How is automation redefining early careers?

Gen Z is driving AI adoption, while simultaneously absorbing the brunt of its impact. While their tech fluency offers them an edge, automation is dismantling traditional career ladders, removing the roles that once served as steppingstones into the workforce.

In Belgium, our Hays Salary Guide 2026 reveals a labour market in transition. With 93% of employers facing skills shortages and 68% expecting this to continue, organisations are under pressure to rethink how they attract and develop early‑career talent. Yet while 71% plan salary increases, most remain modest, and over half of professionals intend to change jobs in 2026. This mobility reflects a workforce eager for growth but entering a market where automation is reshaping entry‑level work faster than companies can redesign it.

Belgian employers are increasingly looking for junior talent who can contribute beyond traditional “first rung” tasks. Automation is accelerating this shift. Routine tasks are being automated, but organisations still need juniors who can review AI outputs, manage data quality, and apply critical thinking. 

But Gen Z isn’t just competing with AI, they're struggling to work alongside it. Poor AI literacy means just 56% of young workers feel confident in writing good prompts. More concerning is how heavy AI reliance is impacting soft skills: ’over-users’ demonstrate weaker problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities. 2025 was the year that Gen Z competed with AI. 2026 must be the year they learn to collaborate with it. This shift demands action from two critical players:

Educational institutions must mirror the world of work: 

While most organisations encourage AI usage to boost productivity and innovation, the education system appears out of sync.

In a survey of nearly 3,500 Gen Z workers, just 7% expected to be discouraged from using AI in the workplace. In an educational setting, this jumps to 21%. Today’s learners aren’t being equipped with the skills or understanding to thrive in an AI-enabled workforce. This isn’t about preserving outdated roles; it’s about redefining early careers. AI remains a tool. Output still needs to be reviewed, data curated and ethical questions answered for. These are the opportunities awaiting the next generation.

Here's what you need to consider next: 

1. Elevate, don’t just eliminate: As AI absorbs tasks, refocus entry level roles to incorporate higher-value work that requires creativity and collaboration.
2. Foster AI wisdom, not just proficiency: The most successful talent won’t just know how to use AI, but also when to trust it, when to challenge it - and when to avoid it altogether.