Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a jobseeker
    • ex. Many jobseekers attended the career fair at the university.
  2. reluctant
    • ex. Many people are reluctant to change their old habits.
  3. entry-level
    • ex. Many graduates apply for entry-level roles to start their careers.
  4. literacy
    • ex. Reading every day can improve your literacy.
  5. employability
    • ex. Good communication skills can increase your employability.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Young jobseekers today are finding it increasingly difficult to find work. In the U.S., the unemployment rate for college graduates aged 22 to 27 has reached its highest level in more than ten years. Many companies are reluctant to hire new employees due to economic challenges and the growing use of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Some people are also concerned that AI may replace many entry-level positions.

Citi Foundation, an organization that helps people in low-income communities worldwide, wants to help address youth unemployment. The foundation noted that many young workers lack the technical skills, like the ability to use AI, and soft skills like teamwork and exercising good judgment. Therefore, Citi Foundation launched a $25 million (about ¥3,858,850,000) Global Innovation Challenge. It will provide $500,000 (more than ¥77,135,000) each to 50 organizations that teach digital literacy, job skills, and career training to young people from low-income families.

NPower is one of the 50 organizations receiving $500,000 (more than ¥77,135,000) from Citi. It helps young people develop technical skills. Its programs focus on employability, guiding students without college degrees toward better job opportunities in the digital field. Most participants are young adults aged 18 to 26. With this support, more youth can prepare for future careers and build better lives.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

AI and Other Technical Skills

  • Many companies are reluctant to hire new employees due to economic challenges and the growing use of technologies like AI. Do you think young people should be worried about losing their jobs to AI in the future? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, is it necessary for employees to learn technical skills, like how to use AI? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Citi Foundation’s program will provide money to 50 organizations that teach digital literacy to young people. Why do you think “digital literacy” is important? Discuss.

Employability

  • Do you think you are employable? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • According to the article, many young workers lack technical skills like the ability to use AI tools, and soft skills like teamwork and exercising good judgment. How important are technical and soft skills for employability? Discuss.
  • Citi Foundation's $25 million Global Innovation Challenge will support organizations that provide training to young people. How important are programs like these? Discuss.