What Types of Data & Analytics Training Are Available for Microsoft Users?

For teams using Microsoft tools like Power BI, Azure, SQL Server, and Microsoft 365, having strong data and analytics skills can make all the difference in how effectively they harness these platforms. But building expertise with these tools often requires more than just hands-on experience; it’s about finding the right kind of training that aligns with your team’s needs, whether that’s quick upskilling, in-depth learning, or specialized mentoring.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a variety of training options—from intensive boot camps to flexible on-demand courses and custom workshops. Along the way, we’ll highlight some top providers in each category and show how the skills gained can even support real-time data visualization on digital signage.

With the right training, your team can turn data into insights that everyone in the organization can access and act on!

Boot camps: best for fast-track learning for immediate results

Boot camps are intensive programs designed to help teams build critical skills in a short time frame. They’re good for companies looking to get their team up to speed quickly, whether in Power BI, Azure, or SQL. These programs often combine lecture-based learning with hands-on projects, giving participants the chance to practice and apply what they’ve learned right away.

Some popular options for Microsoft-focused boot camps include:

• Pragmatic Works: Pragmatic Works offers intensive bootcamps focused on Microsoft tools like Power BI, Azure Data Factory, Power Automate, designed to quickly bring teams up to speed with hands-on, project-based learning. Led by Microsoft MVPs and industry experts, these bootcamps cover everything from data modeling and visualization to advanced analytics, providing practical skills that participants can apply immediately.
• DataCamp: Known for its practical, project-based approach, DataCamp offers a variety of self-paced, interactive courses and learning tracks focused on Microsoft tools and platforms, including Power BI, Microsoft Copilot, and Azure.
• Springboard: Springboard’s Data Analytics Bootcamp is great for anyone looking to get hands-on with SQL, Python, and data visualization. Designed to build both foundational and advanced skills, this bootcamp mixes technical training with real-world projects to help you apply what you learn right away.
• Global Knowledge: If you’re focused on Microsoft tools, Global Knowledge has accelerated boot camps specifically for Power BI and Azure. For example, their Power BI Data Analyst course covers everything from modeling and visualizing data to best practices for analysis, so you can put new skills to work in no time.

By the end of a boot camp, participants are often ready to apply their knowledge directly to real-world scenarios, making these programs a great fit for teams that want to dive into using Power BI for advanced analytics or Azure for cloud management.

Boot camps are also a practical choice for companies planning to integrate digital signage, allowing teams to quickly learn how to transform data into visuals that can ultimately be displayed across company TV screens.

On-demand learning: best for flexibility for busy teams

For teams with packed schedules, on-demand learning provides a flexible alternative to intensive training. With self-paced courses, participants can work through material at their own speed, revisiting concepts as needed. This format is great for teams looking to build skills progressively, without interrupting their day-to-day responsibilities.

Here are a few go-to providers for on-demand Microsoft training:

• Pragmatic Works: Offering over 120 on-demand courses in Power BI, Azure, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Automate and (way, way) more, Pragmatic Works is known for its flexible learning options and practical, hands-on content. With courses led by Microsoft MVPs and industry experts, teams can build essential skills at their own pace.
• LinkedIn Learning: Offering courses on Power BI, Office 365, and SQL Server, LinkedIn Learning’s self-paced model allows employees to tackle topics when it’s convenient. From beginner to advanced levels, the platform’s wide range of courses supports both foundational learning and deeper dives.
• ExistBI: ExistBI is a consulting agency that also provides hands-on training to help businesses make the most of their data. Alongside data management and analytics consulting, they offer courses in Microsoft Power BI, PowerApps, SQL Server, and other key platforms, giving teams the skills to work effectively with enterprise data.
• Udacity: Known for its data science nanodegrees, Udacity offers on-demand courses that include modules on SQL and Azure. These programs focus on project-based learning, allowing participants to apply skills to practical scenarios.
• Thorogood: Thorogood combines deep consulting expertise with targeted, hands-on training designed specifically for enterprise teams working with data. They offer customized programs in Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, and data visualization, helping organizations tackle real-world data challenges. They also provide a Power BI Enablement Hub with expert-led recordings, webcasts, and guides to drive Power BI adoption. Each training session is tailored to fit the client’s needs, ensuring teams can apply new skills directly to their projects and workflows.
• Pluralsight: Featuring a large catalog of Microsoft courses, Pluralsight provides flexible, on-demand learning for Power BI, Azure, and more. Courses range from introductory to advanced, so teams can find the right match for their experience level.
• Advancing Analytics: UK-based Advancing Analytics offers specialized training in data engineering and analytics, with a strong focus on Microsoft technologies. Their workshops include hands-on programs like their Microsoft Fabric Proof of Concept program, which helps teams explore Microsoft Fabric’s capabilities, and their Azure Databricks training course, a three-day intensive designed to take data professionals from beginner to advanced. Each course is crafted to ensure that participants gain practical, applicable skills that can be directly applied to real-world data challenges

