Innovating from Within: Practical AI Adoption with Julie Kapsalis, CEO of Nescot

🎧 Episode Title: Innovating from Within: Practical AI Adoption with Julie Kapsalis, CEO of Nescot

Podcast:
The AI Works Podcast
Hosted by Richard Foster-Fletcher
Co-hosted today by Kurt Hintz

🔍 Episode Overview

How can further education leaders practically, ethically, and effectively integrate artificial intelligence into their institutions? Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO of Nescot (North East Surrey College of Technology), joins us to share thoughtful insights and tangible examples of how AI and advanced technologies are enhancing education at her college. Julie discusses openly about:

• How Nescot’s 72-year legacy of technology adoption informs their current AI journey.
• Why the plumbing department became pioneers of AI and VR innovation, breaking stereotypes and setting examples for the college.
• Practical ways immersive technologies and simulators enhance vocational learning and assessment, from plumbing to highways maintenance.
• Building meaningful industry partnerships with global businesses like Daikin, Ringway, Tony & Guy, and cruise industry leaders to create real-world learning experiences.
• The ethical considerations and challenges around AI integration, including ensuring authentic assessment, maintaining originality, and safeguarding learners.
• How small, pioneering teams can lead transformative change within FE institutions.

This episode provides actionable insights into how forward-thinking leadership can harness AI practically and ethically, benefiting educators, students, and communities alike.

🧭 What We Cover
✔️ Nescot’s practical approach to embedding AI and immersive technologies into vocational curricula
✔️ Overcoming stereotypes and fostering innovation through unlikely pioneer departments, such as plumbing
✔️ Effective strategies for using virtual simulations in vocational assessments to reduce risk and enhance learner competence
✔️ Building impactful and ethical partnerships between FE colleges and industry leaders
✔️ Using immersive environments (such as the Igloo 360 suite) to drive learner engagement, inclusion, and accessibility
✔️ Addressing internal resistance and creating a supportive environment for staff adoption of AI technologies

👤 About Our Guest Julie Kapsalis is Principal and CEO of Nescot—the North East Surrey College of Technology, based in Epsom, Surrey. With extensive leadership experience in further education, Julie also serves on the national strategy board for Artificial Intelligence in Education, chaired by Sir Anthony Seldon. Passionate about practical, ethical, and impactful innovation, Julie’s leadership is characterised by openness, collaboration, and continuous learning, helping shape meaningful educational experiences powered by technology.

🔗 Links & Mentions

• Nescot College: https://www.nescot.ac.uk
• Julie Kapsalis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekapsalis
• Richard Foster-Fletcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfosterfletcher
• Kurt Hintz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-hintz

📬 Stay Connected For updates, resources, and future episodes, follow The AI Works Podcast and join our conversations on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkai-works