AI is transforming how people enter the workforce and is displacing routine tasks. Young talent shows a willingness to learn—but they need practical experience, mentoring, and realistic goals.
On July 15, World Youth Skills Day was held under the theme “Skills for a shared future.” The focus was on the skills young people need to gain a foothold, develop, and participate in a changing world of work. A Randstad factsheet on entering the workforce—based on recent studies—reveals that while AI is increasingly taking over entry-level tasks, young professionals view a lack of specific skills as a major hurdle when starting their careers, despite being highly willing to learn.
Henri Viswat, CEO of Randstad Germany, explains: “AI is not fundamentally displacing entry-level jobs. However, it is changing how young people grow into their roles. As routine tasks disappear and entry-level positions become more demanding, companies need to make finer distinctions: what skills must young talent bring to the table, and which can they develop on the job? To succeed, the next generation needs clear learning paths, effective onboarding, mentoring, and the opportunity to use AI thoughtfully in their daily work. Companies that skimp on entry-level opportunities today risk facing a shortage of skilled professionals and leaders tomorrow.”
How is AI changing the start of a career?
Artificial intelligence is increasingly taking over routine tasks that previously allowed entry-level professionals to gain practical experience. This is altering entry-level job profiles and learning paths. Nevertheless, according to the Randstad-ifo HR survey cited in the article, 65 percent of companies expect the number of entry-level positions to remain stable. Structured onboarding, mentoring, and tasks that enable young talent to develop their skills incrementally will be crucial.
Randstad Factsheet: Starting a Career in Transition
- AI Takes Over Typical Entry-Level Tasks
The “Randstad-ifo HR Survey” (Q4 2025) shows that AI is already influencing the classic tasks performed by entry-level employees. Nevertheless, most companies do not anticipate an overall decline in entry-level positions: AI is already handling tasks previously performed by entry-level staff at 14 percent of companies, while 40 percent plan to do so within the next three years.
– 65 percent of companies expect a stable number of entry-level positions, while 19 percent anticipate a decline.
– Among the companies expecting fewer jobs, 38 percent cite automation and digitalization as the primary reason. - Gen Z: Willing to Learn, but Skills Pose a Hurdle
The “Randstad Gen Z Blueprint for the World of Work 2025” reveals that young employees are confident in their ability to quickly acquire new skills. Yet, many view skills as an obstacle—even during the application process:
– 43.4 percent of Gen Z have already been rejected for a job due to a lack of skills.
– 51.2 percent often perceive the skills required in job advertisements as unrealistic.
– 71.7% believe they can quickly learn the skills needed for a job. - How Gen Z Learns: Practical Experience, Exchange, and AI
The data shows that Gen Z doesn’t just wait for formal training. They learn through day-to-day work with others—and increasingly with AI tools.
– 88.9 percent learn through learning by doing, shadowing, or on-the-job training.
– 88.4 percent benefit from the knowledge of colleagues or mentors.
– 75.8 percent use AI tools such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot.How can companies support early-career professionals in the AI era?
Companies can foster the development of early-career professionals by combining practical tasks with clear learning objectives, personal guidance, and regular feedback. As AI takes over routine tasks, young talent requires alternative opportunities to build foundational expertise and develop sound judgment. Supervised project assignments, shadowing experienced colleagues, and jointly reviewing AI-generated results are effective ways to achieve this. While AI can support the learning process, mentoring provides guidance and a forum for asking questions.
- Future-ready skills: AI proficiency and soft skills
The Randstad “Age of Augmentation” study reveals that job requirements are undergoing fundamental change. Alongside AI-related skills, soft skills that foster the responsible use of new technologies are gaining importance. Particularly in demand are:
– AI auditing: +955 percent
– Problem-solving skills: +35 percent
– Quality assurance: +35 percent
– Critical thinking: +17 percent
The world of work is changing—and with it, the demands placed on the next generation of talent. Companies that invest in learning spaces and development today secure the skilled workforce of tomorrow.
Source: wirsindderwandel.de
