From Bees to Trees and everything in between – Wales harnesses the Internet of Things

Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg

The ‘Internet of Things’ or ‘IoT’ has become a commonly-heard phrase in recent years. It may seem very abstract, and nothing to do with your everyday lives, or perhaps you’ve never even heard of it. But do you wear a Fitbit to capture your steps each day and make sure you’re moving enough? Or maybe your trusty Alexa will remind you to pick up milk on your way home later? Well, without even knowing, you’ve been connecting with the Internet of Things.

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Chief statistician’s update: how the pandemic has changed post-16 education

Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg

The pandemic has made us think differently about the kinds of analysis we produce, with many of our regular statistical publications changing to reflect new circumstances or topics of interest. In just one example of this, we’ve published new analysis this week looking at the impact on learners in post-16 education.

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Digital, Data and Technology Apprenticeship – It’s never too late!

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Picture of Jane, a Digital Data and Technology apprentice

It may seem like an odd choice as midlife crises go. An apprenticeship? In Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT)? When I took the plunge in 2020, I had no real idea what was in store. However, it turned out, to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.

So, why an apprenticeship?

I had been working for many years as a special needs teaching assistant but with my own children grown, I was looking for a new challenge to take me into the next phase of my life. I wanted to find a career that I could embrace, that would teach me new skills and would reward the hard work and effort I put in. Although I had no previous experience in the DDaT field I was attracted by the broad range of careers available and the opportunity to gain qualifications while working as well as the flexible working hours offered.

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From Web Design to Welsh Government

Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg

Apprenticeships are a great way to earn while you learn, but what do they actually involve?! James, an alumni apprentice from our recent DDaT scheme is here to tell you.

How I got here

Picture of James

Before joining Welsh Government I had been working as a self-employed web designer for 10 years. I was good at making websites for small businesses, but I really wanted to expand my knowledge and learn more about all aspects of digital. I was also unhappy with how unpredictable being self-employed was and wanted to build a more stable career for myself and my family.

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Chief statistician’s update:  understanding COVID-19 infection rates in Wales

Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg

Last week, Wales, along with other UK nations, announced that if you have a positive lateral flow test result, you no longer need to take a follow-up PCR test. This type of policy change can have a knock-on impact on COVID-19 data. This blog aims to explain these changes and gives advice on interpreting data over the coming days and weeks.

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