Every month, thousands of capable people remain unemployed, not because jobs are unavailable, but because finding the right opportunities and understanding their skills gaps can be challenging.
The average jobseeker submits around 162 applications before receiving a job offer. Many spend months applying without success. But what if people could be matched to the opportunities that genuinely fit their skills and ambitions, reducing months of searching to just a few weeks?
That’s the question a three-month pilot in Thurrock set out to answer. Commissioned by Thames Freeport, delivered in partnership with Thurrock Council and powered by Candidat.ai, the pilot supported 181 residents between May and July 2026.
The results are promising. On average, participants needed just six applications to secure an interview, compared with the national average of more than 160 applications to gain a job offer. Nearly a third (31%) were invited to interview, and several active users have already secured employment.
Why it matters
Unemployment comes at a significant personal and economic cost. Alongside the impact on confidence, wellbeing and future earnings, each Universal Credit claimant costs the state an average of £11,540 per year. Supporting residents into work not only improves individual outcomes but also strengthens the local economy and reduces long-term dependency on benefits.
How Candidat.ai works
Candidat.ai is an AI-powered employability platform that helps people identify roles they are well suited for today, while highlighting the skills that could open up future career opportunities.
Early results suggest the matching technology is making a real difference.
Within two weeks, William used the platform to identify 20 suitable opportunities, resulting in four interviews. He is now a trainee engineer.
“Astounding and brilliant. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for work.”
After four years of unsuccessful job searching, Foluke secured an interview from just five matched applications and is now working as a support worker.
Max, a plumbing apprentice, was invited to interview after submitting only six applications.
Key findings from the pilot
- Residents spent less time searching for vacancies.
- Users were matched with opportunities they would not have found on their own.
- A small number of targeted applications led to interviews and job offers within weeks.
Alex, a communications manager who participated in the pilot, said:
“The filtering system works well, and the matches were consistent with what I was actually looking for. The biggest benefit is that it shows the newest vacancies, helping me apply early.”
Much of the pilot’s success was supported by Thurrock Council’s Inspire Employability and Skills team, which actively promoted the platform and provided tailored support to residents, helping turn matches into interviews and job offers.
Cllr Richard Bingley, Leader of Thurrock Council said, “This pilot is a promising sign of how technology can be used in a practical way to help our residents identify job opportunities that match their skills and aspirations. We know it can feel like climbing an endless mountain when you apply for vacancy after vacancy without success. This project is helping people move into employment more quickly and with greater confidence in finding a role that’s right for them.
“It’s also a great example of what can be achieved when local government, industry partners and innovative businesses work together to tackle local challenges. By combining cutting-edge technology with the support of our Inspire team, we’re opening up new opportunities for residents while helping to build a stronger economy for Thurrock.”
Sardor Karimov, CEO and Co-Founder, Candidat.ai, “We believe every candidate has unique skills and deserves access to the best opportunities available across the market within minutes.
It was fantastic working in partnership with Thurrock Council and Thames Freeport to deliver this pilot. Their innovative approach and willingness to embrace new technology have made a real difference to residents’ lives.”
Looking ahead
Following the pilot’s success, the partnership is continuing, with the platform now being made available to more Thurrock residents. The council is aiming for at least 10% of active users to move into employment over the next year.
This work aligns with wider national ambitions to increase employment levels across the UK. Thurrock’s goal of achieving an 80% employment rate mirrors the Government’s aspiration to support more people into work, and the pilot provides an early example of how technology-enabled employment support can contribute to that objective.
As Foluke puts it:
“I feel privileged to have come across this platform. It’s made job searching so easy.”
