Two new schemes will give Barnsley residents practical support to use artificial intelligence for job hunting and career development, Barnsley Council has announced.
The programmes aim to help people benefit from AI in two ways: training for jobs linked to AI itself, and using AI tools when applying for work such as finding suitable roles, improving CVs and cover letters, and practising interview questions.
AI Career Launchpad
The AI Career Launchpad is a partnership between Barnsley Council and Barnsley College worth more than £400,000. It will offer local people of all ages a faster, more flexible route into AI jobs.
Learners will receive six months of training linked to a Level 4 apprenticeship, plus paid placements to gain experience while they learn. Roles could include helping businesses use AI tools, supporting teams with data and digital systems, improving customer services, or finding better ways to use technology in day-to-day work.
Local businesses that take part will get early access to people training in AI, with government-funded placements helping them bring fresh skills into their teams. The scheme will also help firms test how AI could save time, reduce admin, improve services and help them grow.
Once complete, the curriculum will be made freely available so colleges and training providers elsewhere can adopt it.
Getting Job Ready with AI
From September, jobseekers in Barnsley will also get hands-on support through the Getting Job Ready with AI pilot. This is designed for people already comfortable using technology in everyday life who want more confidence using AI and digital tools when looking for work or preparing for the workplace.
Tailored support could include using AI to search for suitable roles, tailor CVs and cover letters, prepare for interviews and understand how employers are already using digital tools in day-to-day jobs. People will be referred onto the course through Jobcentre Plus.
Andrew Western, Minister for Employment, said the schemes are part of a government drive to get more people into good jobs and help them progress once there. The pilot forms part of wider changes being made through jobcentres across the country.
