals pathway pairs two transversal leadership modules with a full data science pathway - from wrangling and cleaning data in Python through visualisation, machine learning and AI-assisted analysis, finishing with an applied data science challenge.

Data Skills Leaders

Designed for leaders and strategic managers who shape or influence how data is used across an organisation, the Data Skills for Leaders programme moves participants beyond day-to-day analysis into strategic, ethical and technology-aware thinking. Across six modules spanning Future Ready Cognitive Skills and Data & Digital Fluency Skills, it builds the confidence to lead data strategy, culture and governance, make data-driven decisions responsibly, and understand the platforms and technologies that underpin modern data operations.

Advance your data skills with a professional certification programme, delivered through integrated learning and skills development to provide a pathway to continuously advance in a data driven world.

The Data Skills Frameworks contains four training pathways designed by our member organisations to allow you to continuously advance your team’s knowledge and expertise – from Data Practitioner level all the way to Data Leadership level. Training for your team can be delivered in person or online and can be adapted and customised to your business requirements. Training is delivered by leading experts who work in the field. All four training pathways lead to exams and professional certification.

Designed by an expert group of business and data professionals, our Data Skills Framework is a graduated professional certification programme providing a pathway to continuously advancement in a data driven world. It rapidly equips staff from any part of the business to apply data-driven analysis and decision-making.

Programmes are co-funded by the Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet to reduce your training costs and to provide world class training and certification at a reduced cost.

Delivery Partners

Led by

Analytics Institute

Microsoft

FAQs

What people ask us

FAQs on this course

General FAQs

Is the Data Skills Framework programme only suitable for companies?

No, we offer both open programmes (suitable for individuals and bookings of less than 6 people) and closed programmes (suitable for organisations)

In-company programmes can be tailored for organsiations. They can choose the times and dates they want the programme to run and also include their own datasets to match the learning to real-world exmaples.

Is the programme funded?

The programme is run by Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet in association with the Analytics Institute. The programme is part-funded allowing organisations and individuals to benefit from a reduced course cost.

Is the programme certified?

The programme is certified by the Analytics Insititute.

Do I have to start at Practitioner level or can I choose the level that best suits my experience?

You choose the course level that suits your needs. You do not need to start at Practitioner level. If you are having difficulty choosing the right course, please contact us, we are happy to help.

General FAQs

Who can join the Digital Skillnet Network?

Network membership is free for private sector and commercial semi-state companies based in the Republic of Ireland.

Once registered, eligible member companies can access Digital Skillnet part-funded programmes, helping reduce the cost of training and making upskilling more accessible across your organisation.

What are the aims of the Digital Skillnet Network?

The aim of the network is:

To support software and digital technology companies to remain at the cutting edge of skills and knowledge.
To enable companies to gain access to staff training and development programmes which are aligned to their current needs.
To work with educational bodies in strategic partnerships to develop new educational solutions to meet new software sector needs.
To provide funding support for staff training thereby lowering training costs for companies.
To extend up-skilling opportunities to more employees and companies across the sector.

How can a training provider join Digital Skillnet's roster?

As training requirements arise, the network invites suitable trainers to quote or tender for the delivery of each programme.

Contact us for further information

Where does Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet funding come from?

Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet receives funding on an annual basis under the Training Networks Programme from Skillnet Ireland, the enterprise-led training agency. This allows the network to provide courses at a lower cost than commercial training courses – while still being delivered by the highest quality experts and trainers.

Over the last 3 years the Digital Skillnet has been awarded subsidies in excess of €2 million to support companies by significantly lowering the cost, and increasing the effectiveness of, organisational development strategies. The specific levels of subsidy for companies are allocated on a course-by-course basis.

What is Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet?

Established in 2010, Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet (“Digital Skillnet”) is the national training network for Ireland's Digital Technology sector. Our mission is to enable workforce development, performance and competitiveness for companies and their workforce through innovative upskilling solutions, backed by government funding. We support companies in all sectors to accelerate digital capacity, transformation and strategic innovation.

Member companies include a combination of indigenous organisations and multinational foreign direct investment (FDI) firms.

The Network Sponsor is Technology Ireland, a federation within Ibec, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (www.ibec.ie). Our upskilling initiatives are co-funded by the Government of Ireland, the European Union through the European Social Fund ESF+ and Network Companies.

How can Digital Skillnet help companies to fund their training needs?

Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet receives government funding. This allow us to provide support on course fees so that companies incur lower costs than commercial training courses.

Through the network, we also use our combined buying power to achieve the best training rates from providers.

Subsidised fees for network members are shown on our training schedule. These are the costs after funding support from the network.
Typical savings of 40-60% for companies through DIGITAL Skillnet

To access subsisidised course fees companies can join the network. Network membership is free and is open to all enterprises in the Republic of Ireland.

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