The graduate 'jobpocalypse': Where have all the entry-level jobs gone? | FT Working It

Market Trends & Challenges - Entry-level job openings for graduates are at an all-time low, with job listings plummeting in both the US and UK [3] - Job vacancies for new graduates have dropped approximately 33% in the past year [5] - Graduate unemployment levels are above the overall unemployment rate for the first time on record [3] - Economic uncertainty is causing companies to pause graduate intake, a pause that has lasted for two to two and a half years [8] AI Impact & Future of Work - Companies are waiting to see the impact of AI on entry-level positions, leading to a sharper decline in these roles compared to senior positions [10] - The legal profession is likely to be radically reshaped by AI, particularly in tasks typically done by graduate recruits [13][14] - AI tools are assisting employees in processing documents, improving accuracy, and potentially augmenting job roles [20][23] - There's a need for employees to be flexible and adapt to the changing job landscape due to AI, with some jobs potentially disappearing [27] Talent Pipeline & Training - A two to three year pause in early career hiring could lead to a void of talent in the future [9] - Cutting graduate numbers can be dangerous, impacting the future talent pipeline [15] - There's a need to rethink how to train people, ensuring they still learn even if AI is handling repetitive tasks [18] - The education system needs to equip graduates with the skills and critical thinking needed for future careers [30]