Addressing the Disappearing First Rung in Tech Careers

The rapid advancement of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for our workforce. While these technologies promise increased productivity and innovation, they also raise concerns about job displacement, particularly at entry levels.

Recent data shows a concerning trend: starter jobs have fallen by 49% over the past decade in the UK, with graduate vacancies expected to decline further. This issue is compounded by high competition for limited positions—employers now receive around 140 applications per vacancy compared to just 38 two decades ago.

The challenge isn’t that AI will replace all jobs, but rather that it’s changing the nature of entry-level roles and potentially limiting opportunities for new talent to develop essential skills. Routine tasks like data cleaning, document review, basic coding, and customer responses are increasingly being automated or accelerated by AI—precisely the types of work through which many professionals gain experience.

The Long View vs. Short Term Gains

While organizations face pressure to grow revenue and control costs, we must avoid sacrificing long-term capability for short-term gains. Eliminating junior roles may improve this year’s budget but could weaken the organization’s future resilience if those positions served as crucial development pathways.

Instead of viewing AI solely as a cost-saving tool, leaders should see it as an opportunity to accelerate human potential. Research from the US National Bureau of Economic Research found that generative AI increased productivity among customer support agents by 14%—with the greatest gains seen in less experienced workers. When implemented thoughtfully, AI can help newer employees develop expertise more quickly and contribute meaningfully.

We have a responsibility to ensure that technological progress creates opportunities rather than barriers for those entering the workforce. By focusing on upskilling initiatives and redesigning entry points, we can harness AI’s power while building a pipeline of future leaders.