“‘Broken Career Ladder’: Study Warns AI Is Impacting Young Job Seekers”

AI Already Reducing Job Opportunities for Young People, Study Suggests Artificial intelligence is already beginning to reshape the job market, with young people facing fewer opportunities as entry-level roles decline, according to recent research. Experts warn that automation is increasingly affecting sectors traditionally open to early-career workers, such as administrative, customer service, and junior tech roles, making it harder for graduates and school-leavers to secure their first jobs. Studies indicate that employment in AI-exposed fields for younger workers has dropped in recent years, while demand for experienced professionals remains more stable. This shift is raising concerns about a “broken career ladder,” where individuals struggle to gain the experience needed for long-term progression. Analysts say that although AI can boost productivity and create new kinds of work, its short-term impact may widen inequality, particularly among youth entering the workforce. Policymakers and economists are now calling for urgent action, including reskilling initiatives and education reforms, to ensure that younger generations are not left behind as AI continues to transform industries and redefine the future of work.