The End of Traditional Entry-Level Roles
Automation and AI are streamlining repetitive and manual tasks across sectors, from retail checkouts to admin processing. This shift disproportionately affects Gen Z, who are just entering the workforce and often begin with roles that are the most easily automated.
A 2023 McKinsey report estimated that by 2030, up to 30% of hours currently worked across the US economy could be automated. Similar trends are emerging globally.
But this isn’t the death of the entry-level job—it’s the birth of something new.
Why Entry-Level Displacement Matters
Traditionally, entry-level roles provided:
- Hands-on experience
- Mentorship opportunities
- A stepping-stone into professional networks
As these roles vanish, the concern isn’t just unemployment—it’s the erosion of foundational career-building experiences. But we have an opportunity to reshape how these first steps are taken.
New Careers Born from AI: What’s Emerging
Where automation closes doors, AI opens others. We’re witnessing the rise of roles that are accessible to early-career professionals, provided they receive the right training.
1. AI Systems Assistant
A junior-level role supporting the implementation and day-to-day operation of AI tools in businesses.
- Skills needed: Basic data understanding, AI software knowledge, communication
- AI Fundamentals Course
2. Junior Prompt Engineer
Crafting and optimising prompts to interact with large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 or Claude.
- Skills needed: Language fluency, logic, creativity
- ChatGPT & AI Business Fundamentals
3. Model Monitoring Specialist
Monitoring AI models for ethical performance, bias, and drift.
- Skills needed: Statistics, dashboards, ethics frameworks
- Python & Data Courses
These roles represent a shift from ‘do the task’ to ‘manage the machine that does the task’.
Redesigning Training for the AI Era
To prepare Gen Z and others for the new landscape, training must evolve:
- Entry-Level Tracks Should Become AI-Centric: Traditional admin or customer service tracks can evolve into apprenticeships in AI systems, chatbots, or cloud tools.
- Certifications That Matter: Introduce entry-level candidates to real credentials, such as:
- Practical Hybrid Workflows: Teach students to collaborate with AI, not just compete against it. Tools like Microsoft Copilot, Notion AI, and ChatGPT are rapidly becoming essential productivity partners.
Cultural Change: Hybrid Mentorship
With fewer senior roles available in-house, mentorship must adapt. Hybrid mentorships pair junior staff with both a human mentor and an AI assistant. For example:
- Learning through guided AI interactions
- AI summarising mentor feedback
- Recording insights into career dashboards
Highlight success stories: A Gen Z hire who starts as a chatbot optimiser and grows into an AI product manager.
Realigning Career Pathways
Companies like Robust IT are leading the way with AI-focused pathways:
This shift needs to start early. Encourage schools, colleges, and training providers to introduce AI literacy before university.
Conclusion
Yes, entry-level jobs are disappearing—but not without replacement. The AI revolution isn’t eliminating opportunities; it’s evolving them. For Gen Z and early-career professionals, the key is to realign their ambitions, education, and mindset around AI-powered roles.
With the right training, mentorship, and frameworks, a new workforce will rise—one that doesn’t just survive automation, but thrives alongside it.
Next Steps
- Explore AI Career Pathways: AI and Machine Learning Courses
- Join our free AI webinar: Register now
- Download our beginner guide to Prompt Engineering (coming soon)
- Book a free career consultation to discuss your AI journey
- Follow us on Instagram for real stories of career pivots into tech