Technological Disruption and Working Lives – Impacts on Young People

Join the APPG on the Future of Work for a discussion of how technology-driven changes to the labour market are impacting young people’s prospects, and how policy can help mitigate challenges and support young people to seize opportunities in a changing economy.

AI and new technologies are changing the nature of the world of work, but the consequences are not evenly distributed, nor are they technologically predetermined.

While fears that AI may replace some areas of the workforce wholesale have yet not manifested, some experts are linking the adoption of AI and new digital technologies to difficulties in entry-level job markets and lack of opportunities for young people.

The Government’s National Youth Strategy launched in December, notes how technology both connects and isolates young people today, and recognises that “young people worry about their education and their career prospects, particularly in a world where jobs are changed by tech development and climate change.”

The strategy lands alongside the post-16 education and skills whitepaper, the youth guarantee scheme, and apprenticeship reforms with the Growth and Skills Levy, all aimed to equip young people with the skills and opportunities they need.

New technologies are not the only factor shaping job markets, but with nearly a million 16–24-year-olds not in education, employment, or training (NEET), and with warnings that entry-level job postings are at their lowest for many years, we must give serious consideration to the pathways available to young people now and in the future.

Outline Agenda

15.15 - 15.35 Introductions and opening addresses

Short addresses from:

• Fiona Aldridge, CEO, Skills Federation & Skills England Board Member

• Darius Norell, Radical Employability Lead, People and Their Brilliance

• EY Foundation (Speaker tba)

15.35 - 16.00 Roundtable discussion

16.00 - 16.30 Expanded discussion with audience

Please note this is a hybrid event.

To sign up to join online, follow the sign-up link below.

In-person spaces are limited: to express your interest in attending in person, please register via the in-person sign-up link below and wait to hear confirmation.