As AI puts the squeeze on entry-level jobs, teens remain optimistic
Valerie Plesch | Washington Post | Getty Images
Even though the U.S. economy is adding new jobs and the unemployment rate is decreasing, there are fewer hiring opportunities for college graduates. However, high school students remain quite optimistic about their future employment prospects.
According to a new report prepared by Junior Achievement73% of young people surveyed said the AI boom would have a mostly positive impact or no impact on their ability to find a good, well-paying job. Junior Achievement surveyed more than 1,000 young people ages 13 to 17 in January.
68% of those surveyed said they planned to attend university in parallel with their senior year.
“It’s great to see today’s young people are optimistic about the future,” said Jack Harris, CEO of Junior Achievement. “In the face of AI, some form of post-secondary education is going to be very necessary,” he said. “We need to make sure we prepare students properly so that optimism increases.” It doesn’t fall flat.”
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Latest data shows that the labor market is in good shape. US economy More jobs than expected were added in January, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The overall unemployment rate fell to 4.3 percent; However, the situation is different for young workers between the ages of 16 and 24. Among this cohort, unemployment rate was 9.4% In January.
Harris said there is some disconnect between “young people who are a few years behind and those who are just entering the workforce and having trouble finding jobs.”
Many large employers have said they will eliminate some entry-level positions, thanks in part to the rise of artificial intelligence. Employers are projecting only a 1.6% increase in hiring for the class of 2026 compared to the class of 2025. National Association of Colleges and Employers It also shows.
Of course, some sectors are more prone to disruption than others. Entry-level jobs in technology and finance, for example, are at greater risk from generative AI that can largely replace human analytical skills. Indeed’s report. Alternatively, the report found that opportunities in the nursing, manufacturing and construction sectors are more isolated for now.
Fear of AI-driven white-collar stagnation is already causing a growing share of college-age students to change course. This year more people have opted to study a two-year degree or even a shorter-term qualification, with a greater emphasis on career training and post-university employment.
Other research shows that the rising price tag of a four-year education is another major factor driving more students into short-term programs.
“It really depends on the student,” said Jill Desjean, director of policy analysis for the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. “Some students know that this is the path they want to take, that a two- or four-year degree is not in the cards for them for reasons other than cost.”
Correction: This story has been revised to reflect Junior Achievement’s January survey of teens ages 13 to 17. In a previous version, the age range of survey respondents was incorrectly stated.
