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How young people can boost chances with ways out of AI-fuelled job dilemmas
THE number of entry-level jobs suitable for school and college leavers has dropped dramatically.
They have plunged by almost a third since ChatGPT was launched in November 2022, as more firms begin to use AI for basic tasks.
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Already, almost a million young people aged under 25 are categorised as being NEETs — not in employment, education or training.
But while firms complain of a skills shortage, unlocking the potential of jobless youngsters could plug the gap and turbocharge economic growth.
Youth Employment Week begins on Monday and will see charities, social enterprises and youth workers come together to highlight the enormous potential of the UK's younger generation.
Here are some of the best to help you . . .
MOVEMENT TO WORK is a not-for-profit coalition of major UK employers aiming to break the 'no work experience, no work' cycle.
Employers including Accenture, BAE Systems, Barclays, Centrica, Diageo, Marriott, M&S, Tesco and Salesforce have signed up to offer work experience to NEETs.
Applicants do not need formal qualifications.
After Brandon Tattersall lost his job at Currys he was out of work for 16 months.
But with help from his social worker, he secured a placement at BAE Systems through Movement to Work and was offered a job with the firm. Now 26, Brandon is an HR data analyst.
He said: 'The programme didn't just offer a placement — it gave me the skills and interview practice needed to feel prepared for future applications and gain the real work experience employers ask for.'
Movement to Work CEO Sareena Bains said: 'In the face of rising youth unemployment and economic inactivity, removing barriers to work has never been more critical.'
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As a dad at the age of 14 and a grandfather at 35, Alex Hughes has faced struggles in his life.
But he is now one of the country's leading social entrepreneurs, running youth work placement specialists
Alex said: 'I would love to see society treat young people as contributors, not problems to fix.
"We need to stop seeing youth unemployment as a charity issue and start treating it like a national economic priority.'
Through targeted careers coaching and locally focused work experience, Alex has helped 10,000 young people into jobs, training and community work in Cambridgeshire and he has plans to roll out the programme across the country.
He is also calling for employers to recognise what many NEET people have experienced.
He added: 'If someone's navigated homelessness, debt, care or trauma, they have the resilience and resourcefulness many employers want.'
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT UK offers careers advice and free online training for young people, including virtual work experience with big-name companies.
There is also local support and the chance to explore individual employers.
You can find out more at
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Top tips
UNEMPLOYED and feeling out of luck? Here are Alex Hughes' top tips to help . . .
1. You are not the problem. The system is messy, and it often makes you feel like you are failing. You just haven't found your space yet.
2. Find your people. Surround yourself with those who listen and look out for you. Whether it is a youth group, a mentor or a local hub. Community changes everything.
3. Try something that feels too small to matter. A one-day event. A volunteer role. Saying yes to a random opportunity. That tiny move might be your big unlock. Just consider how this experience will help you develop yourself.
4. Turn rejection into redirection. Every 'no' is fuel. Take it as a sign you are trying and that means you are already further than most.
5. Ask for help, loudly or quietly. There are people and places who are built to back you. Don't suffer in silence. You are not alone.
6. Dream big then take one step. You don't need a ten-year plan. You need a reason to get out of bed this week. One step is enough. Then another. Then another.
'ROLE AT GP SURGERY HAS BOOSTED MY FINANCIAL HEALTH'
WHEN you are young with a learning disability or autism, finding a job can be even more challenging.
But supported internships are proving one of the most effective ways for people to show off their skills to potential employers.
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DFN Project SEARCH is a charity that helped more than 4,500 young people gain work experience last year, with structured study programmes for school and college leavers aged 16 to 24.
The national charity works with young people who have an Education, Health and Care Plan.
It aims to increase the employment rate for youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities, with 63 per cent of trainees going on to employment.
One of the programme's top success stories is Juned Ali, from London.
Juned, who has a mild learning disability, did a placement at Queen Mary University of London.
He now has a role as a GP's co-ordinator and administrative assistant.
He said: 'DFN Project SEARCH has completely changed my life. At first, my mum was reluctant about me starting the supported internship, but when she saw how well I was doing, she was proud.
'Now, I earn my own money. I don't have to ask my family for things, like I did when I was younger. I can just go out and get it. I kick-started my career from the age of 18, and I'm thriving.
'I'm 20 years old, and my goal is to keep progressing in my career, work towards higher roles and, someday, get married.'
Kirsty Matthews, CEO of DFN Project SEARCH, said: 'We see young adults with a learning disability, who are autistic, or both, demonstrate their talents and capabilities every day.'
SWERVE BURNOUT WITH HOL
'HOLIDAY hoarding' is a growing issue, as two thirds of staff now fail to take half their annual leave by the middle of the year.
HR experts have designated this week as the peak for burnout, with staff becoming ill through lack of time off.
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Charlie O'Brien, of Breathe HR, shares her advice for tacking holiday hoarding.
1. Reflect on why you are holiday hoarding. Are you leaving it late when it comes to booking holidays?
Is your workload preventing you from taking a break? Or are you worried about what your employer might think if you take all your leave?
If it is a workplace culture or workload issue, talk to your manager. We are all entitled to take our holiday and our employer should not make us feel guilty about doing so.
2. Book time off – even if you don't end up going away. We need regular breaks from work to give us time to relax, reset, and show up as our best selves at work.
3. Make a plan to 'holiday hack'. Maximising annual leave is really important. Be savvy about when you book leave, and plan ahead to spread your holidays through the year. Look at least a year ahead and make the most of the bank holidays to stretch your leave even further.
4. Try microbreaks. Getting the dates booked is the first step to holding yourself accountable and giving yourself permission to take the regular breaks from work you are entitled to.
5. Assess why you are carrying over holiday to the next year. It's fine if it is planned, but it shouldn't be happening by accident.
Cost of teenage try-outs
A LACK of money is holding back millions of young people from accessing work experience, research says.
The AAT study reveals 41 per cent of 14 to 18-year-olds have less than £8 per day to spend on work experience-related costs such as travel, food and suitable clothing.
Meanwhile, almost a third of employers say increased operational and staffing costs are affecting their ability to pay work experience students or cover expenses.
To help, AAT has teamed up with Springpod to launch virtual work experience into the sought-after accountancy sector.
AAT boss Sarah Beale said: 'Too many young people are locked out of early career experiences simply because they don't have the opportunities or right connections.
'That's a clear barrier to social mobility, and one we are determined to break down.'
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