New research from BBC Bitesize, suggests more than a third (36%) of UK teenagers are worried that artificial intelligence could take jobs away from them in the future. The Bitesize Careers Survey 2026, goes on to suggest 37% believe AI will reduce the number of jobs available in the future.

Despite this uncertainty, two thirds say they would use AI to help them get a job, highlighting a growing gap between concern and confidence.

The research with more than 4,500 young people aged 13-16, also indicates that career ambitions remain largely traditional. In the list of the top 10 jobs teenagers want when they’re older, doctor continues to top the list, followed by engineer and teacher, with roles such as vet, police officer and lawyer also ranking highly.

Suggesting that while aspirations remain service-focused, many young people are unsure how emerging technologies like AI could support, rather than hinder, these careers. The NHS also came out top of the list of organisations young people would most like to work for, ahead of Google and Apple.

Cerys Griffiths, Head of BBC Bitesize says: “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.”

“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.”

In response, BBC Bitesize has expanded its Guide to AI, a free, digital-first learning resource designed to help 14-19-year-olds understand how AI works, how it is already being used in real jobs, and how to use it safely, responsibly and critically. Focusing on real-world examples across industries including health, fashion, gaming, sport and conservation, the guide helps young people see how AI tools can complement core skills such as creativity, problem-solving and human judgement.

The BBC Bitesize Careers website will also launch new AI-themed content during National Careers Week, including Job Detective, a video feature presented by Emma-Louise Amanshia exploring how AI is being used in real careers, starting with medicine.

BBC Bitesize will also feature a special Bitesize Careers Talk with entrepreneur Sara Davies, exploring how she built her career, her perspective on AI’s impact on jobs, and the advice she would give her 16-year-old self.

As part of this offering, BBC Bitesize is working with the Science Museum on a live Guide to AI Careers event taking place on Tuesday 3 March, during National Careers Week.

The hands-on event will bring 14-18-year-olds face-to-face with professionals already using AI in their jobs, giving young people the opportunity to try AI tools for themselves and ask questions about how technology is shaping different industries.

The event will feature a series of interactive demo spaces hosted by organisations already using AI in the workplace, including Microsoft, ASOS, Imperial College London and the University of St Andrews.

Nick Eley, Head of Digital Creation at ASOS, adds: “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.”

BBC Bitesize will publish new careers and AI content throughout National Careers Week, alongside classroom resources to support teachers and parents in helping young people navigate a rapidly changing world of work.

The Top 10 Careers 2026:

Doctor
Engineer
Teacher
Lawyer
Nurse
Footballer
Performer / Arts
Vet
Police Officer
Pilot

Alongside its AI and careers content, BBC Bitesize Careers supports young people as they take their first steps from education into employment, offering practical guidance on CV writing, interview skills and even a career decision-making quiz. The website features hundreds of career profiles, with video insights from people working across different industries, alongside clear information on salaries, qualifications and the routes into a wide range of jobs. BBC Bitesize Study Support also provides wellbeing advice to help young people manage the pressures of study and early working life.

For teachers, BBC Bitesize Careers will publish themed lesson resources throughout National Careers Week, structured around the jobs and sectors most popular with teenagers: