How AI is bridging the UK’s skills gap and more inside
Ready for another rundown of tech news? This month’s edition covers the latest stories from the web, as well as must hear news in tech recruitment. We share an insight on the latest developments in the space investment sector, how AI is bridging the UK’s skills gap, and industry experts’ thoughts on Meta’s newest app, Threads.
Not to mention an update on what the team at Cathcart Technology got up to in the month of July. Make sure to subscribe for your monthly serving of tech news straight to your inbox!
The Worldwide Web
Space investment takes off after 2022 slump
According to a report released by Seraphim Space, the UK has ranked third globally for space investment behind the USA and China. Their findings suggest that investment in space tech has consistently increased over the past 12 months, with record high funding in Europe received in the first quarter of 2023. The promising growth of the space tech sector is one small step to dealing with giant issues faced by mankind.
The battle of AI models commences as Meta releases new system Llama 2
Meta recently announced their collaboration with Microsoft to create a free, open-source AI model that aims to “democratise AI and its benefits” by offering companies, researchers, and entrepreneurs the tools - that they do not possess themselves - to explore new opportunities, and ultimately profit from. Differently to rival models, such as ChatGPT, Llama 2 will share glimpses of the data and code used to build their AI and is offered as a free service for the purposes of research and commercial use.
Lab automation start up pioneers fully automated system used for clinical cancer testing
Automata has partnered with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust to increase cancer testing by an estimated 2,000 samples per month using robotics, doubling its current testing capacity. Similarly to the widescale adoption of AI, the use of robotics aims to support scientists and technicians by reducing their workload and allowing them to focus on research and the more technical aspects of their job. By investing in automating clinical testing, the NHS hopes to reduce waiting times and improve treatment plans, making this a high-stake operation.
Trending in tech recruitment
Could AI be the answer to closing the UK’s technical skills gap?
University and college application data shows a significant rise in school-leavers interest to study computing and AI related courses. According to Clare Marchant, Chief Executive at UCAS, there has been a 10% rise in applications to study computing from the previous year and correlates the increased interest with the advancement of AI. The interest in pursuing higher education in computer science has climbed year on year from 2019, showing promising signs for the future of the UK technology labour market. Read our thoughts on the this here.
Meta’s new Threads – a good tool for job seekers or just another social media craze?
On the 5th July, Meta launched their new app ‘Threads’ which attracted a staggering 100 million users in the first few days. The creators of the app proclaimed that it would encourage “positive and productive conversations” amongst its users, with many questioning if it will be a useful tool for professionals seeking new work opportunities. Media executive, Lia Haberman said Threads is a good way to stand out to employers as it has less noise and users than the likes of LinkedIn, but leaders in the tech industry suggest tech talent will likely stick to established apps for their job search. The jury is out on the potential for Threads, but it’s intriguing to know if it will be helpful for technical job seekers, or just another flop.
Renault-Geely engine firm headquarters is set to create 19,000 jobs
French motor giant, Renault, and Chinese car manufacturer, Geely, have announced plans to have their new global company’s headquarters in the UK. The company will invest ￡6 billion to develop low-emission engine technology, creating 19,000 jobs across 17 engine plants and research and development centres worldwide. Investment into environmental technology comes from increased demand for electric vehicles globally – good news for the UK’s tech talent working in Environ. Technol.
The Cathcart Current
Earlier this month, our Business Director, Stuart Manderson, Principal Consultant, Andy Weir, and Senior Consultant, Bronte Rhodes, treated some of our clients to a hospitality ticket to the Scottish Open. Hosted at the prestigious Renaissance Club in North Berwick, the team got to see the country’s most elite golfers compete for the top places of the Scottish leader board. Stuart even managed to be caught on TV, eagerly spectating the game.?