Project information:
Official name of the project: AI TEKO! Tekoälyä sosiaalialan työpaikoille
Duration of the project: 1.1.2026 - 31.12.2028
Project coordinator: Turku UAS
Project partners: VAMK, HAMK, Centria, Novia
Funding: ESF+
Budget: 1 094 144 €
Contact person in VAMK:
Piia Uusi-Kakkuri, Principal Lecturer (School of Health Care and Social Services)
tel. +358 207 663 645, piia.uusi-kakkuri@vamk.fi
Project website: https://www.turkuamk.fi/en/project/ai-teko/
Project description
The AI TEKO! project strengthens the capabilities of social sector professionals to utilize generative artificial intelligence in client work, management, and development activities. The aim is to streamline work processes, improve employee well-being, and support the ethically sustainable use of AI.
Workplaces in the social sector are facing challenges such as labor shortages, organizational changes, high workloads, financial pressures, and increasing demands related to digitalization. Generative AI has the potential to ease work-related strain and improve productivity, employee well-being, and leadership practices. However, its use in the social sector remains limited and competencies are unevenly distributed. There is therefore a strong need for targeted, practical support.
The project promotes the safe, ethical, and purposeful adoption of generative AI in the social sector. Its objective is to develop models that help organizations learn how to use AI to support their work, improve workflow efficiency, and enhance staff well-being.
The project is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF+). The total budget of the project is €1,094,144, of which €243,755 is allocated to VAMK.
Goals
The project aims to increase productivity and well-being in the social sector by strengthening the AI competencies of both management and staff. The objectives include:
- increasing skills in the use of generative AI
- reducing routine tasks and improving the efficiency of work processes
- embedding ethical and secure practices in the use of AI
- creating sustainable and scalable operating models
Results
As a result of the project, new operating models and materials will be developed, including:
- A mentoring model that enables peer-to-peer learning.
- An AI roadmap that helps organizations plan the adoption of AI in a sustainable and well-managed way.
- Digital guidance and training materials, such as onboarding resources and a prompt guide for social sector professionals across different service areas.
- Documented pilots of the operating models and case descriptions of AI experimentation and use in practice.
