Briefing AI and Entry-Level Jobs January 2026

To understand this balance more clearly, the Global Dialogue explored what areas of AI adoption entry- level workers are most optimistic and concerned about (Figure 1). Sentiment differs by country (Figure 2), reflecting differences in labour-market structure, technology exposure and public discourse about AI. Excitement is highest in India (61%), Malaysia (56%) and Türkiye (52%), while worry is most common in Belgium (43%), France (42%) and the Philippines (40%). Although this analysis distinguishes entry-level workers as a group, variations across countries may still reflect demographic and contextual factors, with younger populations often expressing more positive attitudes toward AI.Entry-level workers are aware of AI’s growing impact and recognize both opportunity and disruption. They are entering the workforce at a time when business leaders expect AI to create and cut roles in almost equal measure. 36% of executive leaders believe AI will increase entry-level jobs, while 38% expect a reduction. These mixed expectations contribute to uncertainty among younger workers about what lies ahead. Job security is a defining uncertainty. 76% of entry- level workers say it is the most important factor in what makes a job a good fit, yet only 53% feel very secure in their current role, compared with 62% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% -40% -30% -20% -10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% -30% -20% -10% -50% Germany Ireland Poland Greece Spain Brazil China India Italy Colombia Malaysia Türkiye Mexico Thailand Sweden Viet Nam Indonesia Belgium France Singapore Switzerland Netherlands South Africa United Kingdom United States Norway Australia Japan Canada New Zealand Hong Kong Korea, Republic of Relationship between business leaders’ expectations of AI’s impact on entry-level jobs and entry-level employees’ confidence in job security over the next three yearsFIGURE 3 Source PwC, Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey, 2025. Bottom left (Shared caution): Both groups are wary of AI’s impact. Suggests a shared perception of risk or slower digital progress. Bottom right (Leader optimism gap): Business leaders are positive about AI’s impact, but entry-level workers are less certain or anxious. Could signal communication or trust gaps, where oragnizational optimism hasn’t translated to workforce confidence. Net entry-level worker expectation of AI’s impact on job security (% who expect AI to improve minus % who expect it to harm) Net business leader expectation of AI’s impact on entry-level jobs (% who expect AI to increase minus % who expect it to reduce) Top left (Worker optimism gap): Entry-level workers are more optimistic, but business leaders are more cautious. May reflect workers’ confidence in their own adaptability or exposure to new AI tools ahead of corporate strategy. Top right (Shared optimism): Both business leaders and entry-level workers are confident that AI will improve job prospects and security. Indicates alignment and positive communication about technology’s role. How AI is Changing Early Careers: A View from Entry-Level Workers 3Entry-level workers are more optimistic about job security, while business leaders expect more disruption2