UK tests AI bootcamps to tackle youth unemployment

The UK government is testing AI bootcamps in Preston as part of an effort to tackle youth unemployment while preparing young people for workplaces adopting the technology. The pilot at the Vault community hub in Lancashire is aimed at 16- to 24-year-olds who are Neet or at risk of becoming so, with sessions focused on building AI tools, understanding business uses and responsible use.

The taxpayer-funded programme is open to 70 people and runs as a three-week programme. Partners including JD Sports, Heinz and Agilysys are offering apprenticeships for participants, with paths for aspiring content creators to become AI marketing specialists and for IT helpdesk roles requiring AI expertise.

Participants described the course as useful, with Remy Simms saying it changed his view by showing that people can work with AI rather than against it. Experts cautioned that AI is not seen as the main cause of rising Neet numbers, citing mental health pressures and a weaker economy, but said teaching young people to use the technology could help preserve an entry point into work.