A new partnership between government, industry and trade unions will support young people entering the job market and look at how AI is impacting entry level roles.
Co-chaired by Prospect’s General Secretary Mike Clancy and the government’s AI Champion for the Digital and Technologies sector, Katie Gallagher OBE, the Early Careers Jobs Alliance will bring together government, employers, trade unions and young people.
Backed by £20 million, the Alliance has the aim of supporting people to get into the workplace, learn on the job and build enriching careers.
The Alliance will map how entry-level work is changing, producing practical help for businesses on how to redesign roles while maintaining entry-level pathways, and identifying early examples of good practice.
The work will start in the Digital and Technologies sector, due to its high exposure and uptake of AI in digital and tech businesses, with plans for this to then roll out across all eight Industrial Strategy sectors.
In the autumn, the Alliance will publish and initial report, setting out early evidence and examples of best practice to inform future work.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall said: "My priority is building an AI future that is pro-business and pro-worker, where AI enhances work, and people are supported through the jobs transition – not left to cope on their own.
"It’s clear the world of work is changing rapidly with the adoption of new technologies, and young people want a future where they can get on, get skilled, and get good jobs.
"I’m determined to give young people the jobs and skills they need to thrive in an era of technological change, and am taking action now to create a future that truly works for all."
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden said: "Young people deserve every opportunity to build a meaningful career, and that means making sure no one is left behind as our economy changes and technology advances.
"For too long, too many young people have faced a future with too few opportunities, which is why through our Youth Guarantee we are ensuring every young person has the chance to earn or learn.
"By equipping these young people with tech and AI skills, we are making sure that the opportunities created by this technological revolution are open to everyone."
