Jessica BirdArtificial intelligence (AI) technology could soon provide tailored careers guidance and support jobseekers in finding apprenticeships, as part of a Government plan to trial agentic AI in public services.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology confirmed that specialist AI companies will be invited to work with Government teams to test the technology, which can carry out tasks such as filling in forms, booking appointments and completing applications.
In its first phase, the trials will focus on employment and skills. Officials said agentic AI could help young people take the next step in education, secure apprenticeships suited to their circumstances and receive personalised career guidance.
If successful, the technology may then be expanded to other key life milestones, such as moving home, where it could update a driving licence address or register individuals with a GP.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “We can entirely rethink and reshape how public services help people through crucial life moments using the power of emerging AI technology.
“Using agentic AI to its full potential, we could provide a level of service to citizens across the country that was previously unimaginable – helping people to find better career opportunities, avoid wasting their time on government admin and more.”
The Government said the trials form part of the AI Opportunities Action Plan and will be developed under a ‘test and learn’ model.
A prototype will be built over six to 12 months by a hybrid team of government and private sector AI experts, with the UK retaining ownership of the product.
If each stage of testing proves successful, the technology could be rolled out nationally from 2027. The announcement comes ahead of the Prime Minister unveiling a series of AI Exemplar projects, which will showcase ways artificial intelligence can be used to improve efficiency and outcomes across the public sector.
