Data science training specialist EXPLORE Data Science Academy (EDSA) has appointed Context to lead PR activity around the launch of its online courses in the UK.

The news follows the success of EDSA’s specialist training courses in South Africa, where it offers a variety of full and part-time qualifications in subjects including data science, data engineering, data analytics and business intelligence.

The first intake of UK-based students is planned for July 2021, with courses running exclusively online. However, there are plans for an EDSA campus to be established in early 2022.

Launched in 2017 by founder and CEO Shaun Dippnall, EDSA specialises in data subjects, technology design and experiential education. It works with major companies across the globe using data science to find the solutions to complex questions.

To date EDSA has trained more than 1,000 learners at its campuses in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban and has a graduate employment rate of over 90%. Its courses were recently recognised by Amazon Web Services (AWS), who have partnered with EDSA to offer Data Science learning to young South Africans.

Context will be responsible for developing and delivering a comprehensive communications campaign to support the launch of EDSA’s online courses and services in the UK.

Jenni Livesley, Account Director at Context, said: “A recent survey found that 73% of UK firms believe they lack the talent to complete AI and data science initiatives. EXPLORE Data Science Academy is bridging that gap by offering a suite of comprehensive online courses that deliver specialist training in a real-world environment. We’re proud to have been chosen to lead EDSA’s UK PR activity and we look forward to working with Shaun and the team.”

EDSA’s consultancy division EXPLORE AI has been delivering artificial intelligence solutions for Britain’s largest water utility supplier, Thames Water, as part of a project to monitor the supply and demand on its network. There are more than 70 data scientists from EXPLORE AI working for Thames Water, many of which graduated from EDSA.

Shaun Dippnall, CEO and founder of EXPLORE Group, said: “The Thames Water success story validates EDSA’s decision to expand out of the South African context and take its place on the world stage. Our courses are designed to be practical and deal with real-world problems in business.  The innovative design of our learning platform and the passion of our scientist facilitators equip EXPLORE learners to do great things, skilfully mentoring them throughout the programme.”