Young AI Ambassadors guided City of Espoo employees and residents in using artificial intelligence
Young people taught the use of AI in different city units and service points. Both city employees and residents were given guidance.
A group of young people visited some offices and service points of the City of Espoo in June and showed how artificial intelligence can be used in everyday life, for example, when seeking information or writing texts. They also encouraged people to experiment with AI without fear of making mistakes.
Summer job as an AI Ambassador
This summer job was aimed at freshly graduated ninth graders from Espoo, and it was carried out in cooperation between Espoo Employment Services and Technology Industries of Finland.
“We want to help young people get a foot in the door of their careers and gain career skills,” says Hilla-Maaria Sipilä, Employment Director at the City of Espoo.
34 young people worked as AI Ambassadors. For most of them, this was the first summer job of their lives.
For two weeks, the young people learned about AI and visited technology companies: Microsoft, WithSecure, Nokia and CSC. The summer job culminated when the young people guided city employees and residents in the use of AI on two separate days.
The employer of these young people was Technology Industries of Finland. The City of Espoo supported recruitment with summer job vouchers and by organising traineeships for the young people in City of Espoo units.
Young people taught adults and learned something new
It is usually thought that the more experienced person guides the younger one. This summer job reversed the roles, as young people revealed the secrets of AI to adults.
The guidance provided by the young people received positive feedback.
“Skilled, competent and wonderful young people! We discussed the benefits of artificial intelligence and the relevant ethical issues as well. I learned a lot,” commended a city employee.
The summer job experience was also fruitful for the young people.
“It was a really nice summer job. I learned a lot and became more confident as I was able to share my skills.”
“It was lovely to see that the adults encountered us young people openly and listened to us.”
Getting started with AI – three tips from AI Ambassadors
- Ask AI how to get started.
- Don’t hesitate to try different AI tools – you can play around at first or try them with a friend.
- Do not provide AI with any personal information.