Education-Technology Startup Multiverse Raises $130 Million

Euan Blair: 'A one-size-fits all model around university is unfair'

Future of financial services: New report on skills in the sector

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Announcing our partnership with Jaguar Land Rover

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Press and media

Maria Sarwar, Talent Executive 

Ilyas Sagar-Ouriaghl

Freddie Pascoe, Employer Brand Coordinator

Paige Rinke, VP People & Talent 

Lucinda Morgan

Janika Cook

Razvan Spatariu

Gabriela Wasilewska, B2B Field Marketing Executive

Ayla Kelly

Jacob Collins

Theo Oulton

Lindsey Purpura, Enterprise Customer Success Manager

Adrianne Morrison, Programme Lead

Adam Harris, Data Fellowship Coach

Jay Mitchell

Vasilis Konstantinides, Chair of the LGBTQ+ ERG

Ho-Yon Mak

Ghost

Dan Turner

Ho-Yon Mak old

Guest contributor

Chloe Gale

Team Multiverse

Chris Gregori

Katie Allner is Head of B2B Marketing at Multiverse.
Multiverse is a tech startup on a mission to create a diverse group of future leaders by building an outstanding alternative to university and corporate training. Multiverse works with over 300 businesses, helping them embrace digital transformation, close skills gaps and develop a diverse talent pipeline. Apprentices benefit from one-to-one coaching, applied learning, and a community of social, networking and leadership opportunities.

Katie Allner

Euan Blair is founder and CEO of Multiverse.
Multiverse is a tech startup on a mission to create a diverse group of future leaders by building an outstanding alternative to university and corporate training. Multiverse works with over 300 businesses, helping them embrace digital transformation, close skills gaps and develop a diverse talent pipeline. Apprentices benefit from one-to-one coaching, applied learning, and a community of social, networking and leadership opportunities.

Euan Blair

Charlotte Abrahamson is Senior Community Manager at Multiverse. Multiverse is a tech startup on a mission to create a diverse group of future leaders by building an outstanding alternative to university and corporate training. Multiverse works with over 300 businesses, helping them embrace digital transformation, close skills gaps and develop a diverse talent pipeline. Apprentices benefit from one-to-one coaching, applied learning, and a community of social, networking and leadership opportunities.

Charlotte Abrahamson

Siobhan Randell is Senior Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager at Multiverse. Multiverse is a tech startup on a mission to create a diverse group of future leaders by building an outstanding alternative to university and corporate training. Multiverse works with over 300 businesses, helping them embrace digital transformation, close skills gaps and develop a diverse talent pipeline. Apprentices benefit from one-to-one coaching, applied learning, and a community of social, networking and leadership opportunities.

Siobhan Randell

Chloé Archipiano

Gordon MacRae

Alisa Voitika is B2B Marketing Manager at Multiverse. Multiverse is a tech startup on a mission to create a diverse group of future leaders by building an outstanding alternative to university and corporate training. Multiverse works with over 300 businesses, helping them embrace digital transformation, close skills gaps and develop a diverse talent pipeline. Apprentices benefit from one-to-one coaching, applied learning, and a community of social, networking and leadership opportunities.

Alisa Voitika

Michael Mander

Afua Laast is Early Talent Executive at Multiverse. Multiverse is a tech startup on a mission to create a diverse group of future leaders by building an outstanding alternative to university and corporate training. Multiverse works with over 300 businesses, helping them embrace digital transformation, close skills gaps and develop a diverse talent pipeline. Apprentices benefit from one-to-one coaching, applied learning, and a community of social, networking and leadership opportunities.

Afua Laast

Georgina Hewison is B2C Lifecycle Marketing Manager at Multiverse. Multiverse is a tech startup on a mission to create a diverse group of future leaders by building an outstanding alternative to university and corporate training. Multiverse works with over 300 businesses, helping them embrace digital transformation, close skills gaps and develop a diverse talent pipeline. Apprentices benefit from one-to-one coaching, applied learning, and a community of social, networking and leadership opportunities.

