This week we delivered our first Digital Champions for Employability training session, bringing together eight existing Digital Champions to build their knowledge and confidence in supporting people with digital aspects of job seeking. 

The session covered a wide range of topics designed to reflect the realities of today’s recruitment landscape. Champions explored major UK job platforms, learned how Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by employers to manage applications, and discussed the importance of identifying and using relevant keywords when applying for jobs. 

A key focus was the growing role of AI in employability support. We looked at practical ways jobseekers can use AI tools to: 

• Find alternative job titles and related career opportunities 

• Explore unfamiliar job roles and industries 

• Identify transferable skills 

• Tailor CVs to specific vacancies 

• Draft cover letters 

• Analyse job descriptions and pick out important keywords 

• Prepare for interviews 

Just as importantly, we discussed the limitations of AI and the need to use it responsibly. Champions were encouraged to remind jobseekers never to enter personal or sensitive information into AI tools, to check outputs carefully for accuracy, and to edit any AI-generated content so that applications remain authentic and reflect the individual’s own experience and voice. 

The session generated plenty of discussion, particularly around how much recruiting has changed in recent years. There was broad agreement that digital skills are now essential throughout the employment journey. As well as searching and applying for jobs online, workers increasingly need digital skills to access payslips, complete mandatory training, communicate with colleagues, manage shift patterns, and carry out day-to-day workplace tasks. 

This training is the first step in developing our Digital Champions to support employability activities across our wider learning and skills offer. As their knowledge grows, they will be able to provide practical support to jobseekers through our digital drop-ins and our dedicated Tuesday Digital Job Club. 

Alongside this support, we continue to offer digital skills courses aimed at helping people improve their confidence with online job searching and applications. Our next Smart Job Searching course runs from 28th-30th September (email claire@startpoint.org.uk for more details) and focuses on helping people develop the digital skills needed to apply for seasonal work and other employment opportunities. 

The enthusiasm and contributions from everyone who attended showed there is a real appetite to better understand the digital tools that are increasingly shaping recruitment. We’re looking forward to building on this first session and continuing to develop the knowledge and skills of our Digital Champions in this area. 

Thanks to CDL Software for funding this work which allows us to reach even more jobseekers in need of digital support.