September 23, 2026
Entry-Level Paths Narrow: 66% of Companies Expect Slower Junior Hiring
On December 9, 2025, 66% of organizations in an IDC survey for Deel expected junior hiring to slow over the next three years. 91% had already changed or eliminated job roles because of AI, while 34% had undertaken a major restructuring to do so.
Now 69% of organizations see fewer opportunities to train junior employees on real tasks, while 71% link the disappearance of entry-level paths to difficulties preparing future leaders.
A degree is no longer a ticket in. 66% of employers look for AI-tool certifications or coding-course graduates among newcomers, 59% expect problem-solving skills, and 51% expect the ability to work with people. Only 5% of organizations named a degree as a key requirement. 67% already invest in AI training for employees, and half of employers are willing to pay AI specialists 25–100% more than people in comparable technical roles.
In a few years, companies may face a shortage of specialists who had time to gain experience in entry-level roles.
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