'Left behind' | Government launches AI bootcamps & jobs 'alliance' to tackle youth unemployment, but digital access concerns remain

The Government has announced a series of new measures designed to address rising youth unemployment and concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level jobs, including AI bootcamps, paid apprenticeships and a new alliance bringing together employers, unions and young people.

The package comes as ministers seek to reverse declining opportunities for young people entering the labour market and respond to growing concerns that AI could reduce traditional entry-level pathways into work.

At the centre of the plans is the creation of the Early Careers Jobs Alliance, a partnership between government, employers, trade unions and young people that will examine how AI is reshaping early-career roles and identify ways to preserve routes into employment and progression.

Backed by £20 million, the alliance will initially focus on the digital and technology sector before expanding across all eight sectors covered by the Government’s Industrial Strategy. It will be co-chaired by Prospect General Secretary Mike Clancy and the Government’s AI Champion for the Digital and Technologies sector, Katie Gallagher.