I'm so pleased with this AI scheme because the government knows when Blackpool succeeds, Britain succeeds
“I’m so pleased that the government has chosen Blackpool for this pilot.”
Blackpool South MP Chris Webb has said that’ when Blackpool succeeds, Britain succeeds’ after the town was chosen to pilot a major new government initiative to get young people into education, training, or employment.
Blackpool is set to play a leading role in the new government-backed he AI Native Youth programme aimed at helping young people by creating a clear pathway into employment through digital apprenticeships.
Led by technology training provider IN4 Group, the pilot will initially support 60 young people aged 16 who are considered at risk of becoming NEET, with a particular focus on care leavers, who face a higher risk of disengagement. There is also a commitment to expand the programme to support 1,000 young people over the next year.
‘Another nod of recognition’
“Young People in Blackpool are the focus of a major new government-backed initiative aimed at preventing them from falling out of education, employment or training,” said Chris Webb MP. “Between 10 and 12 16 year olds from Blackpool will be among 60 selected to take part in the pilot for a new AI skills bootcamp providing young people with a pathway to work.
“It will provide them with workplace and entry-level AI training before guaranteeing those who complete the bootcamp a fully paid AI apprenticeship in the autumn. They will be taken on by local employers including BAE Systems and Blackpool Council.
“If successful, the lessons from the pilot will support the rollout of a nationwide AI bootcamp programme across England next summer. The jobs of the future should not be reserved for a few places or a few people – they should be open to every young person willing to work hard and seize the opportunity.
“I’m so pleased that the government has chosen Blackpool for this pilot. It’s another nod of recognition from senior ministers that they understand – when Blackpool succeeds, Britain succeeds.”
Ai apprenticeships
The initiative builds on IN4 Group’s existing MEGA Hubs network, which operates in more than 250 schools across the North West and has delivered STEM education and scholarships to more than 14,000 students.
Blackpool is one of five local authority areas taking part in the pilot, alongside Blackburn with Darwen, Lancashire, Oldham and Wigan. Supported by employers including JD Sports, BAE Systems, PA Consulting and Agilisys, at least 10 young people from each area will begin £18,000 AI apprenticeships in September.
Through a two-year AI-focused curriculum delivered from Years 10 and 11, participants will develop digital skills before progressing into Level 3 apprenticeships, helping tackle rising NEET numbers while creating a pipeline of AI-ready talent for employers across the North West.