AI powered self-assessment platform

In the UK, 5.7 million people work in the public sector, representing 17.7% of the total workforce. However, challenges in recruitment, onboarding, and career development mean that 52% of public sector employers are struggling to fill vacancies. One way to address this gap is by helping individuals interested in public sector careers to understand their existing skills and identify how to bridge gaps to access entry-level roles.

In partnership with Essex County Council, including their Targeted Employment Officers and Leads for Accessible Apprenticeships, this project will develop a user-tested, intelligent platform using AI with structured learner pathways into public sector employment. Learners will complete self-assessments and receive personalised development plans, learning resources and support. Public sector employers will benefit from aggregated insights to strengthen workforce planning, recruitment, and apprenticeship strategies.

By mapping Essex’s apprenticeship and entry-level opportunities against the UK Government’s Essential Digital Skills Framework and the Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework, the project will align training with real job requirements. This systemic approach will be co-developed with input from learners, local adult learning providers, job centres, employability programmes, colleges, and public sector employers. With its strong partnership with Essex County Council through the development of the Digital Help Finder tool, Mortar is well positioned to deliver meaningful impact.