Across the country, almost one million (957,000) young people are NEET, with the West Midlands and Birmingham in particular among the hardest hit areas. The number of young people not in education, employment or training is now at its highest level in a decade, and for the first time in 25 years the UK has risen above European averages.
A lack of work experience is often the biggest barrier preventing young people from starting their careers. Many also face additional challenges — including disability, neurodiversity, low literacy or numeracy, caring responsibilities, digital poverty, limited IT skills, and wider socio-economic barriers — making access to work even more difficult.
A recent survey from The King's Trust found that 73% of young people are worried about their job prospects and 64% feel entry-level roles are insecure. But recent labour market data from LinkedIn suggests the current slowdown in entry-level hiring is in line with broader hiring trends and is being driven primarily by macroeconomic pressures and increased competition for roles — rather than AI.
While new technologies bring disruption, they bring opportunity too — with demand for AI literacy and technical skills rising rapidly. LinkedIn data shows that job postings requiring AI skills have grown by more than 70% year over year, highlighting the growing opportunity for young people who build AI literacy and digital confidence early.
Movement to Work commissioned research in 2024 highlighting the potential for AI to level the playing field for NEET young people. Building on these insights, the organisation developed the Next-Gen AI Skills Programme, creating practical learning materials to help NEET young people use Gen AI confidently, responsibly and effectively.
The AI Skills Festival brought those ambitions to life. The first event of its kind in the UK specifically designed for young people furthest from the labour market, it focused on removing barriers to employment, building a future-ready workforce, and ensuring NEET young people are not left behind as AI and emerging technologies transform the world of work.
Throughout the day, participants took part in expert-led sessions from Accenture, Microsoft and LinkedIn, gaining practical insights into these changes. The festival offered a hands-on, immersive experience to develop AI skills, boost confidence, and explore real pathways into work through six dynamic, festival-style zones, alongside live sessions and interactive experiences.
The Mainstage saw Microsoft and LinkedIn introduce generative AI in an accessible and practical way, demonstrating how AI tools can support career development. In the LinkedIn Level-Up Lounge, young people took part in 1:1 and small-group coaching to strengthen their digital presence and employability skills.
At Pathfinder Park, attendees connected directly with employers, explored real career pathways, and asked questions about opportunities in the region. The Glow-Up Studio provided professional headshots for LinkedIn profiles, helping young people strengthen their digital presence and employability, while the Champions Zone featured the Premier League trophy alongside community programmes delivered by the Wolves and Villa Foundations.
The AI Skills Festival marked the launch of Gen AI for Jobseekers training — a free online course that teaches young people how to use AI tools confidently and responsibly to enhance job applications, explore career pathways, and take control of their career journey.
Young people also got to try Skill City, a new interactive AI game created in partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn. This immersive experience enabled participants to explore career pathways, develop practical AI skills, and build confidence in a fun, engaging and hands-on environment.
Every young person attending received free access to both the course and the game, as well as a one-year LinkedIn Premium subscription — giving them practical tools to continue developing skills and career opportunities beyond the festival.
We are at a defining moment for the next generation. As AI reshapes work, we must ensure no young person is left behind.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, highlighted that youth unemployment is one of the region's biggest challenges, noting that 'qualifications are not the only factor that determines whether a young person can get a foot on the career ladder — often it's about confidence or experience in how to search and apply for a job.'
Abbey Carlton, Head of Social Impact at LinkedIn, said: 'AI is reshaping the future of work — changing how people learn, collaborate and build their careers. Through our collaboration with Movement to Work, we're helping young people develop practical AI skills that build confidence and open doors to new opportunities.'
Darren Hardman, Microsoft CEO UK and Ireland, emphasised that 'if you can use AI with confidence and create new ways of doing things in a fraction of the time, then you will be the one at the front of the queue for jobs', noting Microsoft has supported more than 4,000 young people so far.
Matt Prebble, Head of Accenture UK & Ireland, concluded: 'In an era where AI is redefining every career path, preparing the next generation is a mission we must take on together.'
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