Two young women from the North East have launched a community group to help people at the start of their careers understand artificial intelligence. Ruby Elliott, 22, from Whitley Bay, and Sekeyna Abidi, 24, from Sunderland, both work at Tyneside-based software company Sage and created WEAI to support others like them.
Creating a community for early-career professionals
The pair joined the international technology company two years ago and noticed that many young people entering the workforce were interested in AI but did not always know what it could mean for their jobs, development or future opportunities. Their solution was to build a community where students, graduates and apprentices could meet, learn from one another and grow their confidence in AI.
WEAI was launched at Sage's headquarters at Cobalt Business Park, with around 100 young people from North East employers attending. The initiative is supported by several major companies, including Sage, Accenture, DXC, Atom Bank, Newcastle Building Society and CGI.
Founders share their own career journeys
Ruby, a procurement apprentice at Sage, said: "There is so much conversation about how AI will change the way we work, but people at the beginning of their careers are not always part of it. We didn’t want young people simply to watch those changes happen around them. We wanted to create a community where they could ask questions, learn from others and feel confident about the part they can play."
She added: "My own route into this career wasn’t traditional. Before my apprenticeship, I worked as a dental receptionist and ran my own wedding hair and make-up business. That showed me there is no single route into a career in technology or business. You don’t need to come from a technical background or already be an AI expert. You just need to be curious and willing to learn."
Sekeyna, who studied business management and marketing before starting her graduate career in product management, said: "Before joining Sage, I worked in customer service while running my own nail business. Neither Ruby nor I came from a technical background, so we understand why AI can sometimes feel like something that is only for experts."
She continued: "We created WEAI to show that there is a place in this conversation for everyone. We want people starting their careers to feel comfortable asking questions, develop practical skills and meet others who are working through the same changes. This is as much about people as technology."
Support from Sage leadership
Kerry Sinclair, executive vice president of IT at Sage, said: "I began my own career at Sage as an apprentice, so I know how important those first opportunities can be. Ruby and Sekeyna are not waiting for someone else to tell their generation what the future will look like. They are bringing people together to help shape it for themselves."
She added: "That curiosity and willingness to keep learning will be every bit as important as technical knowledge as AI changes how we work. The North East has a huge opportunity to lead this change, and we need to make sure our young people have the confidence and skills to be part of that journey."
