AWS training exec: genAI isn't killing entry-level jobs - it's redefining them

"Generative AI is reshaping entry-level tech jobs, making AI skills essential amid slower hiring and a growing skills gap, says Michelle Vaz, managing director at AWS Training and Certifications. Generative AI (genAI adoption is transforming entry-level roles in the tech industry, with more than half of workloads now augmented by AI, according to one study. Tasks such as drafting reports, synthesizing research, fixing simple code, and cleaning data, can already be executed by AI tools, according to the study by the World Economic Forum."

"Early career professionals often struggle to identify which genAI skills are most valuable. The need for continuous learning, and changes in how educators and employers prepare students and entry-level workers to become "AI-native professionals," is becoming an imperative for both organizations and employee careers. Many companies aren't hiring despite a clear AI skills gap as policymakers, educators, and industry leaders struggle to work together to future-proof the workforce."

""Fewer job openings, softer wage growth, and longer job searches are signs of a slowdown," said Ger Doyle, North American regional president at global staffing firm ManpowerGroup. Michelle Vaz, managing director at AWS Training and Certifications, believes genAI will create different demands for entry-level talent and AI literacy has already shifted from optional to essential. Continuous learning is now a necessity to keep up with the pace of change."

Generative AI is reshaping entry-level tech jobs by augmenting more than half of certain workloads and automating tasks like drafting reports, synthesizing research, fixing simple code, and cleaning data. Early-career professionals often struggle to identify which genAI skills are most valuable, creating a growing skills gap. Many companies are not hiring despite this gap, contributing to slower hiring, softer wage growth, and longer job searches. AI literacy has shifted from optional to essential, requiring continuous learning. Educators and employers need to adopt alternative training programs to prepare AI-native professionals who can contribute from day one.

Read at Computerworld