Unlock Data & AI. Manage with Purpose JobFit Programme - starts 9th of September 26
A practical, fully funded 15-week programme combining digital capacity with purpose-led management and leadership. Build confidence in data management, Excel, data quality, and using AI and automation responsibly. Learn how to connect data and AI to strategy, meaningful metrics, governance, ethical adoption and better decisions.
We are delighted to be partnering with Challenges Group as training provider who will lead on the delivery of the Unlock Data & AI. Manage with Purpose JobFit Programme.
On successful course completion, participants will be linked with recruiting employers (including Paddle Scotland who is recruiting for Team Leaders/Coaches) and get help with job application.
Interested? Check the course details and eligibility below and apply online!
We are recruiting in this category now!
17 Points makes Data & AI practical and useful vocational sessions (bespoke, jargon-free workshops using real examples and practical tools):
Develop practical skills in data management, data quality, AI tools, automation, Excel, Power BI and dashboards.
Turn data into meaningful insight, identify trends and develop evidence-based recommendations that support organisational objectives.
Connect data and AI to strategy, meaningful performance measures and better-informed decision-making.
Apply AI responsibly and ethically, understanding information governance, risk, accountability and effective workplace adoption.
Explore how automation and digital tools can reduce manual effort, improve efficiency and create more time for high-value work.
The Challenges Group tailored management & leadership sessions:
Develop purpose-led and responsible leadership practices, exploring leadership styles, organisational culture, ethics and external factors affecting the workplace.
Strengthen communication and people-management skills, including objective-setting, feedback and supporting the development of others.
Build confidence in performance management, including the use of frameworks and KPIs, providing effective feedback and addressing underperformance.
Develop reflective practice, a growth mindset and personal development plans for themselves and others.
Lead and adapt to change, encourage collaboration and help colleagues adopt new tools and ways of working.
Understand how green skills and sustainable practices can be incorporated into everyday management and organisational decision-making.
This course is available for Edinburgh residents only, aged 16 or over, with the Right to Work, who are either unemployed or looking for a career progression and who are not in full-time education; must be fluent in using English and with min Nat 4 levels. All applicants need own access to computer and internet in order to attend online sessions. Applications are welcomed from individuals interested in developing their Data, AI and management skills and exploring potential recruitment opportunities with Paddle Scotland and other partner organisations across the Sport sector.
The programme is suitable for:
Individuals who would benefit from upskilling in Data, AI, leadership and management.
Individuals ready to progress into a more senior, supervisory or management role.
People responsible for improving processes, productivity or service delivery.
People taking on greater responsibility for colleagues, projects or organisational change.
Individuals interested in developing skills for future roles within Paddle Scotland and the wider Sport sector.
People who want to use Data and AI confidently but do not have a coding or technical background.
Training Partner: Challenges Group & 17 Points
Where: Online and face to face from Challenges Group, 18 Brunswick Street Lane, Edinburgh EH7 5JG
When: 9th of September - 16th December (15 weeks) - 15 weeks, 60 hours, plus additional support
Format: Full-day classroom sessions and half-day online sessions
Costs: Free
When applying, please select 'IT/AI/Data and Advanced Technologies' as answer to Question 25 on the Application Form. This information is required - applications without it may not be considered for this course.
Applications that meet Eligibility criteria will be shared with the training provider for further assessment through direct contact with candidates. Afterwards, the training provider will make the final decision on enrolments.
Course Timetable:
Wednesday 9 September, 9.30am–4.30pm: Data, AI and Decisions — in person
Wednesday 16 September, 9.30am–12.30pm: Behind the Data — online
Wednesday 23 September, 9.30am–12.30pm: Cleaning Up — online
Wednesday 30 September, 9.30am–12.30pm: Making Sense of Numbers — online
Wednesday 7 October, 9.30am–4.30pm: From Data to Decisions — in person
Wednesday 14 October, 9.30am–12.30pm: Telling the Story — online
Wednesday 21 October, 9.30am–12.30pm: The Power to Predict — online
Wednesday 28 October, 9.30am–12.30pm: Management & Leadership — online
Wednesday 4 November, 9.30am–12.30pm: Management & Leadership — online
Wednesday 11 November, 9.30am–4.30pm: Managing with Purpose CPD — in person
Wednesday 18 November, 9.30am–12.30pm: Performance Management — online
Wednesday 25 November, 9.30am–12.30pm: Performance Management — online
Wednesday 2 December, 9.30am–12.30pm: Getting the Best from AI — online
Wednesday 9 December, 9.30am–4.30pm: Putting It into Practice — in person
Wednesday 16 December, 9.30am–4.30pm: Final Programme Day: Employability — in person
Managing with Purpose unit offered during this training maps to two CMI units: 526 Principles of Leadership Practice and 504 Managing Performance and is termed a ‘Recognised Route’ by CMI.
Participants receive a 1 year membership to CMI with access to their platform, resources and tools.
On completion: a joint CMI/Challenges CPD certificate.
