A new AI bootcamp for people leaving school without employment will be piloted in Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen this summer.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has announced more support to get young people into their first jobs as a result of a new partnership between the government, employers, trade unions and young people.
The Early Careers Job Alliance aims to allow young people to learn on the job and build a career, and has been backed by £20 million of government funding.
Starting in the digital and technology sector, due to high exposure and updates of AI in digital and tech businesses, the scheme aims to eventually roll out across all eight industrial strategy sectors.
Over the summer, the pilot, which covers Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, will see young people offered a free AI skills bootcamp.
It will provide them with workplace and entry-level AI training before guaranteeing those who complete the bootcamp a fully paid AI apprenticeship, which is facilitated by local employers like BAE Systems, Blackburn with Darwen Council and JD Sports.
AI Minister, Kanishka Narayan said: “This is a big moment for Lancashire, we’re putting the region right at the centre of shaping our first-ever England-wide AI bootcamp – helping young people here and beyond get their foot in the door to the jobs of the future.
“This area has a long and proud history, and now has a real opportunity to make sure the benefits of the AI transition reach the people who need them most.
“Too many young people in Lancashire are at risk of leaving school without a clear path for their future, through no fault of their own.
“This pilot is about backing young locals who are most at risk of falling into unemployment, and giving them a clear route from education into paid AI apprenticeships.
“We’re starting here to make the most of the region's potential - helping young people get the skills they need to stay local and build good careers close to home.”
A report will be published in autumn, setting out early evidence and examples of best practice to inform future work.
Announced by the Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, on Monday, June 8, at London Tech Week, the plans are part of Government efforts to break down barriers for young people, ensure growth and opportunity are felt all across the country, and that everyone can seize the opportunities of technology and AI.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall said: “My priority is building an AI future that is pro-business and pro-worker, where AI enhances work, and people are supported through the jobs transition – not left to cope on their own.
"It’s clear the world of work is changing rapidly with the adoption of new technologies, and young people want a future where they can get on, get skilled, and get good jobs.
“I'm determined to give young people the jobs and skills they need to thrive in an era of technological change, and am taking action now to create a future that truly works for all."
Through TechFirst at least 400,000 students from some of the most disadvantaged schools will be supported to take up AI and tech skills in efforts to ensure opportunities are provided to those who need them the most.
They’ll take part in TechFirst's skills sessions, school competitions and extra-curricular activities, and industry engagement events - to upskill and guide them towards a future in tech and AI.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, said: “Young people deserve every opportunity to build a meaningful career, and that means making sure no one is left behind as our economy changes and technology advances.
"For too long, too many young people have faced a future with too few opportunities, which is why through our Youth Guarantee we are ensuring every young person has the chance to earn or learn.
"By equipping these young people with tech and AI skills, we are making sure that the opportunities created by this technological revolution are open to everyone.”
