Sage plc, the major Tyneside-based tech employer, is expanding its partnership with the global initiative Teens in AI to deliver AI training to thousands of teenagers aged 13 to 19 in the North East. The programme, based at the company's Cobalt Business Park headquarters, aims to open up career pathways and build a future talent pipeline in the region.
Partnership Expansion and Reach
The partnership, first launched in 2021, has already reached more than 16,000 young people, with 1,143 volunteer hours contributed by Sage employees as mentors, speakers, judges, and course contributors. According to Sage, 59% of participants were girls or from under-represented groups, and 79% were from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Addressing the AI Skills Gap
The expanded programme comes as research from Teens in AI shows that almost 70% of young people use AI every day. However, 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 artificial intelligence.
Through the programme, students will gain full access to the AI Adventures learning platform and its suite of courses. Participating schools will receive AI literacy training and career awareness support for both teachers and students.
Quotes from Leaders
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."
Elena Sinel, founder and CEO of Teens in AI, said: "Young people should not have to wait until higher education or employment to access AI learning. Through our long-standing partnership with Sage, we are helping bridge education and industry so that young people can build the skills, confidence and awareness they need earlier in life. This expanded partnership strengthens our shared commitment to making AI education more accessible and connected to real opportunities across the North East."
Regional Ambitions and Government Recognition
The expanded partnership comes at a pivotal moment for the region. The Government recently named Sage as a leading digital technology business in the North East AI Growth Zone, recognised for widening access to technology careers and supporting women in the region to develop AI leadership skills.
This new programme contributes to a broader regional ambition to ensure 80,000 students benefit from AI training by 2029, alongside major investment in AI infrastructure and supporting AI adoption across the North East.