These boutique providers offer personalized training solutions that can help your team effectively use Microsoft's data tools.

With on-demand learning, teams can build skills gradually, which can be especially helpful for mastering tools like Power BI or SQL Server. Over time, employees can use their new knowledge to develop dashboards and reports that can be displayed on digital signage, bringing valuable insights into clear view for everyone in the organization.

Certifications & exams: best for validating your expertise

Microsoft certifications provide a trusted benchmark of proficiency for data and analytics skills. Earning a certification shows that an employee has met Microsoft’s standards, making it a valuable addition to their professional toolkit. For companies, having certified team members can increase confidence in the team’s capabilities and help ensure high-quality data handling and analysis.

Some top choices for certification training include:

• Koenig Solutions: Koenig offers virtual prep courses for a variety of Microsoft certifications, including Power BI, Azure Infrastructure, and Microsoft Power Platform. This provider focuses on hands-on training that prepares participants for certification exams.
• Firebrand Training: Firebrand Training is known for its intensive, accelerated courses designed to help professionals earn Microsoft certifications quickly. Their “Certification in a Week” programs cover areas like Azure and Power BI, blending hands-on labs with practical theory. Firebrand’s immersive approach is perfect for those looking to gain certifications efficiently in a focused setting.
• New Horizons: As a certified Microsoft learning partner, New Horizons provides a wide range of certification courses covering SharePoint, PowerShell, and SQL Server. This provider’s courses are suitable for all levels, helping participants go from beginner to advanced.
• Web Age Solutions: Web Age Solutions offers a range of certification prep courses in Microsoft technologies, including Azure, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Microsoft security, and loads more. Known for their customized training solutions, Web Age Solutions designs each course to align with industry needs, blending theory with real-world applications to ensure participants are well-prepared for exams.
• SkillForge: SkillForge specializes in live, instructor-led training sessions that focus on Microsoft certifications, including PowerPlatform, SQL Server, and Microsoft Teams. With small class sizes and direct instructor support, SkillForge provides a personal, hands-on experience that prepares participants for certification exams. Their training sessions are tailored for working professionals looking to upgrade their skills on a flexible schedule.

Certified employees bring valuable skills to the table, particularly when it comes to data tools like Power BI and SQL Server. Certification-based training helps teams maintain best practices, ensuring that data can be managed efficiently & visualized accurately on digital signage to keep everyone aligned with the latest insights.

Virtual mentoring & custom training: best for tailoring training for specific needs

For companies looking for a more personalized approach, virtual mentoring and custom training offer tailored support that addresses unique data and analytics needs. Whether teams are focusing on Microsoft 365 collaboration tools or advanced Azure functionalities, these programs can adapt to specific goals and challenges.

A few companies known for their custom training programs include:

