Asos extends its Data Academy with EdTech firm Multiverse

EdTech startup, Multiverse, has partnered with Asos to extend the online retailer’s Data Academy and further develop data skills across its business.

Funded through the apprenticeship levy, 73 Asos employees have thus far been enrolled in the Academy, which offers three different programmes:

  • The 13-month Data Literacy programme which covers the core technical skills required to transform data into insights;

  • The 15-month Data Fellowship which teaches apprentices the skills to clean, analyse and model data, and tell data stories to non-specialists; and

  • The Advanced Data Fellowship - a degree level programme – which enables apprentices to develop their skills in data analysis and data science.

Asos is working towards more than 40% female representation in technology, product management and data science by 2030 (which stands at 28% currently), and over 15% ethnic minority representation at combined leadership level by 2023 (currently at 7%).

75% of the apprentices enrolled with the Data Academy are female, and more than 50% identify as an ethnic minority. 

Sandra Kampmann, Director of Insights and Analytics at Asos, says: “We are very proud of the incredible talent we have at Asos.”

“We’re passionate about their development, and particularly motivated to empower women across our Data and broader Tech teams.”

“Multiverse’s technical focused programmes are fundamental to helping us deliver this targeted development; and to drive greater DEI in the sector, both internally and at an industry level.”

Orlagh Cramp, Insight Analyst at Asos and apprentice on the programme, says: “Asos enabled my transfer from a different division of the business and, in turn, fuelled my interest in data and insight via the Multiverse programme.”

“So far, the course has enhanced my confidence in handling different datasets, while also allowing me to work on tangible projects that are providing real business value. I think that running programmes like this shows just how much Asos, as a business, values its employees.”

Euan Blair, CEO at Multiverse, comments: "Asos has rightly identified that there are two critical components to being a successful business; ensuring people at every level have a firm grasp on data, and spreading opportunity to talented people from all backgrounds.”

"The extension of their world class Data Academy, delivered in partnership with Multiverse, addresses both of those challenges.”

“Apprentices on the programme are being equipped with data skills that can fuel business transformation - and the programme itself is elevating women into those senior data positions that for too long have been male dominated."

Multiverse announced the closing of a $220 million Series D funding round earlier this year and now trains over 8,000 tech, leadership and digital apprentices globally.