AI Career Launchpad

A grassroots career-readiness programme equipping young people aged 18–25 with practical AI, digital, and workplace skills, followed by structured pathways to internships, gigs, and entry-level jobs through a global partner network.

 

5 Step Guide to

AI Career Launchpad

Overview


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5 Steps

Who? Someone who...

Resource Checklist

Time

6–8 weeks to deliver the 30–40 hour training programme, plus 2–3 months of follow-up support for internship and job placements.


Partner with 1M1B

Begin by connecting with 1 Million for 1 Billion to access their AI Career Launchpad programme resources and partner network. Complete their onboarding process to gain access to the curriculum, online learning platform, and employer referral system. This partnership provides the foundation for your programme, including self-paced AI learning modules covering foundations, prompt engineering, and hands-on AI applications. 1M1B will also connect you with their ecosystem of global partners—companies like IBM, Meta, Microsoft, Salesforce, and EY—who provide internship and employment opportunities for graduates. Understand the programme structure, success metrics, and support available throughout your implementation.


Establish Local Infrastructure

Set up the physical and digital infrastructure needed to deliver blended learning. Secure a suitable venue with reliable internet access, computers or tablets for participants, and space for both individual online work and group activities. Recruit or train facilitators who can guide participants through the AI curriculum, provide technical support, and deliver the in-person components of the programme. These facilitators don't need to be AI experts, but should be comfortable with technology and able to support learners. Establish partnerships with local youth organisations, colleges, or community centres to help with recruitment and venue access. Ensure your setup can accommodate a cohort of 75 young people working through 30–40 hours of blended learning over 6–8 weeks.


Recruit Motivated Participants

Launch a targeted recruitment campaign to identify and enrol 75 motivated young people aged 18–25, particularly first-generation learners from underserved communities. Work with local colleges, youth organisations, employment centres, and community leaders to spread awareness about the opportunity. Hold information sessions that clearly explain what AI is, why it matters for future careers, and how the programme works. Address common concerns about technical prerequisites—emphasise that no prior AI experience is required, just motivation and commitment. Create a transparent selection process that prioritises participants who demonstrate genuine interest in learning and career advancement but lack traditional pathways to technology careers. Build a diverse cohort that reflects your community and can support each other through the learning journey.


Deliver Blended Learning

Implement the 30–40 hour programme using 1M1B's blended learning model. Participants work through self-paced online modules covering AI foundations, mastering prompts, and hands-on AI applications at their own speed, whilst attending scheduled sessions for career awareness, skills workshops, and peer learning. Facilitate interactive sessions on career opportunities in AI and digital roles, including emerging skilled tech trades. Deliver career readiness workshops covering CV creation, LinkedIn profile optimisation, interview basics, and professional communication. Guide participants through creating a mini project or portfolio piece that demonstrates their new AI skills—this becomes a concrete showcase for potential employers. Throughout the programme, build participants' confidence by celebrating progress, encouraging collaboration, and making AI feel accessible rather than intimidating. Track completion rates and engagement to provide additional support where needed.


Connect to Opportunities

As participants near completion, activate the programme's most powerful feature: direct referrals to real employment opportunities through the 1M1B partner network. Work with 1M1B to match graduates with internships, gigs, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions at companies like IBM, Meta, Microsoft, Salesforce, EY, and others in their ecosystem. Help participants prepare for these opportunities by reviewing their CVs and portfolios, conducting mock interviews, and providing guidance on professional expectations. Track outcomes for at least 100 graduates to measure success: how many secure internships, gigs, or jobs; improvements in their employability and wage potential; and longer-term career progression. Collect testimonials and success stories that demonstrate impact. Maintain connections with graduates to provide ongoing support and build a network of programme alumni who can inspire and mentor future cohorts in your community.


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