The Virtual Skills Platform is an innovative initiative by BCP Council aimed at empowering individuals seeking to build careers in the Digital and Digital Creative sectors. This intelligent, user-focused platform uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to provide tailored guidance, training pathways, and career development plans based on users’ current qualifications, backgrounds, and future aspirations.
Project Objective

The goal of the project is to bridge the skills gap by helping residents:

Discover specialized training to enhance their employability.

Receive personalized, AI-driven learning and career pathways.

Connect with educational resources from a network of trusted local providers.

Gain insight into roles that match their skillsets and future goals.

Key Features

AI/ML-Powered Recommendations: Using advanced algorithms, the platform analyzes user inputs (education, skills, experience, goals) to suggest relevant training and career paths.

Personalized User Journey: Each user receives a dynamic and unique roadmap, updating over time as they progress or change interests.

Content Aggregation: Training data is sourced from leading regional institutions including Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth, Bournemouth and Poole College, AECC, and Skills & Learning.

User-Friendly Interface: Designed with accessibility and simplicity in mind, the platform ensures intuitive navigation and personalized dashboards.

Non-Commercial Advisory Model: The platform proposes solutions but does not facilitate transactions or contracts, ensuring its role remains advisory and educational.

Technical Architecture

Frontend: Built with ReactJS for a responsive, scalable, and interactive user experience.

Backend: Powered by Node.js and Express, handling business logic and API management.

AI/ML Engine: Developed using Python and scikit-learn, incorporating decision trees and clustering algorithms to map user profiles to training and career outcomes.

Database: Utilizes PostgreSQL for structured data (user profiles, course metadata) and MongoDB for flexible content storage.

Cloud Infrastructure: Hosted on AWS, leveraging services like EC2, RDS, and S3 for reliable and scalable deployment.

Security & Compliance: Implements role-based access control, encrypted data storage, and GDPR-compliant data handling practices.

Process Followed

Discovery & Stakeholder Workshops: Engaged with BCP Council and local training partners to gather insights and define requirements.

User Journey Mapping: Designed experience flows for different personas (students, career changers, educators).

AI Model Training: Trained models on anonymized datasets to accurately suggest pathways based on qualifications and local job trends.

Iterative Development & Testing: Adopted an Agile methodology with bi-weekly sprints, UAT phases, and partner feedback loops.

Deployment & Training: Deployed the platform with documentation and training for council staff and educational institutions.

Impact

The platform serves as a strategic digital tool to:

Help users make informed career decisions.

Align educational offerings with real-world opportunities.

Strengthen the region’s talent pipeline in digital industries.