(2024-08-23) Do Real Work Introducing Next Lx

Jess Martin: Do Real Work: Introducing Next LX. Learn by doing real work in a realistic environment using real tools. Introducing Next LX, a startup redefining job training.

I've spent the last five years or so learning how learning works and I've boiled it down to one simple statement: we learn by doing

Because we learn by doing, we need a context where we can apply the learning. So the best way to learn would be in an environment where learning and doing are intimately connected, where application is assumed and automatic, where the doing needs to be done and the learning merely meets that need. In other words, learn by doing real work in a realistic environment using real tools.

One of the saddest things I've witnessed is someone graduating with a computer science degree, after four years of hard work and expense, getting their first job and discovering that though they did well in class, they hate the job of software engineer. Not once during their studies did they develop a sense of what doing the real work would be like! (cf Engines For Education)

We can do better. Enter Next LX.
With the help of a good friend, we are building a simulated (simulation) workplace where job skills can be learned in context by doing them, surrounded by masters who can mentor you as you grow in your ability to do real work.

How are we simulating such an environment?
As many of you will have guessed (some with elation, some with horror I'm sure), we are using AI. LLMs open up many doors in the adjacent possible, and we believe they open a big one for reinvigorating job training

We're using LLMs in three major ways:

• Your coworkers in the simulated environment are powered by AI. Not all of them, but most of them.
• The training scenarios are generated and assessed by AI
• The training assumes that AI-enabled tools will be used to do the job

How will we get paid? We plan to start simple: we earn a placement fee whenever we get people a job, just like a recruiter.

Yes, this is technically a startup. And we are raising a seed round (reach out if you're interested).