Industry News | Teens in AI and Sage expand partnership to boost youth AI skills

Teens in AI, the global social impact organisation inspiring the next generation of responsible AI innovators, has expanded its partnership with Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses, to launch the North East AI Talent Acceleration Programme – a structured AI literacy and talent initiative for young people aged 13–19 across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, and County Durham.

The programme launches as new research from Teens in AI highlights a growing AI readiness gap among young people. While almost seven in ten (70%) young people surveyed say they use AI every day, nearly half (48%) say their school is not preparing them for a future shaped by AI, despite 94% believing they could see themselves in a future career that uses AI.

Through the programme, students will gain full access to the AI Adventures learning platform and its wider suite of courses, while participating schools receive AI literacy training and career awareness support for teachers and students alike. By connecting education and industry, the programme aims to strengthen the talent pipeline for the North East's growing AI economy, helping more young people access the opportunities being created across the region.

Helen Devanny, Vice President of Sage Foundation, said: "This programme helps turn ambition into opportunity by connecting young people with real-world AI experience, industry expertise, and structured learning opportunities. Our focus at Sage is on ensuring that access to AI education and skills development is widened at pace, so more young people are equipped to progress into the opportunities being created across the region."