Research from HiBob has found that 85 per cent of British workers believe AI is replacing entry level jobs. In fact, over four in ten workers (42 per cent) advise those entering the workforce to look at ‘second choice’ roles in sectors facing skills shortages.

Despite this level of perception, however, the reality is quite different. Almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of HR professionals say they have been able to hire graduates directly into high-level roles, bypassing traditional entry-level positions, thanks to AI.

The study of 2,000 UK workers, including 500 HR leaders, shows AI has enhanced entry-level roles, rather than replaced them. Over a third (38 per cent) of HR professionals have seen routine task automation enable entry-level workers to focus on more strategic or analytical work, and 24 per cent say it has reduced the required years’ experience for entry positions.

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The shift in role has evolved the skills HR professionals are looking for in candidates. 45 per cent say entry-level roles now require stronger technical or digital skills to work alongside AI tools, and a quarter (25 per cent) say roles have become more complex or higher in scope than before. 15 per cent say the growing use of AI has made skills-based qualifications less important when hiring for entry level roles.

Around a third of workers disagree with HR’s realities, however. 35 per cent say they believe graduates won’t be able to leapfrog entry level roles and move into more advanced positions. Their advice to those entering the workforce is to instead gain hands-on experience (52 per cent), even if outside of their ‘ideal’ field, build strong soft skills (40 per cent), and invest in training that doesn’t require a degree but improves employability (30 per cent).

Advice may be driven by the fact workers see human interaction-led roles among those early career roles that will remain ‘viable’ or grow in value, despite the rise of AI. Customer service and customer support roles (43 per cent), human interaction focused admin support (42 per cent), and hospitality and event support (40 per cent) are top of the ‘viable’ role list.

“The idea AI will replace half of all entry-level jobs is overstated,” comments Ronni Zehavi, CEO and Co-Founder of HiBob. “There is no doubt AI is taking on many routine tasks typically linked to junior roles, but that doesn’t mean those roles are disappearing – they just look different. AI doesn’t operate effectively without a level of human oversight, and I would argue that it’s those who know how to use it effectively who will take jobs from others.

“Employers have a responsibility to train their people, not only to boost productivity but to prepare them for the future of work,” Zehavi adds. “The businesses empowering workers with AI skills – whether they’re just starting their career, or already well established professionals – will outpace those cutting entry-level jobs and making redundancies in the name of AI adoption. AI doesn’t replace people; it allows them to do more with more.”

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