How Entry-Level Jobs in the UK Are Disappearing in the Age of AI

A-level exams are completed, degree courses are finished, and a new generation of youngsters is ready to enter the workforce. 

However, the UK job market is changing quickly, and entry-level opportunities are feeling the squeeze. Since the commercial release of ChatGPT in November 2022, the number of entry-level jobs has decreased by nearly a third, even though overall vacancies and wages continue to increase.

Entry-level roles—including graduate jobs, apprenticeships, internships, and junior positions—now comprise just 25% of UK job postings, down from 28. 9% at the end of 2022.

Graduate vacancies have also been hit hard, dropping 28. 4% over the past year to their lowest point since July 2020. This trend aligns with large organisations reducing their graduate intake and increasingly automating tasks once performed by junior staff.

The rise of AI and automation is transforming the workforce, taking over many routine, entry- level duties. However, rather than wiping out these roles entirely, AI is altering the skills needed to succeed in them. Candidates now need to be proficient in using AI tools and adaptable to rapidly evolving technology.

Despite the decrease in entry- level roles, the UK job market overall is stabilising:

Sectors with Strong Demand:

Logistics & Warehouse (+ 9. 77%)

Creative & Design (+ 6%)

Hospitality & Catering (+ 5. 61%)

*Education remains the most active sector, with over 169, 169,000 live vacancies.

Sectors in Decline:

 Healthcare & Nursing (-10. 21%)

Administration (-9. 22%)

Maintenance and Cleaning also experienced notable declines.

A More Challenging Environment for Graduates

Entry- level job seekers, especially in tech, face new obstacles. Junior roles are less plentiful, and those available often require skills in AI, automation, and low- code platforms—areas many academic courses are only beginning to cover.

With traditional pathways narrowing, many graduates are turning to bootcamps, freelance work, and alternative routes to gain relevant experience and remain competitive in a rapidly changing job market.

Do you recruit Graduates and have the roles changed in your business?