Young people across the North West are benefiting from AI and workplace skills training as part of a new government-backed pilot designed to create pathways into skilled employment.
The three-week AI summer bootcamp, which began last week, is being delivered by IN4 Group through the government’s new TechFirst AI Apprenticeship Pathway. Up to 70 young people aged 16 to 21 who are out of work or at risk of entering unemployment after leaving school are taking part in the pilot. The individuals from communities including Wigan, Blackburn and Blackpool will learn how businesses are applying AI alongside practical workplace skills.
Training will cover the development of AI tools, the use of AI to generate draft guides and documentation, and responsible deployment of the technology with human oversight and quality control. Participants will also receive training in office tools and systems, professional communication, teamwork, time management, organisation, problem-solving and working under pressure.
The scheme will work with businesses and public sector organisations across the region to test how AI training and early-career development can be delivered effectively to young people. At the conclusion of the programme, businesses and public sector organisations across the North West will offer apprenticeship opportunities to participants. Employers involved include JD Sports, Heinz and local SMEs.
Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said the programme would help connect young people with training and employment opportunities within their local communities.
“Young people in every postcode deserve the opportunity to a great start to their adult life, and we are tackling the youth unemployment crisis head on,” she said.
AI Minister Kaniskha Narayan said AI was already transforming workplaces, from automating administrative tasks to supporting advanced applications in areas such as medical research.
“This is a huge opportunity that will directly benefit young people across the country,” Narayan said. “This new scheme is about giving them the skills they need to thrive in the AI workplace, and build careers in some of our most exciting industries.”
Pilot to inform national AI skills programme
The North West programme will be used to identify best practice ahead of a planned England-wide AI skills and early careers scheme next summer. It forms part of the wider £200m TechFirst skills programme, which was announced in summer 2025 and has so far reached more than 100,000 young people.
The programme has also provided financial support to 500 domestic PhD students undertaking technology research, while a further initiative is due to begin rolling out to schools from September. The government said the AI apprenticeship pathway supports wider reforms aimed at ensuring young people have a clear route into skilled employment.
The announcement also follows commitments from National Grid to help 5,000 young people into work through its £5m-a-year Power Within Employability Fund.
For manufacturers and other employers, the pilot reflects the growing emphasis on developing AI skills alongside traditional workplace capabilities as businesses integrate the technology into day-to-day operations.
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