International Labour Organisation (ILO) Features CiCi in New Digital Inventory of Career Guidance Tools
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has recognised CiCi, the AI-powered careers chatbot developed by CareerChat UK, in its new Digital Inventory of Career Guidance Tools. This recognition highlights CiCi as an exemplary tool supporting personalised career exploration for young people and adults in the UK and internationally.
About the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is a United Nations agency committed to promoting social justice and internationally recognised labour and human rights. Among its core priorities is improving access to quality career guidance services worldwide.
Through initiatives like the ILO Digital Inventory of Career Guidance Tools, the organisation showcases best practices in digital career guidance across Europe and globally. This inventory complements the ILO’s Policy Guidance Note on Digitalising Career Guidance Services, providing policymakers and career practitioners with practical examples of state-of-the-art tools.
The ILO Digital Inventory: Why It Matters
The ILO Digital Inventory highlights 25 exemplary digital career guidance practices and addresses major challenges for policymakers, including:
- Growth in digital career guidance tools, but inconsistent quality and scope.
- Limited readiness of career services for digital transition, including gaps in methodology, digital skills, and access to technology.
- Low visibility of best practices, limiting adoption and impact.
- Inequitable access to services for geographically remote populations, individuals with low literacy or digital skills, and other vulnerable groups.
By featuring CiCi, the ILO demonstrates a practical, user-focused solution that addresses these challenges and exemplifies AI-driven career guidance at an international standard.
CiCi in the ILO Inventory
CiCi was selected as one of the 20 national prize winners in the NESTA CareerTech Challenge (2020–2021). Its inclusion in the ILO Digital Inventory highlights its international relevance and recognition.
CiCi offers 24/7 personalised career guidance via mobile or laptop, helping users explore learning and work opportunities on their own terms. Key features include:
- Structured conversation flows mirroring real-world interactions with career advisers.
- Option to speak with human advisers when needed.
- Expanded search capabilities to identify relevant learning and employment opportunities.
- Custom dashboards capturing local search data to inform service development.
- Integration with UK labour market intelligence and other data sources for accurate, up-to-date careers information and advice.
Supported by Exeter University Impact Lab, CiCi now includes speech-to-text functionality and improved responsiveness, enhancing accessibility for users with diverse needs.
Benefits for Users
Recognition by the International Labour Organisation (ILO international) confirms CiCi’s measurable benefits, such as:
- Increased confidence and motivation in career exploration.
- Practical outcomes, including users securing interviews or identifying suitable training pathways.
- Flexible, user-led exploration, allowing students and adults to learn at their own pace.
- Support for diverse learners, including those with lower digital literacy or limited access to technology.
Dr Deirdre Hughes, co-founder of CareerChat UK, notes:
“Over the last two years, we have embedded APIs to enhance CiCi’s functionality. The best feedback has come from adults who have secured interviews or reported increased confidence after using CiCi.”
CiCi’s Roadmap and Future Development
CareerChat UK continues to enhance CiCi’s capabilities, including:
- Integration of T Levels and emerging qualifications.
- Advanced AI insights for more personalised career recommendations.
- Enhanced accessibility, including voice-assisted guidance.
- Continued alignment with ILO international best practices to ensure global relevance.
Why This Recognition Matters
Being featured by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is a significant milestone for CareerChat UK:
- Validates CiCi’s functionality against global standards.
- Highlights the role of AI in making career guidance accessible, personalised, and equitable.
- Confirms that innovative digital solutions can address gaps in career guidance for underserved populations.
- Strengthens CareerChat UK’s international profile, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The inclusion of CiCi in the ILO Digital Inventory of Career Guidance Tools demonstrates the growing importance of AI-driven, personalised career guidance on an international stage. By combining expert-designed digital flows with human adviser support, CiCi provides flexible, reliable, and engaging career guidance, helping users confidently explore learning and work opportunities.
This recognition by the International Labour Organisation (ILO international) underscores the potential of digital innovation to enhance career guidance services worldwide and sets a standard for the next generation of AI-driven tools.
For more information about CiCi and CareerChat UK, get in touch or request a demo today.
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