Inspiration
As of early 2025, the UK’s unemployment rate has risen to 4.4%, with approximately 1.55 million people aged 16+ being unemployed. Over the past year, unemployment levels have increased by 132,000, and the inactivity rate has reached 21.5%, affecting 9.29 million individuals aged 16-64. Unemployment is a global issue with significant economic and social consequences. Our team was inspired to develop a solution that could bridge the gap between job seekers and employers, addressing the barriers that prevent people from finding work and securing economic stability.
What Does Our Solution Do?
Our project, "Workly," is a digital platform designed to connect job seekers with employers in a more accessible and efficient way. Unlike traditional job boards, Workly aggregates job listings from various platforms, allowing job seekers to find opportunities in one place rather than hopping between multiple websites. Additionally, individuals looking for skilled workers, such as carpenters, can post job listings that job seekers can browse. Users can access the platform via mobile devices, and for those without internet access, digital kiosks in public locations will be available. Additionally, job seekers can create profiles showcasing their skills, allowing formal employers to identify and recruit talent
How We Built It
We focused on creating an intuitive and accessible interface to ensure ease of use for individuals with varying levels of digital literacy. The platform integrates AI-powered job recommendations to address skill mismatches and provide job seekers with tailored employment opportunities. Security measures were implemented to protect user data and ensure a safe hiring process.
Challenges We Faced
Addressing barriers faced by individuals without smartphones or internet access. Many job seekers, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, may not have regular internet access or smartphones. To bridge this gap, Workly incorporates digital kiosks in public spaces such as libraries, community centers, and job centers, ensuring that individuals without personal devices can still access job listings and create profiles. Additionally, we plan to collaborate with organisations that provide free internet access and digital literacy training to enhance accessibility and usability for those who may be less familiar with online platforms.
Accomplishments We’re Proud Of
- Successfully developing a technological prototype
- Designing an intuitive user experience that simplifies the job-seeking process for people of all backgrounds.
What We Learned
- The importance of accessibility in digital employment solutions.
- The role of AI in improving job matching efficiency.
- The significance of community partnerships in enhancing adoption and impact.
What’s Next?
To scale Workly, we plan to:
- Increase awareness and adoption through targeted outreach campaigns.
- Introduce additional features like skills training resources and mentorship programs.
- Improve AI-driven recommendations for better job-matching accuracy.
- Expand the availability of digital kiosks in high-unemployment areas.
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