Free online work experience: help young people shape the future of AI learning
Do you know a young person looking for flexible work experience? TECwomen CIC (our parent company) is inviting 16–20-year-olds across Cornwall, Devon and the Far South West to help improve an online course designed for people their age.
Our free Product Development Work Experience programme gives young people the chance to test a real digital product, share honest feedback and suggest improvements. They will gain practical experience to discuss in applications and interviews, while helping us create better learning opportunities for others.
We’re asking teachers, parents, carers, careers advisers and community partners to help us share the opportunity.
Why their perspective matters
Too often, digital products are developed around assumptions about what people need. This programme gives young people a chance to challenge those assumptions and influence what we create next.
Participants will review TECwomen's UPLIFT NextGen, an online course designed to help young people use AI for schoolwork and apprenticeship, university and job applications.
We created the first version without enough direct testing with the young people it was designed for. Now we want their input. What holds their attention? What makes them switch off? What feels useful, confusing or missing?
Their feedback will directly inform improvements to the course and help shape future TECgirls and TECwomen learning opportunities in technology, engineering and digital creativity.
What will participants do?
The programme introduces product development and user experience (UX) evaluation, exploring how a product works for the people using it.
Participants will:
Test the course: access UPLIFT NextGen AI for free and explore its content.
Complete a guided workbook: use an online Google Form to record what engaged them, what didn’t and what they would change.
Share their ideas: suggest improvements and contribute their own vision for future courses.
We want honest feedback. Participants do not need to enjoy every part of the course or agree with everything it says. Understanding what doesn’t work is an essential part of improving it.
What will they gain?
Participants will practise evaluating a digital product, solving problems and communicating their ideas.
They will gain an introduction to user-centred design and a real project to discuss on their CV, in applications or at interviews.
They will also have an opportunity to develop their understanding of AI and how it might support their next steps in education or employment.
Participants receive a TECwomen CIC work experience certificate on completing the programme, plus a separate certificate if they complete the UPLIFT NextGen AI course.
Who can take part?
The programme is open to all genders aged 16–20 across Cornwall, Devon and the Far South West. Young people do not need to be in education to participate. They can be at school or college, working, or currently doing neither. There are no prerequisites, and no coding or technology background is needed. We are looking for their perspective and experience, rather than existing technical knowledge.
Free, flexible and supported
The core programme is fully online and can be completed from home, school, college or another suitable location, at a pace that fits around other commitments.
It is expected to take less than 10 hours, although the time will vary depending on how much participants choose to put into their review. They can spread the activities across the programme rather than completing them in a single day. We provide free course access, the guided online workbook and email support.
We want everyone eligible to be able to participate. If a young person needs a laptop, internet access or mobile data, the TECgirls/TECwomen can support them with the technology they need. Please encourage them to contact us to discuss access support.
Dates and optional sessions
Programme opens: 15 October 2026.
Registration closes: 26 October 2026.
All work must be submitted by: 15 December 2026.
Participants can also join optional sessions to share their feedback and access further support:
17 November 2026, 5–7pm, Hall for Cornwall, Truro: an in-person focus group with careers advice, networking and support.
10 December 2026, online: an alternative focus group for those unable to attend in person.
Attendance at these sessions is optional.
Please share with a young person who could benefit
This is an opportunity for young people to contribute to a real project, build confidence in sharing their ideas and see how their feedback can influence product development. Teachers, careers teams and community partners can share it through newsletters, student communications and relevant networks. Parents and carers can help by passing it on and encouraging young people to consider taking part.
Register for the Product Development Work Experience programme by 26 October 2026.
For questions, guidance or support with devices and data, email hello@tecgirls.co.uk.
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