UK Trials AI Bootcamps for 70 Unemployed Youth as Neet Total Nears 1 Million
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 13
UK Trials AI Bootcamps for 70 Unemployed Youth as Neet Total Nears 1 Million
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 13
Summary
A 70-place pilot in north-west England is putting 16- to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training through a three-week AI bootcamp in Preston.
The taxpayer-funded scheme aims to turn AI from a job-market threat into an employability tool, teaching participants to build and use AI systems responsibly.
JD Sports, Heinz and Agilysys are among partners offering apprenticeships after the course, with roles focused on AI marketing and IT helpdesks.
Nearly 1 million young people in the UK are Neet—just over 1 in 10 of that age group—prompting warnings of a potential "lost generation" without broader action.
Researchers and youth-employment experts say the trial could help test whether AI skills improve hiring and productivity, but argue mental health, weak growth and limited apprenticeships remain bigger drivers of youth joblessness.