AI could spell the end of workplace learning for young people – with dire consequences

For a long time, the deal was pretty simple for a variety of careers. Entry-level employees completed routine tasks in return for mentoring, skills development, and a clear path to expertise.

The agreement meant employers had an affordable workforce while workers received training and a clear career path. Both sides benefited.

But now that deal is falling apart. AI automates the grunt work – the repetitive, boring but essential tasks that juniors used to do and learn from.

And the consequences affect both ends of the workforce. Young workers cannot gain a foothold. Older workers are watching the talent pipeline dry up.

For example, one study suggests that between the end of 2022 and July 2025, the number of entry-level jobs in the US in AI-vulnerable fields such as software development and customer service fell by about 20%. Employment of older workers in the same sectors increased.

And this pattern makes sense. AI is currently excelling at administrative tasks…