The Government has launched a new TechFirst AI Apprenticeship Pathway in the North West, aimed at supporting young people who are unemployed or at risk of becoming unemployed after leaving school.

Up to 70 young people aged 16–21 from areas including Wigan, Blackburn and Blackpool will take part in the pilot, receiving three weeks of AI and workplace skills training delivered by IN4 Group.

Participants will learn how to build and use AI tools responsibly, alongside workplace skills including professional communication, teamwork, organisation and problem-solving. Employers including JD Sports and Heinz will offer apprenticeship opportunities following the programme.

The pilot forms part of the Government’s £200 million TechFirst skills programme, which aims to improve routes into technical education and employment and has reached more than 100,000 young people since launching in 2025.

Findings from the pilot will be used to inform an England-wide AI skills and early careers programme, due to roll out in summer 2027