How AI is changing the job market for young people

The rise of AI and the decline of entry-level jobs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the UK job market at an unprecedented pace – and young people are feeling the impact first. According to recent job board data, entry-level roles in the UK have dropped by nearly 32% since late 2022, just after tools like ChatGPT gained widespread use. Sectors such as finance, tech, admin, and marketing are streamlining junior positions, using AI to automate tasks once done by interns, apprentices, or graduate hires.

• Adzuna’s data shows that, in the UK, vacancies for graduate jobs, apprenticeships, internships, and junior roles (including non-degree positions) have dropped by approximately 32% since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022. Entry-level roles now make up only about 25% of the advertised job market, down from roughly 28.9% in 2022.
• Indeed, another job search site, reported that positions advertised to recent UK graduates have declined by around 33% year-on-year, reaching the lowest level since 2018.
• Over half (51.3%) of UK ‘entry-level’ roles require prior experience averaging 2.7 years

Even in growing sectors like health and social care, having basic tech and AI skills is now essential – because almost every role, from admin to frontline support, is becoming digitally enabled.

What this means for young jobseekers

This trend hits hardest for those entering the workforce for the first time – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Traditional routes like graduate schemes or junior office roles are shrinking. Meanwhile, employers are increasingly expecting early-career candidates to already have experience using AI tools, and to take on more responsibility from day one.

A new kind of first job

The jobs haven’t vanished entirely, but they are changing. Entry-level roles now often require:

• Familiarity with AI platforms (e.g. chatbots, automation tools, digital assistants)
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and adaptability
• Practical work experience through apprenticeships, bootcamps or volunteering
• Digital literacy and confidence using collaborative tools like Slack, Notion or Trello

In short, the bar has been raised and that’s a problem if you haven’t had a chance to build those skills yet.

The risk: Widening inequality

AI could worsen the gap between those with access to networks, experience and training – and those without. That’s why we’re committed to supporting young people and career starters who face barriers such as:

• Economic hardship
• Learning needs or disabilities
• Care responsibilities or limited family support
• Underrepresentation in mainstream education or employment

People from disadvantaged backgrounds often have less access to devices, digital training, and supportive learning environments, so they’re more likely to miss out on developing essential tech and AI skills –  making it harder to compete for jobs, even in sectors where opportunities exist. This deepens existing inequalities and can block entry into careers that are increasingly tech-reliant at every level.

Our response: Accessible pathways into work

We help young people build confidence, skills, and experience through:

• Supported apprenticeships: With employers who value potential and the benefits that come from a diverse workforce
• Skills bootcamps: Short, practical training in growing sectors
• Mentoring: From people who’ve faced similar challenges and made it through
• Levy gifting: Redirecting unused corporate training budgets to fund opportunities for those who need it most
• Wraparound support: Because success doesn’t just depend on skills – it takes confidence, community and care

Where do you start?

If, like us, you are looking to break down barriers to opportunity, or want to support a disadvantaged young person into work, we’re here to help. Get in touch to explore co-created pathways to opportunity.