For many jobseekers, interviews can feel like a roadblock—especially for those facing language barriers or struggling with confidence. But what if technology could offer a personal coach, available at any time, to help build these essential skills? That’s exactly what Getmee and Palladium are working together to achieve.

Through their partnership, Getmee’s AI-driven coaching is being integrated into Palladium’s employability programmes, including the Home Office Refugee Employment Programme (REP) and the DWP Restart scheme. Their shared mission? To make job opportunities more accessible by helping people master communication and interview skills, no matter where they’re starting from.

A Personal Journey Sparks Innovation

For Getmee’s founder and CEO, Balendran (Bala) Thavarajah, the drive to develop AI-powered coaching isn’t just about technology—it’s personal. An immigrant himself, Bala understands firsthand the challenge of learning a new language and adapting to a different culture. That experience shaped his vision for Getmee: an AI coach that supports people in developing clear communication skills, boosting confidence, and ultimately securing meaningful employment.

“I know what it feels like to walk into an interview feeling unsure of your language skills,” Bala shares. “That’s why I built Getmee—to provide the kind of support I wished I had when I was starting out.”

Bridging the Gap with AI-Powered Coaching

Palladium’s Employability and Community Services team has long been dedicated to supporting jobseekers, offering everything from skills training to job application guidance. But one challenge kept surfacing: many clients needed extra help with interview preparation.

That’s where Getmee comes in.

Through AI-driven coaching, Getmee’s app provides real-time feedback on communication skills, helping users refine their answers, improve pronunciation, and build confidence. It’s particularly beneficial for those in REP, who are balancing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes alongside their job search. With the app available at any time, jobseekers can practice at their own pace, making learning more accessible and personalised.

“We’re always looking for ways to leverage technology to better serve our clients,” says Becky Brocklehurst, Operations Director at Palladium. “Working with Getmee has allowed us to modernise how we support those seeking employment, helping them develop the skills they need to succeed.”

Real Impact, Real People

The numbers speak for themselves. Since the partnership launched, more than 446 clients across REP and Restart have started using the Palladium Interview Coach app—and that number continues to grow. For many, it’s more than just an app; it’s a stepping stone to a better future.

One REP participant, a former teacher from Afghanistan, struggled with interview confidence due to language barriers. After using the app, they successfully secured a job in their field. “It helped me practice, and I felt more prepared and comfortable in my interview,” they shared.

To further meet the needs of diverse jobseekers, content within the app has been translated into Dari and Pashto, reflecting the most in-demand languages in the programme.

A Global Vision for the Future

Recently, Bala traveled from Australia to the UK to meet with leaders at the IEP’s Basecamp Conference and visit Palladium’s Southampton offices. There, he worked alongside the Palladium team to fine-tune Getmee’s integration into REP and Restart workflows.

“It was inspiring to see firsthand how our technology is making a difference,” Bala says. “This partnership isn’t just about AI—it’s about using AI to create real, human connections and opportunities.”

As the partnership grows, so does the vision. By harnessing the power of AI and human expertise, Getmee and Palladium are setting new standards for employability support, proving that when technology and compassion come together, the possibilities are endless.

For jobseekers facing barriers, this collaboration represents something much bigger than an interview coach—it’s a chance to rewrite their future.