University of The Bahamas and Smarter Bahamas Partner on Data Analytics Upskilling
1st September 2023
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — Professions involved with data analytics are in high demand as the world embraces technology and huge amounts of information to make diagnoses and predictions in business. University of The Bahamas (UB) has joined a coalition of businesses to offer targeted training in this area to prepare individuals to drive competitive advantages for industries and the country at large.
UB and Smarter Bahamas have launched the Data Analytics Career Accelerator Certificate Programme. The announcement was made during a press conference held at UB’s Oakes Field Campus on Thursday 31stAugust.
With teaching facilitated by Smarter Bahamas, and delivered through UB’s Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CeLEARN) centre, the programme combines three months of intensive instruction with one month of practical work experience. It also offers six months of career coaching and job search support to provide bright and eager young Bahamians with the support needed to find meaningful employment and thrive.
“This partnership is part UB’s strong commitment to being responsive to industry. It is a demonstration of ways we will be nimble in delivering made to measure academic programming, and remaining current with immediate job market needs, and we hope, anticipating and meeting future demand,” said UB Acting President Janyne Hodder.
“As a national higher education provider, UB has been offering academic degrees for nearly 50 years. We have also occupied the life long-learning and continuing education spaces for decades. We have offered professional degrees and training and certificates that are career or job oriented. We do and have done all these things well. However, this new partnership marks a revitalized and robust model for us, and one that merits future replication.”
Responding to industry needs is a core part of UB’s mission to make a wide range of sectors more robust and resilient. Classes for the first cohort of the accelerator programme are scheduled to begin on 10th October. As an added benefit 60 percent of the cost for each participate is being subsidized by Smarter Bahamas.
The globalisation of commerce and industry, coupled with explosive growth and innovation in technology, demand that the work force continues to acquire new knowledge and skills or enhance existing ones.
Recognizing this, UB officials like Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Oriakhi and the CLEARN team worked closely with Smarter Bahamas to incorporate into the programme key and relevant competencies like problem structuring; data mastery, analysis, and visualization; teamwork; and job search strategies.
“The topics covered within the certificate could not be more relevant or essential for the job demands of today,” said President Hodder. “These skills are not sufficiently present in our talent pool, because we have not before had this specialized training offered in such an intense and targeted way.
“This programme remedies that. It matches bright and eager young Bahamians with training that will not only given them the skills to be hired but to thrive and progress quickly in their career.”
His Excellency Sebastian Bastian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to Central America, and prominent Bahamian businessman who employs some 2,000 people commended UB for its partnership with Smarter Bahamas on this transformative initiative.
“I thank the University, not just for playing a pivotal role in educating so many Bahamians that are now some of the leaders in our country today, but also for having the open mindedness and taking the bold step to accept such a partnership,” said Mr. Bastian. “And the timing of it could not be any better. This is much needed, this is timely, and the time is now.
“This is for beginners who want to kick start a new career path, or it’s for persons that want to upscale their current career path and have some alternative skill sets. Remember, employers are looking for what you can do, not just what you know, or what you think you know.”
Persons who want to enrol in the programme can do so by using this link: https://gojgmvffz3y.typeform.com/application?utm_source=ub_email&utm_medium=email1&utm_content=apply&fbclid=IwAR2ZO8BaUEMB-sfGT5MCYkKGSkXUWkyqLpHBLNMGhu7Ixk6_NIoCgDRe9vo&typeform-source=l.facebook.com.
Office of University Relations
University of The Bahamas
2nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex
Oakes Field Campus
P.O. Box N-4912
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365
Chartered on 10th November 2016, University of The Bahamas (UB) is a beacon for national transformation. Students are enrolled in the University of The Bahamas system which includes campuses and centres on New Providence, Grand Bahama, San Salvador and Abaco, as well as UB online education. UB’s diverse academic programmes, research engagements, athletics and leadership development experiences equip our students to become global citizens in a dynamic world.