BBC Bitesize expands AI careers guide for teenagers

BBC Bitesize is expanding its careers and learning content on artificial intelligence after a new survey found that more than a third of UK teenagers fear the technology will harm their future job prospects.

The Bitesize Careers Survey 2026 found that 36% of 13 to 16-year-olds worry AI could take jobs away from them, while 37% believe it will reduce the number of opportunities available.

At the same time, the survey suggests many are willing to engage with the technology: two thirds said they would use AI to help them get a job.

More than 4,500 young people responded. The results also suggest career ambitions remain focused on established professions, even as awareness of new technologies grows.

Doctor ranked first among the top 10 jobs teenagers want when they are older, followed by engineer and teacher. Lawyer, nurse, footballer, performer or arts roles, vet, police officer and pilot completed the list.

The findings also highlighted preferred employers with public profiles. The NHS ranked first among organisations young people most want to work for, followed by Google and Apple.

Cerys Griffiths, Head of BBC Bitesize, said curiosity about AI sits alongside anxiety about how it may affect work. "It's clear that young people are curious about AI, but they also have serious concerns about how it could affect their futures. Our research shows that many are unsure how this technology fits into the careers they aspire to, or how to use it to their own advantage as they step into the world of work."

Guide Expansion

BBC Bitesize has expanded its Guide to AI, a free, digital-first learning resource for 14 to 19-year-olds. It explains how AI works, where it is used at work, and how to use it safely and responsibly.

The material uses examples from health, fashion, gaming, sport and conservation. It presents AI as one of many tools that can support creativity, problem-solving and human judgement.

Griffiths said the aim is to address uncertainty with practical explanations and real-world examples. "BBC Bitesize's role is to cut through the hype and fear and give young people the confidence to understand how AI works, where it's already being used in real jobs, and how it can support their learning and career choices alongside core human skills."

BBC Bitesize Careers will also add new AI-themed features during National Careers Week. Planned content includes Job Detective, a video format presented by Emma-Louise Amanshia, with the first episode focusing on the use of AI in medicine.

Additional programming includes a Bitesize Careers Talk with entrepreneur Sara Davies, covering her career path, her views on AI's impact on jobs, and the advice she would give her 16-year-old self.

Live Event

BBC Bitesize is also working with the Science Museum on a live Guide to AI Careers event at the museum. The hands-on session is aimed at 14 to 18-year-olds.

Students will be able to meet professionals who use AI at work, try AI tools, and ask questions about how technology is changing different industries. Interactive demo spaces are due to be hosted by Microsoft, ASOS, Imperial College London and the University of St Andrews.

Nick Eley, Head of Digital Creation at ASOS, said the company wanted to present AI as a change to workflows rather than a replacement for core skills. "AI is changing how we design and create, but it doesn't replace the fundamentals. Young people still need strong creative and technical skills; AI simply expands what's possible when those skills are in place."

"I hope that by working with Bitesize, we can show how AI allows young people to expand their creativity and think bigger about what is possible when designing and succeeding in their chosen field."

Schools Content

Alongside student-facing content, BBC Bitesize will publish classroom resources during National Careers Week for teachers and parents. Planned lessons align with job areas that rank highly with teenagers, including sport, law, education, engineering and healthcare.

The wider BBC Bitesize Careers site provides guidance on CV writing, interview preparation and career decision-making. It also includes career profiles and information on salaries, qualifications and routes into work, as well as wellbeing advice linked to study and early working life.