AI pilot aims to bridge skills gap

An initiative is aiming to bridge the gap between digital skills and employment while helping small businesses harness the potential of artificial intelligence.

The Sunderland AI Buddy Recruitment Pilot has secured backing from Innovate UK’s £7.6 million Tech Local Programme, which supports projects helping technology talent move from training into entry-level jobs.

The pilot will pair digitally skilled jobseekers with small business owners, giving participants hands-on workplace experience while helping companies understand how AI technologies could be introduced safely and effectively into their operations.

It is led by Dr Selvakumar Ramachandran, an academic at the University of Oxford and founder of Sunderland-headquartered technology consultancy Kerckhoffs Ltd.

The consortium also includes University of Oxford alumni Ritchie Wilson, of Bydaybreak Solutions, Andrea Bell, of Sunderland Soup Kitchen, and Clare Teunissen, from the University of Sunderland.

Dr Selvakumar Ramachandran, the founder of Kerckhoffs Ltd, a Sunderland-headquartered technology consultancy specialising in sovereign AI, digital twins and universal design, said: “Securing Innovate UK funding for the third time in five years shows how Kerckhoffs Ltd is leading the way when it comes to helping British businesses adopt and integrate AI.

“The project is underpinned by developing a ‘human monitored’ AI system through securing the perfect match between candidates and companies and we are looking forward to helping businesses solve their problems easier by utilising AI.”

Ritchie added: “The North East is set to become one of the largest data hubs in Europe thanks to the national AI Growth Zone, however many small businesses and local workers still feel left behind by this rapid pace of change.

“The Sunderland AI Buddy Recruitment Pilot will seek to address this head-on by adopting a relationship-based approach which connects talented job seekers with businesses looking to embrace AI, while providing the friendly, wrap-around support required to ensure both parties get the most from the experience.

“If successful, it could provide a whole new blueprint for how we address the digital skills shortage, improve productivity and unlock growth across the UK.”

Andrea added: “One of the outputs we are really keen to achieve is to open up avenues for those who so often feel shut off from the life-changing career opportunities that AI offers.

“Take those who are neurodivergent. 

“The way traditional job interviews are conducted can make some feel uncomfortable and work against them, however if you want someone who can really get to grips with data and processing, then they could be the perfect person for the job.

“Women are also far too often overlooked for tech and AI roles too, despite often boasting the essential human skills such as emotional intelligence, judgement and resilience, all of which can be key traits when it comes to leading on AI projects. 

“Our mission is to break down the barriers to entry for people wishing to work in this exciting sector and provide opportunities for all.”

More than 3000 applications were submitted to Innovate UK’s Tech Local Programme, with the Sunderland pilot among 41 projects selected for support.

Workshops and events will be held at locations across the city, including Sunderland Soup Kitchen’s Tribeca Community Hub, the North East BIC and Sunderland Software Centre.

Small business owners interested in adopting AI and jobseekers seeking practical digital experience are now being invited to register their interest in the programme at www.aibuddy.org.uk.

Councillor James Jackson, cabinet member for business, housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, added: “We are thrilled that the Sunderland AI Buddy Recruitment Pilot is among the successful projects to have secured funding from the Tech Local Programme.

“AI is a rapidly emerging technology which is transforming how we do business the world-over and is why projects like this, which make it more affordable for businesses to invest in AI while improving the career chances of local people, are so important. 

“It will provide us with a fantastic opportunity to explore how we can upskill residents while providing the talented workers our businesses require to capitalise on the opportunities of tomorrow.”

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