THE introduction of ‘Tech Town’ is already making a difference to residents’ lives according to the government minister for AI and he says that the recent change in leadership at Barnsley Council will not affect the scheme moving forward.
Barnsley was announced as the government’s first Tech Town earlier this year, positioning the town as offering a national blueprint for how AI can improve everyday life.
From AI tools that help GPs triage patients quicker, to new digital training for adults bosses believe the scheme marks the start of a transformation designed to make like easier, fairer and more prosperous in Barnsley.
The next stage of the scheme an £800,000 AI Upskilling Challenge Fund has now been launched for organisations that can deliver innovative AI training to local workers, businesses and residents.
With a focus on those who might otherwise miss out as technology transforms the workplace, these indicatives could help manufacturers make greater use of AI on the factory floor, support small businesses to grow, help older residents build digital confidence, and equip young people looking to enter the job market with the skills they need for jobs of the future.
The government is calling on organisations ranging from training providers and charities to colleges and technology companies from across the UK to bring forward ideas, with successful projects to be delivered in Barnsley.
Minister for AI and Online Safety, Kanishka Narayan, told the Chronicle that the scheme is already supporting residents.
He said: “We’re putting £800,000 to work for training people in Barnsley in either people who might not otherwise feel like AI and technology is for them.
“I think we’re finding huge enthusiasm in parts of Barnsley and I want to make sure that others feel it too.
“We’re applying this in the NHS so that doctors and nurses cut down time in admin and spend more time on care.
“We’re seeing significant interest in the support that small businesses in Barnsley are getting, so the Ignite AI programme has already run one cohort with businesses and we found that it’s been twice over, oversubscribed.
“Barnsley’s already the pride of the country when it comes to AI as a tech town and we want to make sure that it’s translating into a practical, real difference in people’s lives.”
Reform took over the council in May following Labour’s stronghold in the town for over half a century.
He said that the change does not affect the way the scheme will move forward.
He added: “The whole point of coming to Barnsley was that we felt that local enthusiasm, the amazing skills and heritage of Barnsley and the interest in Barnsley becoming a major part of the UK’s technology future.
“All of those ingredients were really special.
“This could be a really big deal because, one, it could make a practical difference to Barnsley’s present, whether that’s in the experience of elderly people, whether that’s in the experience of young people getting jobs, whether it’s in Barnsley’s manufacturing sector leading into the future.
“Ultimately, if it works in Barnsley and makes the difference that we expect it will to people’s lives, we want this to go national.
“Barnsley has a chance to shape not just what happens in Barnsley, but people’s lives right across the UK and as a result of that example, beyond.
“I don’t think it (the change in council) makes a difference because fundamentally, this entire idea was driven by the people of Barnsley, for the people of Barnsley.”
Coun Andy Cudworth, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and assets, said: “This investment as part of Barnsley’s Tech Town status is another important step in delivering our vision for Barnsley’s future.
“It supports Barnsley Council’s ambition to become the UK’s leading digital town, helps future-proof our world-class logistics and manufacturing sectors, and ensures that communities across the borough can benefit from the opportunities that growth brings.
“By investing in innovation, skills and infrastructure, we are creating the conditions for businesses and residents to thrive.”
