New Zealand Students Fear AI Threat to Entry-Level Jobs

University students in New Zealand are worried about the prospect of employers using artificial intelligence to fill graduate roles, potentially eliminating entry-level jobs. According to a recent monetary policy statement by the Reserve Bank, members of the monetary policy committee expressed concern that growth in economic activity might not lead to an increase in employment as expected if businesses focus on efficiency and technology investment.

Reserve Bank governor Anna Bremen stated that while AI can assist with tasks such as programming and process improvement, it cannot replace human empathy, practical experience, or the ability to build meaningful relationships. She cautioned that employers may be creating a long-term problem by focusing solely on cost savings rather than using AI to support employees.

Auckland University professor Rod McNaughton suggested that the issue is not just about AI eliminating jobs, but also about removing traditional entry-level tasks that young people used to perform, such as research and analysis. He emphasized the need to redesign the transition from education into work, taking into account the changing nature of tasks.

Fortitude Group Recruiter Hayley Pickard echoed concerns about the impact on future talent pipelines, stating that removing entry-level positions would create a succession issue in industries like engineering and manufacturing where there is already an ageing skilled workforce.