The Youth Futures Foundation is inviting research organisations, universities, think tanks, consultancies, and other eligible research partners to apply for its AI and the Youth Labour Market Call for Proposals. This funding opportunity offers up to £120,000 to support a 10-month research project that will investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming employment opportunities, skills demand, and labour market outcomes for young people aged 16–24 in England.

As AI continues to reshape industries across the world, understanding its impact on young people’s employment prospects has become increasingly important. Through this research call, the Youth Futures Foundation seeks evidence-based insights that can help policymakers, employers, educators, and funders develop effective strategies to ensure young people—especially those facing barriers to employment—can thrive in an AI-driven labour market.

The selected research partner will examine the opportunities and risks associated with AI, particularly its influence on entry-level jobs, career progression, skills requirements, and inequalities affecting young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Application Deadline: 20 July 2026

About the Youth Futures Foundation

The Youth Futures Foundation is an independent, evidence-focused organisation committed to improving employment outcomes for young people across England. The foundation works with researchers, employers, policymakers, charities, and community organisations to identify effective solutions that reduce youth unemployment and improve access to meaningful work.

Through research, innovation, and strategic partnerships, Youth Futures Foundation supports initiatives that generate high-quality evidence capable of shaping national policies and improving opportunities for disadvantaged young people.

This latest research funding opportunity reflects the organisation’s commitment to understanding how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, will influence the future of work for the next generation.

About the AI and the Youth Labour Market Research Project

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how businesses operate, the types of jobs available, and the skills employers require. While AI presents significant opportunities for innovation and productivity, it also raises concerns about job displacement, workforce inequality, and changing career pathways.

The Youth Futures Foundation is commissioning new research to better understand these changes and their implications for young people entering the labour market.

The successful research project will generate robust evidence that informs future policies and interventions aimed at supporting young people through this period of technological transformation.

Research Objectives

The funded research will explore several important questions surrounding AI and employment.

Key areas of investigation include:

1. How AI is Reshaping Entry-Level Employment

Researchers are expected to examine:

• The impact of AI on entry-level occupations.
• Emerging employment opportunities created by AI.
• Jobs and sectors most vulnerable to automation.
• Changes in recruitment practices.
• Future career pathways for young workers.

2. Skills Demand in an AI-Driven Economy

The research should investigate:

• Skills becoming increasingly valuable because of AI.
• Skills that may become less relevant.
• Digital and technical competencies required by employers.
• Adaptability and lifelong learning needs.
• Future workforce readiness.

3. Career Progression and Labour Market Mobility

Applicants should consider:

• How AI influences career advancement.
• New opportunities for professional development.
• Barriers affecting career progression.
• Long-term employment prospects for young workers.

4. Distributional Impacts of Artificial Intelligence

The project should explore how AI affects different groups of young people, including whether certain communities experience greater benefits or disadvantages.

Researchers are encouraged to examine:

• Regional differences.
• Socioeconomic inequalities.
• Demographic disparities.
• Access to digital opportunities.
• Inclusion and equity.

5. Young People Who Are NEET

A major focus of the project is understanding how AI influences young people who are:

• Not in Education
• Not in Employment
• Not in Training (NEET)

Researchers should investigate how AI may either increase employment barriers or create new pathways into meaningful work, particularly for young people who are furthest from the labour market.

Why This Research Matters

Artificial intelligence is expected to transform nearly every sector of the economy. However, there remains limited evidence about how these changes specifically affect young people transitioning into employment.

The findings from this research will help:

• Government policymakers.
• Employers.
• Educational institutions.
• Workforce development organisations.
• Charities.
• Research institutions.
• Funding organisations.

The evidence generated will support informed decision-making and help reduce the risk that AI-driven labour market changes widen existing inequalities.

Funding Details

Successful applicants can receive:

• Funding of up to £120,000
• Project duration of 10 months
• Research period running from August 2026 to June 2027

The funding is intended to support high-quality research that delivers practical recommendations for improving youth employment outcomes in the context of artificial intelligence.

Who the Youth Futures Foundation Wants to Partner With

The Foundation is seeking experienced research partners capable of delivering rigorous, policy-relevant research.

Suitable applicants may include:

• Universities
• Research institutes
• Independent research organisations
• Think tanks
• Policy research consultancies
• Evaluation organisations
• Collaborative research partnerships

Applicants should demonstrate expertise in labour market research, artificial intelligence, youth employment, quantitative and qualitative research methods, policy evaluation, or related disciplines.

Expected Research Impact

The successful project should produce findings that:

• Strengthen understanding of AI’s labour market effects.
• Inform evidence-based policymaking.
• Support employers adapting recruitment strategies.
• Improve workforce development programmes.
• Reduce employment inequalities.
• Enhance opportunities for disadvantaged young people.
• Guide future investment in youth employment initiatives.

Benefits of This Opportunity

Successful applicants will benefit from:

• Research funding of up to £120,000.
• Opportunity to influence national policy.
• Collaboration with the Youth Futures Foundation.
• Contribution to one of the UK’s most important discussions on AI and employment.
• Increased visibility within research and policy communities.
• Opportunity to shape future youth employment strategies.

How to Apply

Applicants should carefully review the official application pack before preparing their proposal.

A strong proposal should clearly demonstrate:

1. Relevant research expertise.
2. Understanding of AI and labour market dynamics.
3. Experience in youth employment research.
4. Robust research methodology.
5. Capacity to deliver within the 10-month timeframe.
6. Ability to produce policy-relevant recommendations.

Applications should be submitted before the published deadline.

Project Timeline

• Application Deadline: 20 July 2026
• Project Duration: 10 months
• Project Period: August 2026 – June 2027
• Location: United Kingdom (England-focused research)

Why You Should Apply

This is an exceptional opportunity for research organisations seeking to influence the future of work in the age of artificial intelligence.

With AI transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, the findings generated through this project will help shape employment policy, improve opportunities for young people, and contribute to reducing labour market inequalities across England.

Organisations with expertise in AI, economics, education, labour markets, public policy, and youth employment are strongly encouraged to apply.

Learn more and Apply Here

Application Deadline

Applications close on 20 July 2026.

Interested applicants should review the application pack thoroughly and submit their proposal before the deadline.

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