CASE STUDY GLOBAL ENERGY LEADER
Unlocking data potential
A global energy leader’s gameplan for talent-led reinvention
3-MINUTE READ
September 4, 2025
99.7%
Graduates meet or exceed skill requirements
88%
Applying new skills in their daily roles
2.5
hours saved on average, per day
Global demand for data science is surging—and the energy sector is particularly feeling the heat for data-savvy talent. With the rapid expansion of data sources—from drilling sensors and pipeline monitors—energy companies are leaning heavily on AI, big data and analytics to optimize operations, predict maintenance needs, and sharpen decision-making.
Instead of chasing a limited pool of data professionals, one global energy leader took a unique route: upskilling their own people to cultivate and deploy these capabilities across business functions.
They partnered with Udacity, now part of Accenture LearnVantage, to launch a Data Analyst Development Program. It provides hands-on experience to enhance data-driven decision-making, helping teams turn theory into action, solve real-world challenges and level up their data game.
An energized approach to learning
Mapping an assessment of competencies with the company’s strategic priorities, Udacity crafted a curriculum spanning key data disciplines like data engineering, architecture, analysis, and science. The goal? Grow a community of data architects with an enterprise-wide perspective and versatile skills that drive value across business functions.
The program also dives into specialized areas like cloud and data infrastructure, with Udacity’s targeted Nanodegree tracks focused on Azure, Databricks, and Ansible. These modules sharpen skills in data modeling, governance, ingestion, scalability, and performance—critical for real-time, data-driven decisions in complex energy environments.
Each Nanodegree includes role-specific competency testing and 80-to-120 hours of advanced content, guiding data engineers through deep, analytics-driven learning. A hybrid cohort learning model blends self-paced online courses with mentor-led sessions and hands-on exercises, helping employees apply new skills in realistic, simulated work environments, applicable to real-world scenarios. This ensures the training is not only comprehensive but also directly applicable to real-world scenarios. The flexibility of the model also enables company leaders to evaluate and tailor learning content for specific roles, ensuring that skills application is measurable and aligned with success.
New energy with data-driven brilliance
The Data Analyst Development Program has made a real mark. Over five years, nearly 400 employees across 10 countries have undergone advanced upskilling—building a diverse, globally minded workforce. And with 99.7% of Nanodegree graduates meeting or exceeding skill benchmarks, the results speak for themselves.
By focusing on internal upskilling, the global energy major didn’t just double its initial investment in the program—but also enabled employees to focus on more strategic tasks, unlock smarter workflows, and a culture of continuous learning.
And it’s not stopping there. Next up: a generative AI-powered virtual assistant built on ChatGPT 4.0, ready to guide employees with personalized learning paths and accelerate their learning journeys. As the energy sector evolves, this approach is setting a new standard for how data and AI can fuel innovation, agility, and long-term growth.
