Human Resources (HR) experts have said that as artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms the workplace, it risks contributing to a decline in junior roles.

They raised the alarm that HR must act now to preserve early-career pathways or risk losing talent.

A United Kingdom HR practitioner, Andrea White, said that with the evolution of a new era of work, where AI has moved from promise to practice, it is no longer a future concept but an everyday tool embedded within organisations, changing how teams create value and how individuals work.

Even though AI is helping to unlock human potential, raising productivity and fuelling new forms of innovation at a scale not seen before, she argued that in the midst of the transformation, it was important to reflect on what organisations carry forward.

Noting that some shifts are obvious, while others are quieter and risk being overlooked, she said one of the most significant is the decline in entry-level job opportunities.
The HR expert cited research from job site Adzuna that shows a 32 per cent drop in UK entry-level postings since the launch of ChatGPT.

According to her, this is more than a temporary market fluctuation.

“It reveals that the first steps on the career ladder are becoming harder to access, with serious implications for opportunity, inclusion, and long-term organisational strength.

“Entry-level roles have always mattered. They bring people into the world of work and give them their first chance to develop professional skills, understand workplace culture, and build the networks that underpin long-term success.

“These roles build confidence and provide context. They are where collaboration is learned, where communication is tested and where decisions are made.

“Many of my colleagues at HP, including our global CEO, began their careers at HP in entry-level positions. These roles are not simply functional; they are formative. They create the conditions to harness people’s potential and develop their talents. For this reason, it is essential that we continue to make space for such roles,” she said.

Another HR practitioner, Mark Etim, said that as AI takes on more routine work, it should free up capacity for human growth and development.

He said the goal is not to replace people with machines but to reimagine how technology can support more meaningful work, better outcomes and broader participation.

According to him, when early-career opportunities diminish, the pipeline of talent narrows, diverse perspectives are lost and the shared experiences that strengthen cohesion begin to weaken.

Noting that AI can and should be a tool for empowerment, he said organisations that will thrive in the AI age will be those that invest in early-career talent, not only at the point of hire but throughout the journey.

“As AI reshapes how we work, leadership has an opportunity to shape the environment in which people grow. That means designing inclusive pathways that bring new voices into the conversation, creating roles that build both technical and human skills and championing a culture where development is treated as a core business priority rather than an optional extra.