Apocalyptic predictions of mass AI-driven unemployment are yet to materialize, but that does not mean the labour market is unaffected. As AI becomes capable of performing routine tasks, entry-level roles that largely comprise such work are coming under pressure. As a result, value addition may lie not in automatable tasks, but in those requiring expertise, judgment and domain knowledge. Yet by reducing the need for entry-level workers, AI could remove the first step of the professional ladder, creating a shortage of the very expertise that becomes more valuable.
For most professionals, routine work is a normal part of the early stages of their careers. An IT professional, for instance, does not develop system-level architecture or establish engineering standards. Early tasks instead revolve around writing simple functions, straightforward debugging and documentation. Once proficient, workers move to more advanced roles requiring higher-level skills. Importantly, routine tasks provide the technical foundation for more complicated work and help build broader expertise. However, AI can alter this progression by replacing entry-level work at a cost-effective rate. For well-defined tasks, AI may even surpass human capabilities, giving firms an incentive to automate entry-level roles.