Georgina Hewison

Alex Hopley is Content Manager at Multiverse. Multiverse is a tech startup on a mission to create a diverse group of future leaders by building an outstanding alternative to university and corporate training. Multiverse works with over 300 businesses, helping them embrace digital transformation, close skills gaps and develop a diverse talent pipeline. Apprentices benefit from one-to-one coaching, applied learning, and a community of social, networking and leadership opportunities.

Alex Hopley

Naomi Coutinho

Bella Pringle

Michael Mander Adm

Alex Barnicoat

Metia Developer

Cat McCormack

Sachin Goyal

Chris Royle, Enterprise Account Executive

Rubina Begum, Tech Talent Partner 

 Steve D'Souza, Software Engineering Manager

Libby Adams is a Data Manager at the NHS and is currently completing a Data Fellowship apprenticeship at Multiverse.

Libby Adams

Karoline Lende, Software Engineer 

The Great Unretirement: new research into supporting workers over 50

New research from Multiverse released today has found that millions of workers over the age of 50 are leaving the workforce early, and the trend is set to continue.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) have considered early retirement, while four in ten (39%) think that it is likely that they will retire early.

While many in their 50s and 60s are retiring early in a strong financial position, some to spend time with family, others are forced to leave their jobs early because of health concerns or skills deficits.

For societies, this has severe consequences. It means less economic activity as well as additional productivity challenges. It can mean a brain drain of talent from companies, and a lower tax take to spend on public services.

It’s also bad for businesses. Workers over the age of 50 are also an incredible asset to the businesses they work for and for the wider economy. From decades of experience to institutional company knowledge, there are significant benefits to retaining these employees in the workforce.


And there’s an individual impact. While retiring early is the right decision for many people, many others are leaving jobs they enjoy and careers they depend on early because of circumstances out of their control.

There is a question for policymakers and business leaders at the heart of this debate: can anything be done to better support this age group in order to keep more employees in the labor market for longer, and persuade some of those who have already left, to come back?

Our research suggests one solution: skills, training and development are some of the most effective ways to incentivize the over 50s to stay in the workforce.

This is particularly acute when it comes to tackling the impact of digital transformation. Too many are anxious about how the pace of change is impacting their work. A quarter (27%) find new technology difficult to get used to, while a third of early retirees (33%) say the tech skills requirements of the modern workplace have made it more difficult for them to return to work.

Significant numbers feel they are deprioritized compared to their younger colleagues when it comes to training and development. Half of those over 50 in work say they haven’t taken part in any kind of training course in at least a year.

Embedding upskilling and reskilling throughout a career

This needs to change. Upskilling and reskilling must be embedded in companies’ strategies year in and year out. While many ways to incentivize employees to stay in work, like major increases to the size of a pension pot or tackling long-term health conditions, are out of reach for businesses and for most governments, tackling skills gaps is not.

Transitioning the great retirement to the great unretirement is no easy feat. But the first way to tackle the challenge is by diagnosing it and understanding which interventions can have the greatest impact.

Our analysis shows that there are 450,000 people in the UK, and just over 2.4 million in the US, who are thinking about leaving the labor market early because they can’t keep up with the skills demanded of the modern workplace. When the numbers are that great, not acting simply isn’t an option.

Whether it’s training, development or better-preparing workers for the changing skills requirements, it’s essential that businesses as well as governments understand the mechanisms to flip the great retirement to the great unretirement. This could be through much-touted returnships for people who have left the workforce, but now looking for opportunities to come back.

The right action here won’t just close business skills gaps and increase economic growth, it will restore choice to millions of workers late in their careers, giving them greater agency on the right time to retire.

The Great Unretirement: new research into supporting workers over 50 

Upskilling vs reskilling—what’s the difference?

Today’s employment landscape looks much different than it did five years ago. Artificial intelligence, big data analytics, cybersecurity, and other cutting-edge technologies are reshaping many industries. Employers want workers with strong technical abilities to help them leverage these tools, but many professionals don’t have the required expertise.

Reskilling and upskilling can help you fill this skill gap and prepare for today's and tomorrow's jobs. This guide explores the differences between upskilling and reskilling, their benefits, and the best ways to get started.

Upskilling means expanding and advancing your existing abilities, credentials, and knowledge to stay competitive and relevant in the workplace. This process often involves learning about your field's latest technological advancements and trends. Upskillers come from all ages, career paths, and industries.

