How AI is Revolutionizing Entry-Level Jobs for Canada's New Workforce

AI's Impact on Entry-Level Roles

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the landscape for young workers starting their careers, eliminating many traditional entry-level tasks while opening up new avenues for innovation and contribution.

The Shift in Employment Trends

A recent Stanford University study highlights that since the widespread adoption of AI tools in 2022, employment in AI-exposed roles for workers aged 22 to 25 has dropped by 13 percent. In contrast, roles less affected by AI have seen stable or growing employment. This trend is also evident in Canada, where a 2024 Brookfield Institute study indicates that 42 percent of tasks in youth-centric sectors like retail, clerical, and food services are vulnerable to automation. Companies like Shopify have responded by updating hiring policies, requiring managers to justify that AI cannot perform the work before approving new positions.

Automation of Routine Tasks

Mark Daley, Western University's chief AI officer, notes that AI excels at automating routine tasks often assigned to new hires, such as weekly reports and balance sheets. He explains, "These tasks are typically easier to automate or augment with AI, and AI developers are economically incentivized to improve in these areas." However, these tasks have traditionally served as a proving ground for developing essential skills like collaboration and communication, underscoring the enduring importance of human connection in the workplace.

The Role of Human Skills

Zaki Usman, co-founder of Yotru, an AI-powered resume builder, advises students to showcase their AI expertise through prompt examples, workflows, and outcomes to stand out in a competitive job market. Leda Stawnychko, an associate professor at Mount Royal University, emphasizes that AI is not just a job destroyer but a job shaper, creating opportunities for workers who bring curiosity, adaptability, and digital fluency. She states, "AI democratizes entrepreneurship and shifts the focus from routine execution to higher-value contributions."

Strategies for Success

For Gen Z workers, embracing AI can lead to earlier involvement in projects, strategy, and decision-making. Employers are encouraged to design roles that leverage these skills and foster psychologically safe, multigenerational workplaces. Stawnychko advises students to focus on human capabilities like empathy, adaptability, resilience, and leadership, which AI cannot replicate, to future-proof their careers.