The Ministry of Labour and Social Policies in Italy has launched an experimental web coach called AppLi. This innovative platform is designed to assist and guide young NEET (not in education, employment, or training) people through personalized training and job placement. The service can be accessed for free anytime on the Ministry’s website; in its initial phase, it will be available to citizens aged between 18 and 35 having an SPID or CIE.
AppLi, a groundbreaking multi-agent artificial intelligence system, is designed to tackle the complex challenges associated with the NEET population innovatively. The aim is to support young individuals efficiently and inclusively in their activation and reactivation phases, leveraging state-of-the-art technologies serving the community. It reflects the ministry’s commitment to using advanced technologies responsibly for public service.
The platform was developed using a co-creation process; young users, regions, job centers, and industry experts were involved in the design phase, aiming to create a helpful tool tailored to people’s needs. Moreover, continuous monitoring and user feedback will guide improvements and new feature introductions.
The web coach is integrated with the Information System for Social and Labour Inclusion (SIISL), created in collaboration with Inps. It augments the already implemented active policies by the ministry, including youth employment incentives and self-employment provisions.
AppLi’s functions encompass:
1. Listening and Guiding – Understanding interests, skills, and goals and proposing bespoke pathways.
2. Training – Recommending educational resources, pieces of training, and courses to bridge skills gaps.
3. Employment Facilitation – Highlighting available regional opportunities and services, promoting communication with public networks.
4. Accompanying – Providing reminders and encouragements, helping to convert steps into results.
AppLi’s purpose is to enhance the interaction between youth, public services, employers, adhering to privacy-by-design principles. While the platform does not replace job centers’ services or makes decisions on behalf of the users, its design complies with the GDPR and AI Act guidelines. It ensures user interactions respect the principles of fairness, transparency, security, user protection, accountability, and data privacy.
Though the current version is experimental and under close observation, updates are expected. Future plans include introducing more coaching and guidance features, integration with additional regional and educational services, and expansion of the beneficiary base gradually.
