Founded in 2019, DataKirk aims to close the data divide and increase the representation of disadvantaged groups in the data economy. We spoke with Fash Fasoro, Founder of DataKirk and MSc alum, about how The Data Lab has supported them.
The Challenge: Addressing the data literacy gap
In 2015, Fash was among the first students to receive data sector-specific employability and skills training in The Data Lab’s MSc programme. A few years later, he founded DataKirk to address the data divide he witnessed whilst working in the homelessness sector – which was far behind other sectors like banking in providing digital solutions. Black ethnic minorities are deeply rooted in care and support work, often in jobs at risk of redundancy from automation.
Fash wanted to ensure that future generations are included in the changing world of work and created an after-school club to empower children to gain the data literacy skills needed to be part of the digital economy. However, he also received interest from parents, so he created short courses.
The Solution: Elevating DataKirk’s profile and enhancing employability
The Data Lab supported DataKirk to expand their reach by getting the courses officially accredited. Ensuring their courses are SQA accredited would help raise their profile and improve the employability of those who complete the course.
The Outcomes: Success in SQA-accredited data skills training
DataKirk is now delivering SQA-accredited data skills training to ethnic minority groups as part of our Data Skills for Work outreach programme. As well as enabling an MSc placement with DataKirk, Scottish Government and Edinburgh City Region Deal funding enabled us to support DataKirk in delivering courses on ‘Project Management with Data Analytics’ and ‘Upskilling and Fundamentals of Data Governance, AI Ethics and Tools’. To date, we have supported close to 100 learners from BAME communities living and working in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Falkirk, West Lothian, and Stirling, who were underemployed or earning below £24,000, to participate in the training. As part of DataFest 2022, The Data Lab supported DataKirk to launch its annual Scottish Black Talent Summit, connecting black talent, recruiters, employers, and policymakers, with over 200 delegates in attendance. The annual event has now expanded into the Scottish Ethnic Minority Talent Summit & Festival taking place across several days and major cities in Scotland, marking a major step in its continued commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
“The Data Lab was well aware of the societal issues and the barriers we are facing in the [Black] community.”
Fash Fasoro, Founder of DataKirk