AI TALENT PIPELINE SOUTH WEST
Hire AI talent.Launch your AI career.
Connecting South West employers with emerging AI talent through a fully funded Innovate UK programme.
WHY WE'RE HERE
AI is transforming the way organisations work, but many employers don't know where to start when hiring AI talent. At the same time, talented people looking to begin a career in AI often struggle to gain the experience employers are looking for.
The AI Talent Pipeline South West helps bridge that gap.
Delivered by Taught by Humans and techSPARK, this nine-month programme (July 2026 – March 2027) forms part of TechLocal, a TechFirst programme funded by Innovate UK. Unlike a traditional jobs board, we combine AI-powered learning, candidate matching and employer support to connect the right people with the right opportunities.
FOR EMPLOYERS
Find your next AI hire— at no cost
Hiring entry-level AI talent can feel daunting. Our fully funded pilot helps make the process easier — and you stay in control of every hiring decision.
- Free advertising for entry-level and early-career roles on the techSPARK Jobs Board.
- Job description support to help define and refine your role.
- Skills-based candidate matching via Taught by Humans.
- Access to candidates building relevant AI and workplace skills, guided by Dotly.
Eligibility:Â roles must be based in the South West, run at least six months, and be a minimum of 25 hours per week.
FOR CANDIDATES
Start your AI career with real opportunities
Whether you're leaving education, changing careers or looking for your first role in AI or tech, we're designed to help you take the next step.
- Fully funded access to AI and workplace learning through Taught by Humans.
- Personalised learning support from Dotly, guiding your development.
- The opportunity to demonstrate your skills, not just list them on a CV.
- Skills-based matching with South West employers hiring now.
No experience needed — just the motivation to learn. At least half the opportunities are aimed at supporting women entering the sector.
HOW IT WORKS
Four steps from register to role
The same path whether you're hiring or job hunting.
Tell us whether you're looking to hire or looking for your next role.
Employers refine their role with our support; candidates start building relevant skills on the platform.
Our platform matches candidates and employers based on skills and role requirements.
When there's a strong match, we introduce employers and candidates and support the placement.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Regional network meets AI-powered matching
The AI Talent Pipeline South West combines techSPARK’s regional employer network with Taught by Humans’ AI-powered learning and matching platform. Together, we’re helping employers discover emerging AI talent while opening new pathways into AI careers across the South West.
50
entry-level AI and tech placements
25+
of those roles targeted for women
9
months, July 2026 - March 2027
£0
cost to employers and candidates
Funded by
Innovate UK, through the TechLocal programme
Delivered by
Taught by Humans and techSPARK
Region
South West England
FAQ
We’re looking for entry-level and early-career AI or technology roles, including positions such as Junior AI Developer, Data Analyst, AI Operations Associate and IT Business Analyst.
Roles must be based in the South West, last at least six months and be a minimum of 25 hours per week.
No. If you’re planning to recruit over the coming months, register your interest and we’ll be in touch when suitable opportunities arise.
No. The programme is fully funded through Innovate UK’s TechLocal initiative, meaning there’s no cost to employers or candidates.
Candidates build skills and demonstrate their progress through the Taught by Humans platform. Employers can advertise vacancies, refine role requirements and receive skills based candidate matches based on those requirements.
The AI Talent Pipeline South West is a collaborative pilot delivered by Taught by Humans and techSPARK, funded through Innovate UK’s TechLocal programme.
That’s what we’re here for. Our team and the Taught by Humans platform can help you work out the role and the skills you actually need — no finished job spec required.
Ready to get involved?
Whether you’re looking to recruit emerging AI talent or take your first step into an AI career, we’d love to hear from you.