NDA Group Graduate Presents AI-Driven Public Sector Innovations at 10 Downing Street
An excellent achievement for NDA group graduate, Gareth Pang, who, earlier this May, had the opportunity to visit 10 Downing Street to pitch an AI solution as part of a government-wide #10 supported AI hackathon challenge, a UK Civil Service-wide AI Ideas Competition ran by the 10 Downing Street Data Science Team.
The competition received approximately 500 entries from across the Civil Service, calling for innovative ideas to support the UK public sector through AI, therefore, the selection alone was a major achievement, reflecting the innovation and potential the idea carried. Their proposal, an AI-enabled workforce mapping and optimisation tool aimed at addressing skills gaps and legacy knowledge challenges in the nuclear sector, was selected as one of the finalists.
Gareth and Carl Darby, his line manager and the NDA Group Head of AI & Digital, who supported the initiative, travelled to Downing Street together, and delivered their pitch in front of a panel of senior 10 Downing Street data scientists, other finalists, and the Deputy Chief of Staff at No.10. While the idea was not ultimately chosen for development, it stood out for its originality and practical application. The panel commended their work, offering enthusiastic feedback and encouraging them to continue refining the concept.
The pitch also marked Gareth’s first public speaking opportunity, a stretch target set during his mid-secondment CPD review, which ended up taking place in one of the most iconic venues in government.
Gareth says, "This experience has been a real highlight of my time on the graduate scheme so far. It has sharpened my thinking around the practical use of AI in the NDA and wider public sector and demonstrated how early-career professionals can play an active role in shaping innovation across government."
Carl states, "Gareth and I returned from Downing Street inspired, more determined than ever to keep pushing the boundaries of AI innovation across the NDA and the public sector. The story is a testament to the power of curiosity, fearless initiative and bold thinking and the importance of platforms that elevate fresh ideas."
About the NDA group graduate programme
Delivered by Energus on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group, the graduate programme offers a two-year structured route into one of the UK’s most vital sectors. Graduates can build careers across a range of disciplines, including engineering, radiological protection, cybersecurity, procurement and project management.
Participants take part in secondments, specialist training and real-world project delivery at over 30 locations across the UK, forming part of a wider 17,000-strong workforce focused on safely, securely and sustainably decommissioning the UK’s nuclear legacy.
With over £45 million invested annually in early careers, the programme offers:
- A competitive starting salary
- Professional institute membership
- Generous annual leave and study days
- Travel and relocation support
- A dedicated mentor and expert-led guidance
- A supportive and inclusive environment with employee-led networks and wellbeing initiatives
