As AI rapidly reshapes the world of work, we are committed to ensuring that young people — especially those furthest from opportunity — are not just aware of AI, but empowered to use it to unlock opportunity, build confidence and shape their future.
Scroll down to explore our research, training, and campaigns designed to give NEET young people the skills and confidence to thrive in a changing labour market.
Across the UK, over one million young people are NEET. Many face barriers including low confidence, limited professional networks and lack of work experience.
Recent research from The King's Trust (Overlooked & Underprepared) highlights a growing 'jobs gap', with too few entry-level roles available for young people to begin their careers. Their findings show:
At the same time, the skills landscape is shifting rapidly. LinkedIn's Skills on the Rise 2025 research shows that:
LinkedIn's labour market analysis also highlights the rapid rise of 'new-collar' roles — blending AI and technical capability with human skills such as communication, adaptability and problem-solving. Employers increasingly value this combination over technical expertise alone.
Without early AI literacy and digital confidence, young people already facing barriers risk being left further behind.
Responding to these changes, we wanted to understand how they were impacting young people furthest from opportunity. So in September 2024, we launched Levelling the Playing Field in partnership with Microsoft, Accenture, Get My First Job, The King's Trust and Oxford Insights.
The research explored how generative AI could help break down barriers to employment for NEET young people.
It found that while most NEET young people are aware of Gen AI, very few are using it to support their job search. The barrier isn't interest — it's AI literacy, confidence and uncertainty about responsible use.
In response, we launched the Next-Gen AI Skills Programme, co-creating practical learning materials with Microsoft and Accenture to help young people use Gen AI confidently, responsibly and effectively.
In-person AI upskilling. Delivered through a national roadshow across DWP Jobcentres and Youth Hubs, the programme focuses on real-world application — showing young people how AI can support job searching, applications and interview preparation.
To date, over 4,000 NEET young people, youth workers and coaches have been upskilled. Delivery is ongoing through community partnerships including the English Football League and Premier League, supporting young people in trusted, community-based environments.
Following strong positive feedback from in-person sessions, the programme was expanded into the online Gen AI for Jobseekers course. Developed with Microsoft and Accenture, this self-paced, interactive course teaches young people how to use AI responsibly to explore careers, tailor CVs and applications, practise interviews, and plan next steps. It includes short videos, practical exercises, an AI co-pilot tool, and a digital certificate upon completion.
The course has already been embedded within some of DWP's own internal Movement to Work programmes and is being rolled out across DWP Youth Hubs and Job Centres nationwide, reaching young people at scale and ensuring no one is left behind.
In September 2025, LinkedIn joined our programme by delivering in-person LinkedIn mentoring and Gen AI coaching at our skilling events nationwide. These sessions support young people to build standout LinkedIn profiles, understand how to use the platform effectively, and develop the confidence to present their skills to employers — further enhancing employability outcomes.
Templates, toolkits and case studies to help you put these ideas into practice.
Insights, recommendations and actions to harness Gen AI responsibly for young people furthest from opportunity.
Learn more arrow_forwardSelf-paced learning, AI co-pilot tool and digital certificate on completion.
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Skill City is the ultimate interactive AI game, built by MtW in partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn. Jump in, explore different career paths, level up your AI skills, and boost your confidence in a hands-on, fast-paced, immersive experience.
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