• Catapult: Catapult provides custom support & training in Microsoft 365 and Azure, designed to match each organization’s specific needs. Their sessions focus on practical skills that teams can apply directly to improve collaboration and make better use of cloud tools in their workflows. This personalized approach helps ensure that companies get the most out of Microsoft’s offerings, aligned with how they actually work.
• Digital Camp: Digital Camp’s Microsoft Mentorship Program pairs participants with experienced Microsoft mentors to provide guidance in using Microsoft tools effectively, including Azure, Power BI, and the Power Platform. The program is designed to offer hands-on support, with mentors helping mentees navigate real-world data challenges and develop skills that can be applied directly to their work. With a flexible, virtual format, Digital Camp’s mentorship makes it easy for teams to get practical insights and advice from experts.
• Pragmatic Works: Pragmatic Works’ Virtual Mentor Program is tailored for professionals looking to deepen their expertise in Power BI, Azure, SQL Server, and the Power Platform. Through one-on-one sessions with industry experts, mentees get personalized support on projects, troubleshooting, and best practices for Microsoft tools. This mentorship is designed to fit participants’ unique needs, making it ideal for those seeking to solve specific challenges or advance their technical skills in a guided environment.
• MentorCruise: MentorCruise connects professionals with experienced mentors across various fields, including data analytics and Microsoft technologies. Their platform facilitates one-on-one virtual mentoring sessions, allowing mentees to receive personalized guidance and support.
• Quisitive: Quisitive focuses on integration and consulting for Microsoft technologies like Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365, helping organizations get the most from their cloud and data tools. Their services encompass planning, implementation, integration, support, and training phases, ensuring organizations can effectively leverage these technologies

Custom training ensures that teams can apply Microsoft tools to their unique needs, whether that’s building collaborative workflows or using Power BI for advanced data analytics. With tailored support, companies can also unlock new possibilities for digital signage, turning complex data into easy-to-understand visuals that drive transparency and team alignment.

Interactive hackathons & workshops: learning by doing

Hackathons and workshops bring a hands-on approach to learning, encouraging teams to solve real-world data problems together. These events foster teamwork and allow participants to apply their skills in dynamic environments, perfect for building proficiency in tools like Power BI and Azure.

Here are some providers offering engaging, interactive sessions:

• Pragmatic Works: Pragmatic Works specializes in customized hackathons and workshops that focus on Microsoft technologies like Power BI, Power Apps, and Azure. Their programs are tailored to address specific business challenges, allowing teams to work with their own data and develop solutions in a collaborative environment. This approach ensures that participants not only learn new skills but also create practical applications that can be implemented within their organizations.
• Advancing Analytics: Advancing Analytics offers specialized workshops and hackathons focused on Microsoft technologies, particularly Microsoft Fabric. Their 3-day Fabric Hackathon provides hands-on experience, allowing teams to explore and assess the capabilities of Microsoft Fabric using their own data. This immersive approach helps participants understand how to integrate Fabric into their business processes effectively.
• Thorogood: Thorogood offers immersive workshops with hands-on labs that allow participants to tackle real-world scenarios using tools like Power BI and Azure. Their workshops are tailored to the needs of each team, ensuring that participants gain practical skills that are immediately applicable to their work. From building dashboards to solving complex data problems, Thorogood’s sessions empower teams to navigate challenges and make the most of Microsoft’s powerful data tools.
• Senturus: Senturus specializes in structured Power BI training workshops that guide teams through practical data challenges, focusing on the nuances of data analytics and reporting. These workshops offer a structured approach to learning, with exercises that build skills progressively, helping participants deepen their understanding and refine their analytical abilities in a supportive environment. Senturus’s workshops are a great fit for teams looking to apply Power BI in meaningful, impactful ways.
• Wintellect: Wintellect offers interactive courses on a wide range of topics like Azure and data science, emphasizing problem-solving and hands-on practice. Led by experienced instructors, these sessions guide teams through real-life scenarios, from managing cloud solutions to tackling data science projects. To complement their workshops, Wintellect provides structured learning paths—curated series of courses that delve deep into specific topics, allowing participants to build expertise progressively. This combination of practical workshops and comprehensive learning paths ensures that teams can immediately apply new skills and continue their professional development effectively.

Hackathons and workshops provide team-based learning experiences that encourage creative problem-solving with tools like Power BI. These interactive sessions also inspire new ways to use digital signage, with teams creating data visualizations that can be displayed on shared screens for greater visibility.

Real-time data visualization on digital signage

Mastering tools like Power BI doesn’t just benefit individual teams; it also opens the door to more dynamic, company-wide communication. Digital signage provides an ideal way to bring these skills to life, allowing teams to display real-time data insights on screens in shared spaces.

Whether tracking project milestones, monitoring key performance indicators, or sharing the latest updates, data-informed digital signage keeps everyone informed and aligned.

With the right training, companies can make data visible, accessible, and actionable—fostering a culture where information flows freely and empowers every team member to make data-driven decisions.