Rigby Foundation Hosts Roundtable on AI, Skills, and the West Midlands Workforce

The Rigby Foundation hosted a roundtable on 5th November, bringing together AI experts, HR and talent professionals, policymakers, academics, and training providers from across the West Midlands to explore how they can collaborate to create high-impact training and employment pathways for local residents.

Chaired by Steve Rigby and co-hosted with Generation UK and the Institute of Coding, the discussion focused on the skills interventions needed over the next one to three years to meet industry demand and tackle rising unemployment, particularly among young adults.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the job market. Entry-level roles and the skills they require are evolving, automation is reshaping workforce needs, and new AI-specific positions are emerging. The West Midlands currently has the second-highest unemployment rate in the UK (5.8%), yet it is also home to some of the country’s leading technology companies and training providers. Combined with ambitious local skills policy and investment, this creates a unique opportunity for collaboration, growth, and social impact.

Key themes emerging from the discussion included:

• An urgent need for upskilling, especially for unemployed and out-skilled individuals
• Growing importance of essential skills such as curiosity, resilience, problem-solving, and communication
• The need to embed AI fluency across all sectors, not just technology
• The evolution of career paths requiring flexible, inclusive entry points
• Greater focus in education on transferable skills and real-world readiness
• Continued local investment in skills development, including through the West Midlands Growth Plan, to support economic growth

This moment marks a turning point for the region. The Rigby Foundation believes that with the right partnerships, bold thinking, and a shared commitment to inclusive progress, the West Midlands can become a national leader in AI-powered opportunity. By harnessing local talent, investing in future-ready skills, and building bridges between industry and education, we can unlock meaningful careers, reduce unemployment, and shape a thriving, resilient workforce for years to come.