Following the launch of the North East AI Talent Acceleration Programme, announced this week as part of the expanded partnership between Teens in AI and Sage, Sage Foundation Vice President Helen Devanny, and Teens in AI alumnus Milo McQuillin joined BBC Radio Newcastle to discuss the importance of preparing young people for an AI-enabled future.
The interview explored how the expanded partnership between Sage and Teens in AI will equip young people across the North East of England with practical AI knowledge, industry insight and the confidence to navigate the rapidly changing world of work.
Milo shared his own experience of participating in Teens in AI programmes, demonstrating how access to AI education and real-world learning opportunities can help young people build valuable technical and professional skills. His journey illustrates the impact that accessible AI education can have in opening doors to future careers and inspiring the next generation of responsible AI innovators.
The North East AI Talent Acceleration Programme will engage up to 2,000 young people aged 13–19 through a combination of educator engagement, AI learning opportunities and hands-on experiences designed to strengthen the region’s future AI talent pipeline.
The interview reinforces a shared commitment from Sage and Teens in AI to ensure that more young people – regardless of their background – can access high-quality AI education and develop the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
Learn more
More about the North East AI Talent Acceleration Programme and the partnership between Sage and Teens in AI, visit: 🔗Teens in AI and Sage Partnership
If you are a Secondary School Educator and would like to get involved 🔗 Express Your Interest
🔗 Read Sage’s Announcement to learn more about the partnership, the programme and the impact it will deliver across the North East.
🔗 Sage exists to knock down barriers so everyone can thrive, starting with the millions of small and mid-sized businesses served by Sage, its partners and accountants. Customers trust its finance, HR and payroll software to make work and money flow. By digitalising business processes and relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, banks and governments, Sage’s AI-powered platform connects SMBs, removing friction and delivering insights. Knocking down barriers also means using its time, technology and experience to tackle digital inequality, economic inequality and the climate crisis.
Sage Foundation has been knocking down barriers in our communities since 2015. By mobilising our colleagues, partners, and customers through impactful programmes, Sage Foundation is helping underrepresented entrepreneurs to grow their businesses while equipping the entrepreneurs of tomorrow with the skills they need to succeed.





