Digital Jersey brought together young people and local employers recently for a new initiative designed to build practical AI skills and help the Island’s next generation prepare for the changing world of work.
Fifteen young people aged 16 to 23 took part in Digital Jersey’s Junior AI Workshop at the Digital Jersey Academy on 3rd September, before joining a group of professionals from across Jersey’s business and tech community at an Industry & Talent Mixer later that day. Sponsored by Prosperity 24/7, the initiative combined practical skills development with direct access to local employers, giving young people the opportunity to understand how to use AI safely and responsibly, develop their own skills and start building professional connections.
The Junior AI Workshop covered three areas: AI foundations and responsible use; building a working AI-powered project using accessible tools; and personal branding and career positioning. Sessions were delivered by Seb Lawson, founder of Spark AI Agency and former Head of Innovation at Digital Jersey; Charlie Miles, Innovation Manager at Digital Jersey; and Jacqui Patton, Managing Director of Floor Ten Agency.
The workshop was designed not only to teach young people how to use AI, but to help them understand where it can add value, the importance of using it responsibly and how these skills could support their future careers.
Charlie Miles (pictured), Innovation Manager at Digital Jersey, said: “AI is already changing the skills employers need, and that makes it important that Jersey’s young people have opportunities to build practical experience early. We want them to enter the workplace feeling confident about AI – understanding what it can do, how to use it responsibly and where their own unique skills and ideas add value.
“What was particularly encouraging was hearing from participants that they felt listened to, valued and supported as they think about their next steps. Supporting Jersey’s future workforce means giving young people practical skills, but it also means connecting them with the people and businesses that can help turn those skills into opportunities.”
Following the workshop, participants joined local professionals for Digital Jersey’s Industry &Talent Mixer. The networking event gave young people the chance to speak directly to people already working across Jersey’s digital, corporate and public sectors, ask questions about careers and make connections with potential future employers.
For businesses, it provided an opportunity to meet emerging local talent who could become future candidates for internships, apprenticeships and entry-level roles.
Geraldine Evans, COO at Prosperity 24/7, said: “Supporting initiatives like this is important because the skills young people need as they enter the workplace are changing quickly. AI will form part of their working lives across almost every sector, so giving them the opportunity to understand the technology, use it practically and learn from people already in industry can make a real difference.
“Jersey businesses also have a role to play. We need to give young people access to our experience, our networks and opportunities to see what careers are available here. By working together, we can help build confidence in our future talent and develop the skills Jersey will need in the years ahead.”
Charlie added: “AI literacy is quickly becoming a core workplace skill rather than something relevant only to people pursuing careers in technology. Our role at Digital Jersey is to make sure people across the Island have opportunities to develop the skills that businesses need, and that has to include the generation preparing to enter the workforce now.”
