What competencies do youth workers need to fully harness the potential of AI? How can they use AI to enhance the quality, attractiveness, and effectiveness of their work, and prepare young people to thrive in AI-powered environments?

Our latest research provides some compelling answers, synthesising findings from extensive desk research and focus groups with youth work professionals across our partner countries.

Chapter 1 introduces the project, highlighting the steps and methodological approaches to achieving the main objectives and the expected results.

Chapter 2, dedicated to the research methodology, outlines the approach and techniques used to conduct this study. It includes the research design, data collection methods through systematic review, focus groups and interviews, data analysis procedures, as well as limitations and criteria for ensuring the validity and reliability of the findings.

Chapter 3 presents the results of the desk research conducted by the consortium partners to explore the intersections of artificial intelligence, youth and youth work. The chapter is divided into four main sections, addressing an introduction to AI, the impact of AI on youth, the role of youth workers in the AI revolution, and practical applications of AI in youth work settings.

Chapter 4 outlines the needs, challenges, and tasks involved in integrating AI into youth work, presenting the results of focus group discussions which have been conducted in each partner country.

Chapter 5 sets out the publication’s conclusions, formulating recommendations for the development of an AI Competence Framework for Youth Workers, and enhancing the capacity of youth professionals to harness AI in their work.