. You could build on your knowledge of cloud security by learning how to use vulnerability assessment tools and cloud forensics techniques. These skills could help you pursue a specialized career as a Cloud Security Engineer or Cloud Compliance Specialist.

Reskilling means gaining brand-new abilities and knowledge unrelated to your current skill set. People often reskill when they want to transition to a new career or take on new responsibilities at their current company. Like upskillers, reskillers come from all backgrounds, career stages, and industries.

For example, a Public Relations Specialist could reskill by learning data analytics, programming languages like Python and R, and data visualization. These skills could enable them to start a new–and potentially higher-paying–career as a 

The benefits of reskilling or upskilling for employees

Reskilling or upskilling offers numerous professional and personal advantages, including:

Reskilling or upskilling often leads to substantial career growth. According to Gallup’s 

, 75% of workers who participated in an upskilling program advanced their careers. 39% of respondents received a promotion or pay increase at their current employer, while 20% used their new skills to change careers or industries.

Upskilling or reskilling is one of the fastest ways to boost your earning potential. The Gallup poll found that upskillers 

earned an average of $8,000 more annually

 than non-upskillers. Reskillers can also substantially increase their salary by pursuing the 

 shows that 33% of American workers feel anxious about their job security. Reskilling or upskilling addresses these concerns and future-proofs your career by ensuring you remain a valuable asset to employers.

Stay competitive by gaining in-demand skills and bringing innovative approaches to your role. For example, marketers can learn to use big data analytics to predict consumer behavior and develop more effective marketing campaigns.

Upskilling and reskilling allow you to develop your expertise without investing money and time into a college education. This process can open the door to new career opportunities you might not otherwise receive. For instance, you can use free online courses to learn programming languages instead of earning a computer science degree.

Enhanced productivity and problem-solving

Develop new and more efficient ways to complete tasks by upskilling and reskilling. For example, machine learning techniques can help you automate routine processes, while data analytics speeds up decision-making. Upskilling and reskilling can also improve your problem-solving skills by teaching you new approaches to tackle challenges.

Expanding your technical skills can unlock desirable career opportunities in tech companies. Many of these firms have great benefits that promote work-life balance. For example, tech employers often offer flexible schedules and unlimited paid time off. These perks can increase your overall job satisfaction and well-being.

You'll build confidence in your abilities as you gain new knowledge and skills. You’ll also feel more capable of handling challenges and setbacks in the workplace. As a result, your employer may give you more leadership responsibilities, paving the way for career advancement. You can also use your new expertise to promote positive change and innovation at your company. For instance, you can encourage your team to try new tools, processes, and workflows.

Learning advanced skills or breaking into a new field can feel daunting, but upskilling or reskilling doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are the top three ways to continue your educational journey.

Take courses with platforms like Coursera

Platforms like Coursera and edX offer online courses on a broad range of skills, from bookkeeping to UX design. These classes are typically self-paced, allowing you to complete them on your schedule.

However, this option has several drawbacks. You may need to pay for online courses if your company doesn’t provide professional development funds. These classes also tend to focus on theory instead of job-ready skills and don’t provide support from industry experts.

Boot camps provide a crash course in practical skills like data analytics and web development. These programs allow you to build a portfolio of projects quickly and may offer networking opportunities. However, they can be expensive, and the intensive nature of full-time boot camps means you may need to put your career on pause. It’s also critical to research alumni outcomes because some boot camps have low placement rates.

An on-the-job apprenticeship allows you to develop new skills while staying with your current employer. You can gain hands-on skills under the guidance of experienced mentors and take on new responsibilities as your abilities grow. This opportunity is often free and can fast-track your career advancement.

Upskill for free with Multiverse without quitting your job

Future-proof your career and develop transferable skills with Multiverse’s 

With a Multiverse apprenticeship program, you can upskill or reskill on the job for free. Our programs emphasize applied learning, so you won't be stuck in a classroom wondering how the material translates to real-world contexts. You'll get paid to learn and use your new abilities in your day-to-day role.

Our programs are tailored to provide you with durable, in-demand skills—setting you up for success now and in the future. Plus, you'll learn from experienced professionals who’ve been where you are.

