PATHFINDER

About the project

PATHFINDER addresses youth unemployment in the EU by fostering a critical dialogue on the dual nature of artificial intelligence as both a challenge and an opportunity. Through debates, workshops, and youth knowledge exchanges, the project asks whether AI is a curse or a blessing for young people — and advocates for policies that bridge education gaps and prepare youth for the future of work.

The challenge

In late 2024, EU youth unemployment averaged 15%, with Spain and Greece exceeding 26%. Marginalised youth — from low-income, racialised, or rural backgrounds — face even higher rates, compounded by AI-driven labour market shifts.

In 2023, 11.2% of young Europeans aged 15–29 were NEET, many from marginalised groups facing systemic barriers. Without their inclusion in policymaking, AI may deepen inequalities — making their voices essential.

And yet, according to the European Youth Forum's 2023 report, only 10% of AI policy consultations include meaningful youth participation. PATHFINDER exists to close that gap.

15%

EU youth unemployment (late 2024)

26%+

in Greece and Spain

11.2%

of 15–29s were NEET (2023)

10%

of AI consultations include youth

Methodology

Six phases that feed one another. The methodology draws on participatory action research, critical pedagogy, and Kolb's experiential learning cycle — each phase informs the next, with young people leading the work.

  1. Participatory research

    Country-level dialogues between youth and employers, co-creating the research agenda. Inclusive methods reach those most often left out of the conversation.

  2. Public dialogue

    National public debates in each country — youth, employers, and policymakers reflecting together on what AI means for the future of work.

  3. Networks & pathways

    National Career Days build direct links between marginalised youth and the labour market — role-playing AI ethics dilemmas, networking, mentorship.

  4. Transnational reflection

    The Sarajevo Dialogue and Sofia Forum bring everyone to the same table, comparing national experience and proposing shared strategies.

  5. Capacity building

    Youth Skills Labs in five countries deliver hands-on AI literacy, 4th-generation skills, and career adaptability training.

  6. Advocacy & policy

    Youth-driven recommendations are presented to EU policymakers at the closing Policy Roundtable.

Objectives

Open dialogue, online and offline

Build platforms — physical and digital — where youth, educators, policymakers, and industry leaders can debate whether AI is a crisis or an opportunity for the future of work.

Connect youth with employment ecosystems

Bring young people into the rooms where work is changing — through networking events, study visits, and knowledge-sharing with employers, HR professionals, and employability counsellors.

Build practical, hands-on AI skills

Run targeted upskilling programmes covering job readiness, basic AI literacy, adaptability, creativity, and an understanding of the EU policy landscape around AI and work.

Put youth at the EU policy table

Encourage and equip young people to participate in AI-related policy debates at the European level — and influence policymakers to prioritise youth-focused AI policies and education reforms.