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August 21, 2026 • 4 mins

In this week's episode, we're breaking down five stories every student, graduate and early-career professional should know about, including:   

  • Degree apprenticeships are more popular than ever - but competition is tough. 
  • New global figures show youth unemployment is rising, as well as where opportunities are growing. 
  • Summer jobs pay more than young people expect, with opportunities across a variety of sectors. 
  • The government is launching AI boot camps to help young people into work. 
  • Why changing jobs strategically could actually help your career. 

Find out more on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-stories-know-week-august-21st-prospects-study-tips-and-careers-a-ssi6e/ 

Subscribe for weekly insights on careers, employability, and the changing world of work. 

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📜 Episode transcripts: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/podcasts/future-you-podcast-transcripts 

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Episode Transcript

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(00:00):
Welcome back to
Future You, the podcast brought to youby graduate careers experts prospects.
Every Friday, we're going to bring youfive stories that are shaping the future
of careers, education and work in the UK.
Hot off the pressand just what students, graduates and job
seekers need to be paying attention to.
Story one AI boot camps are coming.

(00:20):
First up, the government is launchinga new AI bootcamp
pilot in the North West of Englandto help tackle youth unemployment.
70 young people between 16and 21 will take part in three weeks
of AI and workplace skills trainingbefore moving into apprenticeship
opportunities with employers,including BA Systems and Hinds.

(00:41):
The timing isn't a coincidence.
The number of young people who aren'tin education, employment or training,
often called NEETs, has now passed 1
million for the first time since 2013.
Now, while this pilot is small,it's expected to help shape a national
AI skills program launching next year.
The message is pretty clear

(01:01):
AI skills are becoming valuablein almost every industry.
That doesn't meanyou need to become a programmer overnight,
but understanding how AI works,how to use it responsibly,
and how employers are usingit could genuinely help you stand out
when you're applying for jobsor apprenticeships.
Story two youthunemployment is rising worldwide.

(01:22):
Next up, it's not just the UKthat's finding things tough.
New figures from the International LaborOrganization show that global youth
unemployment has risen to 12.4%,
affecting around 67 million young people.
The report also says around 257 millionyoung people worldwide
are currently not in employment,education or training.

(01:44):
it also looked at AI's impact on jobs.
Around 6% of jobs held by young
people are consideredhighly exposed to AI related change.
That sounds worrying,
but it doesn't just meanthat those jobs are disappearing tomorrow.
Instead, it's another reminderthat employers are increasingly looking
for people who can adapt, learn new skillsand work alongside new technology.

(02:05):
The good news is that industrieslike engineering,
healthcare and technologyare still expected to keep growing.
So there are definitely opportunitiesif you focus on building
the right skills and gaining experience.
Story three is job hoppingactually good for your career?
Here's one that might surprise you.
For years,
we've been told staying with one employerfor a long time is the best career move.

(02:27):
But according to new analysis fromthe Wall Street Journal, that's changing.
Moving jobs strategicallycan actually help you build new skills,
grow your network,and even increase your potential
before you start handing in your noticeevery six months.
The point isn't to movefor the sake of moving.
It's about choosing opportunities
where you're learning, developing,and taking on new challenges.

(02:48):
Employers care far more about whatyou've achieved than simply how many years
you've spent sitting at the same desk.
So when you're looking at jobs, don'tjust ask yourself,
Will this look good on my CV?
Ask, what will I actually learn here?
Story four degree apprenticeshipsare more competitive than ever.
If you're thinkingabout a degree apprenticeship, listen up.

(03:08):
Applications have explodedover the last three years,
but the number of available placeshas actually gone down.
According to new BBC analysis,There are now more than 11
applicationsfor every level six apprenticeship place.
That's because more people are realizingyou can earn a salary,
gain work experience and get a degreewithout paying university tuition fees.

(03:30):
The catch is that competition is fierce.
So if this is the route
you're considering, start early, buildyour CV, get relevant experience
wherever you can, practice interviewsand don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Lots of successful applicantsalso apply to university at the same time,
just to keep their options open.
Story five Summer jobsmight pay more than you think.

(03:52):
And finally, some surprisingly good newsa new report from Monzo
found that summer jobs are actually payingmore than many young people expect.
The average advertisedhourly wage was 13.45 pounds.
Whilst most people,
whilst most young people, expectedcloser to 11 pounds an hour.
And it isn't just
retail and hospitality hiring,there are opportunities in administration,

(04:14):
education, health care, logisticsand loads of other industries too.
It's also a reminderthat your first job doesn't
have to be directlyrelated to your dream career.
Any job can help you build
confidence, customer serviceskills, teamwork, and communication.
All things employers love seeing on a CV.
So if you're looking for work,don't limit yourself to one type of role.

(04:34):
Sometimes the experience you gainis just as valuable as the money you earn.
Thanks for listening.
If you found this episode useful,
make sure you're following the podcastand I'll be back
next week with five more careerstories you need to know.
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