The rise of AI is reshaping the job market, and young people are bearing the brunt. Since ChatGPT launched, vacancies for graduate jobs, apprenticeships, internships, and junior roles have dropped 32%, according to job search site Adzuna. Employers are increasingly using AI to replace tasks once done by less-experienced employees, transforming the traditional career ladder.
The 'Diamond' Model
Stephen Bennett, AI transformation partner at Artefact, explains that organizations are moving to a 'diamond' model: fewer junior roles, more mid-level and experienced talent trained to use AI. "I can orchestrate a load of agents together to do an entire process from beginning to end, where I only need humans as checkpoints," he says.
A Generation Without Struggle
Karine Allouche Salanon, general manager at Busuu, warns this lack of early-career opportunities risks creating "a generation that has never struggled." She emphasizes the importance of learning through difficulty: "It is our responsibility to keep integrating these types of experiences to build the next generation."
Polarised Labour Market
Luca Cassani from Microsoft notes the labour market is becoming "polarised" with growing demand for specialist expertise. He predicts adaptability will outweigh technical specialisation. Jessica Turner from QS stresses that AI literacy is vital for all professionals: "The ability to be adaptable and to apply judgement and context when using these tools is really crucial."
What Can Be Done?
Former PM Rishi Sunak urges a positive use of AI to help people do their jobs better rather than replacing them. Employers must actively protect entry-level roles to ensure young people can still develop essential workplace and leadership skills.
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