2 December 2021 - Utility Warehouse (UW), the UK’s only genuine multiservice utility provider, and Cambridge Spark have announced a new partnership to bridge the data science and AI skills gap in the multiservice utility space. The partnership will bring Cambridge Spark’s tailored apprenticeships to UW’s expert tech team, upskilling them to deal with new challenges across the industry.
The UK utility industry is undergoing unprecedented change and paradigm shift as a result of not only the pandemic but also the ongoing Energy crisis. These two factors force utility companies to accelerate and complete their respective digital transformation and capture changing consumer behaviours. UW is a unique business, with unique technological challenges, because of it’s multiservice nature. Customers who take services from UW can benefit from energy, telecommunications, insurance, and a Cashback Card, all from one account and one bill.
By working together, Cambridge Spark will provide Utility Warehouse tailored data apprenticeship programs to meet the specific demands of data analysts, data engineers, and software developers. These new skills will be critical to navigating the richness and diversity of the UW data ecosystem but also implementing robust AI solutions. In particular, this program by combining theory and practitioner know-how will increase the impact and accelerate the delivery of the UW "Scaling AI" vision.
"We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Utility Warehouse to deliver the apprenticeship program to support the UK’s only multiservice provider in maximising business and growth opportunities. The team and leadership at Utility Warehouse has been very supportive and committed to professional development of its workforce, ” says Dr Raoul-Gabriel Urma, CEO and Founder of Cambridge Spark.
“The utilities sector is seeing a paradigm shift fuelled by the pandemic and the UK Energy crisis. Through our partnership with Cambridge Spark, we are looking to upskill colleagues so they can contribute and shape the UW digital transformation and our 'Scaling AI' journey " stated Dr Didier Vila, Chief Data and AI Officer of UW. "Finally, Cambridge Spark partnership is not only an efficient and sustainable way to develop our talent pool but also to attract and retain colleagues for the benefit of our partners, customers and ultimately our stakeholders", added Didier.
UW has already seen a first cohort of staff take advantage of the partnership with Cambridge Spark, with plans for further growth in 2022.