Backing the next generation of AI talent
AMPLYFI’s work with higher education students to help strengthen the AI community
AMPLYFI is committed to helping to bridge the talent gap in the technology industry, encouraging the next generation of AI talent to pursue careers in the field. As discussed in the previous blog, ‘Engaging future generations in tech’, AMPLYFI is involved at every level of education, spanning from secondary school students all the way through to supporting Masters and PhD level students.
On Wednesday 26th February, AMPLYFI’s co-founder Ian Jones attended the Industrial Masters for Artificial Intelligence (IMAI) programme’s roundtable event, of which AMPLYFI are participating alongside other industry-leaders in the field of AI. The programme aims to help bridge the digital skills gap in the UK and boost the quality postgraduates joining the AI workforce, with higher education institutions across the UK collaborating with companies to produce postgraduates with the skills that the industry really needs.
With representation from companies such as BAE systems, Cambridge Consultants, CISCO UK, DeepMind (Google’s AI company), Intel, and QuantumBlack, the programme comes alongside the UK government’s £370 million investment into Artificial Intelligence which aims to place the UK as a world leader in innovation and technology. Part of this investment backs scientists who will develop the latest AI technologies to find solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges such as climate change, mental health, improving the diagnosis of life-threatening illnesses like cancer, developing renewable sources of energy and finding sustainable ways to feed a growing population. With this also comes the creation of 1,000 new scholarships for people from underrepresented backgrounds, including women, ethnic minorities and low-income families, building up a highly-skilled workforce in the UK, whilst also opening the industry up to everyone.
AMPLYFI’s involvement, as the only independent start-up on the scheme, will be through supporting and mentoring students on Masters courses in Artificial Intelligence by providing exciting placement opportunities. The companies’ involved get the opportunity to have input on the content being taught to ensure it is industry-specific, giving the graduates improved employability, whilst students get relevant knowledge, experience and support from those at the forefront of their field of interest. The industry placement offers the opportunity for AI Masters students to gain valuable experience of real-world AI inside a company, allowing them to apply their knowledge into practice. As AI, cyber security and data science are increasingly recognised as areas of great importance, revolutionising the way we live and work, it’s vital to be involved with the education of the next generation of AI talent, backing the students who will fuel the field’s future innovation and growth.
AMPLYFI also supports the UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Advanced Computing scheme that provides PhD opportunities built upon long standing research and training collaborations between institutions such as the universities of Aberystwyth, Bangor, Bristol, Cardiff, and Swansea. The program enables PhD students in subjects such as Physics and Maths who are interested in Machine Learning to become qualified experts in the field, driven by the collaboration of participating companies and educational institutions to teach relevant skills. AMPLYFI aims to take one PhD student a year for a 6 month internship.
There is a major skills gap in the technology industry, therefore initiatives such as this are vital to help develop the workforce to meet the industry’s rapid demand, as well as to make this workforce more inclusive. We are committed to improving equality in the industry, encouraging more people to pursue Artificial Intelligence studies with no constraints holding them back.
Follow us here:
TechTalks podcast:
