The Marks & Spencer BEAM Academy was launched in response to the responsibility of all data education balancing on one data analyst apprenticeship. Since its inception, BEAM has evolved into a strategic learning proposition for the organisation which has reached all areas of the business. Between 22/23, BEAM held 26,000 learning sessions, an increase of 85% from 21/22 and a further 80% increase in individuals responding that they feel extremely confident in data. Since launching, BEAM has helped to democratise data, increase learning opportunities and evolve a data community.
“Impressive – love the scale.” – Judges’ comment
Launched with the central mission to grow data literacy and build a data-driven culture, the BEAM Academy has grown into a community of 1,000+ digitally engaged team members and data practitioners that has established talent pipelines, created bespoke learning and provided hitherto untapped career progression opportunities for those embracing data. Three programmes have been rolled out for stores to take advantage of that cover core data skills, omnichannel and productivity through digital tools which more than 5,000 retail managers have currently completed and 40,000 have started.
“Data is part of something not just something on its own.” – Judges’ comment
The team delivered 24 x 3.5 hour in-person sessions to 3,000 colleagues (70% of the support workforce), with more planned. The content utilises data to showcase what is possible, to building skills in the Data 101 section and equipping team members with ways of working to better integrate data best practices, such as highlighting the value of data to the business and using data science to transform processes and decision-making. Digital Essentials is for every colleague, with attendance from data practitioners, merchandisers, designers, buyers and executive teams. Eighty-eight percent have stated they needed the session and there has been an 80% increase in members feeling extremely confident with data and 123% increase in those who feel extremely confident championing digital transformation.
The BEAM Academy provides Marks & Spencer team members with access to educational tools that will ensure further data development such as storytelling skills, data quality, accessing the right data and being able to apply the relevant skills for their roles. Furthermore, BEAM promotes a 24-hour hackathon for over 300 colleagues, monthly meetups, self-guided learning opportunities, digital mentoring and a data-driven product management curriculum.