Start your upskilling journey by completing our 

What   is upskilling? Get paid to advance your career

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics are transforming the modern workplace. Upskilling helps professionals adapt to these changes and future-proof their careers in the rapidly evolving employment landscape.

Upskilling is when you  learn new skills and tools to expand your professional capabilities and advance your career. This training offers significant personal and professional benefits. According to 

Gallup’s 2021 The American Upskilling Study

, workers who participated in upskilling programs increased their salary by an average of $8,000 (8.6%). Upskilling can also open 

 in high-demand areas like data analysis, data engineering, and information technology.

Upskilling may sound intimidating, especially if you want to dive into a new niche. But this process doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. You can use affordable and accessible resources to increase your knowledge and develop professional skills.

Upskilling refers to gaining new abilities or strengthening existing ones to keep up with the changing demands of your profession. This proactive approach often involves acquiring advanced skills and learning new technologies.

Upskilling is a relatively new term for an old concept. People have always needed to learn critical skills to keep pace with technological advancements. This process is also universal across age groups, industries, and positions. Every professional must develop their skills throughout their career to stay relevant and take on new responsibilities.

You can upskill through formal or informal educational and training opportunities. Many companies offer seminars and workshops to help employees learn new skills. You can also expand your abilities independently. For example, you could pursue an 

 or join a course to learn a new platform.

Recent economic and technological trends have made upskilling more critical than ever. Here are a few compelling reasons individuals and employers invest in additional education and training.

Industries evolve quickly, so your existing skills may not match your career aspirations. According to a 2023 study by the 

, many professionals lack the technical proficiency needed to advance their careers. 92% of jobs across industries require 

, but almost one-third of American workers lack basic digital literacy.

Upskilling ensures that you have the abilities needed to achieve your professional goals. You can identify necessary skills by studying job postings and the resumes of people with your dream job. This knowledge allows you to detect and fill skill gaps so you’re prepared to advance your career.

The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has motivated many professionals to increase their job security. According to a 2023 report by 

, this technology could automate approximately 300 million full-time jobs worldwide. The investment firm also predicts that around two-thirds of American jobs could be partially automated by AI.

These statistics sound scary, but widespread automation likely won’t cause mass layoffs. Instead, this advancement could lead to new career opportunities and responsibilities in tech, healthcare, finance, and other industries.

 from the impact of AI, automation, and other developments. You can learn how to leverage cutting-edge technologies like AI to boost your productivity and solve challenges in the workplace. Keeping your skills up-to-date can also help you position yourself for new career opportunities–including jobs that haven’t been invented yet.

Many employers are struggling to find skilled candidates with technical skills. According to 

, there is a global shortage of 3.4 million cybersecurity specialists, and many employers in industries like tech and finance cannot find enough talent to fill job openings. However, there is a silver lining: many employers plan to upskill and reskill their employees to help.

, 71% of employers plan to address talent shortages by upskilling and reskilling their current employees. The study found that the most in-demand soft and technical skills include

Upskilling enables you to expand your skill set and helps bridge talent gaps. Developing next-generation abilities could allow you to contribute meaningfully to your current organization. Or you can use your training to seek new–and potentially higher-paying–career opportunities elsewhere.

According to Gallup, 57% of U.S. workers are extremely or very interested in participating in an upskilling program. Additionally, 71% of employees stated they would be extremely or very interested in paid upskilling opportunities.

These findings suggest that professionals have become increasingly aware of the benefits of additional training. Here are a few advantages of upgrading your skills.

Upskilling is one of the most effective ways to boost your income. You can use your newfound expertise to request a raise at your current job or apply for more lucrative positions. This strategy may lead to major financial rewards, especially if you learn highly desirable skills.

The 2021 Data/AI Salary Survey conducted by O'Reilly reveals that dedicating more than 100 hours to training programs can result in an average salary boost of $11,000 for professionals in these fields. Even those who spent only 1 to 19 hours in training programs still experienced an average salary increase of $7,100.

These figures are supported by Gallup's findings that their current employer promoted 39% of workers after upskilling, while 30% found new, higher-paying jobs. The positive impact of upskilling on an individual's standard of living is clear, with 65% of respondents reporting an improvement in their quality of life. It is evident that Investing time and effort into upskilling can yield significant returns, not only in terms of salary but also in terms of career progression and personal growth.

