Stories from the Network: X

AI - also known as Artificial Intelligence - is rapidly growing. From ChatGPT and Gemini, to Siri and Alexa, it's becoming harder to not come across AI and other emerging technologies in our daily lives. In our first blog in the series, we spoke to X - a community partner in our National Digital Inclusion Network - to find out what they're doing around AI, the challenges they're facing and what their communities are saying about this new era of technology.

What is your hub doing to support people with AI?

For X, AI is at the heart of everything they're doing - from helping someone to apply for a job or start a business to supporting them to understand what's changing in the world around them. It's a big part of the conversation.

X said:

"We’ve started calling this moment the "third wave of digital exclusion." The first wave was when people were left behind because they couldn’t access or use the internet. The second wave came with smartphones and mobile apps, another big shift that left
some people struggling to keep up. Now we’re in the third wave; the age of AI. And this one is moving fast."

The hub, based in X, runs courses and workshops to introduce digital and AI in simple, everyday terms and offers 1-to-1 support to people who want help to understand these areas. They've also created guides and handouts to explain how AI tools are used in recruitment and how to work with them and have a series of podcaasts reinforcing learning from their courses.

X added:

"AI is already playing a big role in things like job applications, interviews, and how employers make decisions. But many people don’t realise that tools such as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are scanning CVs, scoring assessments, and even reviewing video interviews, all without a human ever seeing the applicant first. If you don’t know how these systems work, it’s easy to get left behind before you’ve even had a chance."

In addition, X is training their own staff and volunteers, so they feel confident talking about AI.

Are there any challenges your hub is facing with AI? 

Despite the positive steps X are taking, they've also faced challenges, as X explains:

"Confidence levels vary—some people are still getting to grips with the basics, so jumping
into AI can feel like a big step. There’s a lot of myths and misunderstandings out there, especially around AI and jobs. And because things are changing so quickly, it can be hard to keep up with the latest tools and trends, let alone some of the subscription fees that are required."

However, the team are continually learning - making sure their appeoach is grounded in "what people really need."

Has there been any interest from your community in learning about AI?

Response from people in their community has been "really encouraging."

They've had great turnouts for their AI courses, lots of curiosity and questions, especially around how AI affects job hunting and a growing number of people who just want to understand what's going on and how they can keep up. As X summarises:

"People want to learn; they just need the right support, in a space that feels
welcoming and safe. AI isn’t going away. In fact, it’s becoming part of everyday life whether we realise it or not. That’s why we believe it’s so important to bring everyone along on this journey—not just those who already feel confident online. At Works for Us, we’re committed to making sure this Third Wave of Digital Exclusion doesn’t
leave anyone behind. Because digital skills aren’t just about devices or apps anymore, they’re about understanding the world around us, and having the tools to shape it.