Webinar: AI, Skills and Fair Access: How the Next Generation is Changing the Early Careers Funnel in 2026 and beyond! by Springpod

Our latest Impact Hour webinar goes beyond the headlines to give you real insight into what’s changing - directly from the young people and employers living it.

About This Webinar

Young people are entering the workforce with AI-native habits, new expectations around fairness and wellbeing, and a completely different view of what career pathways should look like. Meanwhile, Early Careers teams are navigating rising volumes, widening readiness gaps and increasing pressure to deliver more with less.

Our latest Impact Hour webinar goes beyond the headlines to give you real insight into what’s changing - directly from the young people and employers living it.

What you’ll gain...

- First-hand insight from Gen Z and Gen Alpha on what feels supportive, what feels outdated, and how they’re actually using AI in applications.
- Practical ideas for future-proofing your Early Careers pathways, from skills-first design to reducing process fatigue.
- Employer strategies for managing rising application volumes, AI-generated applications and the authenticity gap.
- Clear, actionable recommendations for improving readiness and fairness at scale.
- A student-informed view of what Early Careers must look like in 2026 and how to get ahead now.

Attend live to get your questions answered or, if you cannot make the time, register now to watch on demand at a time that suits you!

Agenda

Overview of the trends reshaping Early Careers in 2026.
What young people say feels supportive, fair and future-ready in recruitment.
How Gen Z and Gen Alpha are actually using AI in applications.
Employer perspectives on rising volumes, readiness gaps and AI-generated applications.
Practical ways to build skills-first, fair and fatigue-free Early Careers pathways.
A student-informed blueprint for fairness and authenticity in 2026.
Clear, actionable recommendations to get ahead of the changes now.

Joshua Owusu

Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprentice at Kohler Mira Ltd

Joshua Owusu is a Springpod Futuremaker and a Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprentice at Kohler Mira Ltd. Passionate about STEM, he inspires others through mentorship, volunteering, and content that demystifies careers. A 2× STEM Racing National Finalist, podcast guest, and active supporter of peers applying for degree apprenticeships, Joshua combines real-world experience with a dedication to helping others reach their potential.

Karen White

Early Careers Lead at Springpod

Karen is Springpod’s Early Careers Lead, bringing extensive experience in designing and delivering global early talent and apprenticeship programmes. Formerly Head of Early Careers at the BBC and Expedia, she has built diverse pipelines for graduates, apprentices, and interns across multiple sectors, including Financial Services. Passionate about creating opportunities for all, Karen supports Springpod's partners with innovative strategies to attract and develop talent. Based in Canterbury, she’s a foodie, casual park runner, and firm believer that a good cup of tea can solve almost anything.

Kelly Frith

Human Resource Lead at Aldi

Kelly Frith is Human Resource Lead at Aldi GB, specialising in Apprenticeships for Warehouse Operations. CIPD Level 7 qualified with a first-class degree in Business and Management, she also holds a diploma in Personal Performance Coaching. With over 10 years in HR, Kelly has held roles across recruitment, career progression, learning & development, and employee relations, bringing a wealth of experience in developing talent and apprenticeships within Aldi and beyond.

Rhianna Macfarlane

HR Supervisor at Aldi UK

Rhianna Macfarlane is HR Supervisor at Aldi UK, with extensive experience across the retail and travel sectors, including Jet2.com. She has been instrumental in Aldi’s partnership with Springpod, supporting early careers and apprenticeships, and is passionate about creating opportunities that help young talent thrive within the organisation.

Joanne Binth

Degree Apprentice at Amazon Ring Firmware Team

Joanne Binth is a Springpod Futuremaker and Level 6 SDE Degree Apprentice at Amazon Ring Firmware Team (AfCIIS). Passionate about STEM, mentorship, and community engagement, she inspires others through volunteering and content creation. Diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in Year 10, Joanne has shown remarkable resilience, excelling academically and breaking barriers for others in STEM.

Eva Forgacz-Cooper

Student

Eva Forgacz-Cooper is a Year 13 student and aspiring solicitor, and Chair of St Dominic’s Law Society. Passionate about disability equity and access to education, Eva is committed to championing inclusion and supporting others to navigate pathways into the legal profession.

Jo Bishop

Senior Outreach Lead at Springpod

Jo Bishop is Senior Outreach Lead at Springpod and an experienced careers adviser with over 30 years’ experience supporting young people into university, apprenticeships and work. She has led impactful employer partnerships and designed insight-led careers activities that build confidence, develop employability skills and support fairer access to opportunity. A strong advocate for widening participation, Jo works closely with educators and employers to create more inclusive routes into higher education and employment.