Levelling the playing field

Empowering Young People for an AI-Driven Future

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.

The Youth Employment Challenge

Across the UK, almost 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:

  • 73% of young people are worried about their job prospects
  • 64% feel entry-level roles are insecure
  • Many report increased anxiety about their future in the labour market

At the same time, the skills landscape is shifting rapidly.

LinkedIn’s Skills on the Rise 2025 research shows that:

  • AI literacy skills have grown by approximately 70% year-on-year
  • By 2030, around 70% of the skills used in most jobs are expected to change
  • 58% of workers are currently in roles likely to be augmented or disrupted by AI
  • Gen Z workers are disproportionately represented in AI-exposed occupations

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.

Our Levelling the Playing Field Research

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.

Download the report here. 

Turning Insight into Action: Next-Gen AI Skills Programme

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.

Gen AI for Jobseekers – Online Expansion

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.


Access the course
learning.movementtowork.com

LinkedIn Mentoring & AI Coaching

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.

Express interest 

Level Up for Work – New Campaign

New youth-facing campaign encouraging NEET young people to use AI tools responsibly and confidently in their job search and beyond.

This campaign brings modern jobseeking to life through a series of interviews with young people and employers from our network. 

It’s packed with Next-Gen AI Skills resources from our partners at Microsoft & Accenture, plus LinkedIn Learning courses to help young people Level Up for Work 

Explore the campaign

Get involved

Together, we can help turn AI into an opportunity for every NEET young person and give them the skills to thrive. 

  • Share the Resources – If you’re an employer or youth organisation, please help spread the word by sharing the resources above with the young people you support.
  • Host or Book an AI Workshop – If you’d like to deliver your own AI workshop or invite our team of trainers to run a session get in touch for additional support at info@movementtowork.com.

Join Movement to Work – It’s Free – Movement to Work is a registered charity providing free support to businesses developing youth employability programmes. There are no joining fees, no monthly costs, and no event charges. All we ask is that you commit to creating quality opportunities for young people — and we’ll support you every step of the way.

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