Expanding your skills can be an excellent way to take charge of your career and align your daily responsibilities with your interests. As a data analyst, you can focus your training on the aspects of the industry that you find most fascinating. Suppose you enjoy working with data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI. In that case, developing your proficiency in these programs can enhance your skills and prepare you for a more specialized role in the field.

Upskilling can empower you to take greater control over your career. According to Gallup, 66% of upskilled employers had the power to change aspects of their jobs that dissatisfied them, while only 42% of non-participants did. Upskilling can give you more leverage for your work goals and align with your interests.

Learning new skills can prevent you from feeling bored or stagnant at work and help you feel like your employer values your professional development. These benefits can positively influence your mental health and overall job satisfaction.

The Gallup survey found that 71% of upskilling participants felt more satisfied with their careers after upskilling. Additionally, 78% of respondents had a sense of purpose at work, compared to 65% of people who didn’t upskill. People who enjoy their jobs feel more enthusiastic and motivated, leading to greater personal enrichment.

Upskilling lets you control your career trajectory and unlock new opportunities. Here are five ways to develop new expertise and level up your skills.

Begin your upskilling journey by establishing clear and specific objectives. Common upskilling goals include:

Acquire in-demand skills in your industry

This step may sound obvious, but many people overlook it in their excitement to upskill. Without clear objectives, you may go down a rabbit hole and gain abilities that don’t align with your personal or professional ambitions. Setting goals will help you stay on track and make the most of your upskilling experience.

Develop an upskilling plan by researching career paths that interest you. LinkedIn allows you to explore the professional profiles of people with intriguing titles and roles. Many professionals post vlogs about their daily work routines and responsibilities on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

Once you’ve identified positions of interest, browse relevant job postings to research educational and skills requirements. Look for certifications, advanced skills, and technical proficiencies you may need. This information allows you to develop an upskilling plan tailored to your professional goals.

An experienced mentor in your current or desired field can help you focus your upskilling efforts. They can guide you on which skills and tools to prioritize to accelerate your career development. A mentor can also keep you accountable and motivate you to continue upskilling, even in the face of challenges.

Finding the right mentor requires patience, time, and often a little luck. Strategies to identify potential advisers include:

Explore online mentoring platforms, such as GrowthMentor and ADPList

Join professional associations in your industry and attend networking events

Connect with professionals on social media

Ask for recommendations from trusted colleagues

Reach out to alumni from your school or apprenticeship program

Invite professionals in your field out for coffee

Once you’ve identified a mentor, you can develop a positive relationship by setting clear expectations and goals for your interaction. For example, you might ask your mentor to help you create an upskilling plan and give them regular progress reports. They may also recommend resources to help you master new skills.

As you gain new abilities, you can practice applying them by creating projects. Showcase your coding abilities by developing a mobile app or demonstrate your proficiency in data analytics by developing a predictive model.  These projects enable you to gain hands-on experience and give you tangible examples to discuss during interviews.

Browsing professional portfolios can give you inspiration for your own projects. Many people post samples of their work on their professional websites or social media accounts. You can also offer your services on freelancing platforms like Fiverr.

Upskill at no cost with Multiverse without quitting your job

Future-proof your career with Multiverse’s 

. This program provides a structured curriculum and personalized coaching to help you achieve your unique career goals. You’ll develop versatile and transferable skills that enable you to adapt to changes in your industry.

Unlike other programs, the upskilling certification has no opportunity costs. Our 

 is designed to fit the schedules of busy working professionals so you can keep working full-time while you learn. It’s also totally free with no strings attached.

There’s never been a better time to upskill for the future. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing are reshaping industries and driving innovation. Learning how to use these cutting-edge tools can help you keep up with the ever-changing digital landscape and advance your career.

Multiverse’s upskilling certification is the ideal way to upgrade your toolkit without sacrificing your current career. We offer training in critical skills like 

.  Our programs will help you enhance efficiency, gain marketable skills, and save money. 

What is upskilling? Get paid to advance your career

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Future of financial services: New report on skills in the sector

Introducing Multiverse Degrees

Jaguar Land Rover joins forces with Multiverse to deliver data skills training to employees

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