Artificial intelligence competence needs for youth workers

Konstantinos  Kechagias

doi:10.63734/JNFDE.01.01.007

Authors

Konstantios Kechagias KEAN Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63734/JNFDE.01.01.007

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence, Youth work, Competence framework, Non-formal education, Digital capacity-building

Abstract

This work addresses the increasing need for youth professionals to acquire competencies that enable the meaningful integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into non-formal and formal educational contexts. Against the backdrop of accelerated digital transformation, youth workers in Europe face challenges in understanding, adopting, and ethically applying AI technologies. This work, undertaken within the framework of the Erasmus+ co-funded initiative Artificial Intelligence for Youth Work (AI4YouthWork), seeks to define the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes for responsible AI use in youth work settings.

The research followed a mixed-methods design, combining desk research, policy analysis, and empirical data collection through semi-structured interviews and focus groups involving youth workers from Italy, Romania, Greece, and Portugal. The findings informed the development of an AI Competence Framework and the validation of targeted educational resources.

The analysis revealed significant variability in AI awareness among youth professionals, accompanied by uncertainty regarding ethical implications and practical implementation. The validated competence framework captures four critical dimensions: technical under- standing of AI, ethical reasoning, human-centred application, and the societal and environmental implications of AI. Complementary outputs include a multilingual eLearning catalogue (com- prising 48 open educational resources) and a practical training toolkit with curated AI tools and youth-focused workshop templates.

This work contributes to the digital capacity-building of youth professionals by offering a structured, scalable model for the integration of AI in youth work. The findings underscore the necessity of embedding AI education within inclusive, ethically grounded, and context-sensitive training strategies. The proposed framework and supporting tools provide a foundation for long-term transformation in digital youth work across Europe.

Author Biography

Konstantios Kechagias, KEAN

Konstantinos Kehagias, a master’s degree holder and doctoral student, graduated top of his class from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He has received an excellence award from NKUA for his academic achievements and has been granted significant scholarships from major technology companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, and Google.

Konstantinos is recognized as a Google Developer Expert & Innovation Champion, showcasing his expertise and capabilities in critical thinking and software development technologies. His professional roles span both research and entrepreneurship, where he has demonstrated significant ability in transforming scientific insights into commercially viable solutions. This commitment is evidenced by a successful entrepreneurial venture, earning him a spot in Forbes Greece’s “30 Under 30” list.

Beyond his technical contributions, Konstantinos actively supports open science, inclusion, and the integration of social and humanitarian sciences. He is an ambassador for Google’s Women Techmaker Program and the founder of academic and technology communities, including the Google Developer Student Club and the ACM Student Chapter at his university. His dedication to promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and fostering inclusive research environments enhances the global research landscape, ensuring that technological innovations are both socially responsible and broadly beneficial.

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