D2L has unveiled a recent report which details how the emerging use of generative AI is beginning to influence entry-level hiring, recruiting practices, and broader workforce development. The report was commissioned in collaboration with Morning Consult and involved a survey of HR and talent acquisition professionals from businesses based in the U.S.
The results indicate that although entry-level hiring continues to be relevant, the role of AI is now influencing the kind of jobs done by those in their initial employment phases. Higher productivity requirements are also being set as a result of automation through AI technologies.
As per the report, 30% of HR professionals who took part in the survey noted that their companies were changing their hiring practices from employing lower-level workers in greater numbers to using mid-level workers supplemented with AI technology. Also, 56% of the participants claimed that generative AI had decreased the number of low-level tasks assigned to younger workers, possibly diminishing their chances to gain practical experience.
Also Read: Udemy Enhances AI Role Play Features to Strengthen Real-World Skills Training
Moreover, 49% of survey participants believed that AI was raising the performance standards for entry-level workers without changing the hiring numbers, and 58% thought that minimizing junior positions would result in a deficit of skilled leadership within five years.
Finally, the report showed deficiencies in preparing employees. The survey participants noticed a decrease in social skills, communication abilities, and problem-solving capabilities in new entrants compared to those hired some years ago. Despite these problems, only 26% of organizations had developed upskilling training programs to compensate for the loss of opportunities caused by automation.
“The risk isn’t simply that AI changes aspects of entry-level hiring. It’s that it may reduce some of the foundational on-the-job learning that comes with the cognitive struggle and tasks inherent in entry-level work that people need to grow into experienced subject matter experts and future leaders,” said Sandy Rezendes, Head of Corporate Learning and Development at D2L.
The report recommends that organizations invest in apprenticeships, structured learning initiatives, AI-driven training simulations, and skills-based hiring approaches to help strengthen future talent pipelines in an increasingly AI-enabled workplace.
