AI is changing entry level employment equation
We cannot assume that young people will develop workplace capabilities simply by entering employment if the structure of entry level work itself is changing. Nor shou
For decades, young people entered workplaces through relatively routine tasks.
They prepared documents, organized information, handled basic correspondence and performed administration work.
These activities did more than generate output.
They provided opportunities to observe experienced colleagues, understand workplace expectations, make mistakes and develop professional judgement.
Now AI can perform or assist with many of these tasks.
This creates a difficulty.
If technology reduces the need for some traditional entry level activities, where will young people acquire their first experience of work?
The City & Guilds report Counting the Cost: The UK’s employability Skill Crises highlights employers concerns that AI powered recruitment tools may prioritize technical credentials over human capabilities. That is a reported perception , rather than profess that AI recruitment itself is causing the skills shortage.
We cannot assume that young people will develop workplace capabilities simply by entering employment if the structure of entry level work itself is changing. Nor should we assume that technical proficient with AI automatically translates into professional competences.
Knowing how to generate an email is different from knowing what to say.
Knowing how to produce a report is different from understanding whether its conclusion are sound.
And knowing how to use a chatbot is not the same as knowing how to handle an unhappy customer.
AI can help produce an answer. Human judgement determines whether it is the right answer.
This distinction needs to influence how we design education and training.