How are you developing the data literacy of your organisation, including the skills of your data teams and of your business stakeholders?
Over the next thrilling five years, Merlin Entertainments is on the verge of a spectacular journey, setting its sights on data and digital growth, operational efficiency, and a dazzling digital transformation. To make this magic happen, our top priority is to boost data literacy across the entire organisation. Our journey has already begun, and the first step involves a comprehensive assessment of our current data capabilities. This deep dive will unveil the gaps, guiding us in crafting tailored upskilling and re-skilling plans for our existing colleagues. Simultaneously, we are identifying new capabilities needed to propel us into the future. But that is not all – we are partnering with industry wizards to conjure up the Merlin Data Academy. This magical academy will deliver customised training programmes, covering both the technical wizardry of our data teams and the enchanting soft skills our business functions crave. Picture this: a parallel universe where product principles reign supreme, creating a culture of continuous learning that unites IT, Data, and Business teams in a collaborative symphony. As we sprint towards transformation, we are not just relying on our existing team. We are on a quest to recruit fresh talent, exploring non-traditional pathways and innovative ways to attract and retain diverse skills. To amplify our efforts, we are tapping into the apprenticeship levy, ensuring a magical transformation without additional budget constraints for both our entry-level and experienced workforce. And here is the grand finale: clear communication channels are materialising, aligning our data initiatives with the overarching business goals. Regular evaluations will be our compass, guiding us as we iterate on our data literacy strategy to ensure a spellbinding success story. Watch this space as we unfold the pages of this enchanting saga.