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AI Concerns and Opportunities for the Next Generation

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Illustration with the word “Job Insights” above a search webpage, clipboard, magnifying glass, and four cartoon people in business-casual clothing. Text: “Job Insights”.

AI adoption is widespread across companies and usage continues to grow. AI is perceived to have a wealth of benefits, but hiring managers in North America have concerns about its impact on the next generation of workers, according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

American Hiring Managers Concerned About AI Impact on Career Development

Seventy-nine percent of companies use AI in the workplace with 43% reporting it’s used on a regular basis. Eighty percent of hiring managers are concerned about the impact of AI on career opportunities in their field/industry for the next generation.

Infographic titled “Concerns About Impact of AI on Career Development for Next Generation.” Data shown: 43% “There will be an over dependence on technology.” 34% “There will be fewer entry-level jobs for employees to gain initial experience.” 32% “It will be difficult for candidates to be reviewed because of the high volume of applications enabled by AI.” 32% “It will be difficult for candidates to stand out in the job application process.” 25% “It will be difficult for employees to develop new skills.” 22% “It will be too difficult to gain an understanding of overall business processes.”

To help prepare the next generation for a career in their field/industry amid the impact of AI, hiring managers commonly cite the need for training. Eighty-six percent feel companies need to focus on formally training employees on how to best use AI in their day-to-day work, rather than expecting them to learn on their own. Hiring managers also cite:

  • Need for companies to provide on-the-job training specific to managing and working alongside AI – 44%
  • Dedicated training for skills that are not replaceable with AI – 40%
  • Company-driven apprenticeship and internship programs that include AI training – 38%
Download the Full US Report

Canadian Hiring Managers Say AI Training Is Needed

Sixty-three per cent of companies use AI in the workplace and 19% report it’s used on a regular basis. AI is perceived to have a wealth of benefits, including having a positive impact on making some processes more efficient (67%), freeing up employee time (65%), and enhancing customer service (52%). Despite these benefits, 79% of hiring decision-makers have concerns about the impact of AI on career opportunities in their field/industry for the next generation.

Infographic titled “Concerns About Impact of AI on Career Development for Next Generation.” Data shown: 44% “There will be an over dependence on technology.” 32% “It will be difficult for candidates to stand out in the job application process.” 32% “There will be fewer entry-level jobs for employees to gain initial experience.” 28% “It will be difficult for candidates to be reviewed because of the high volume of applications enabled by AI.” 23% “It will be difficult for employees to develop new skills.” 16% “It will be too difficult to gain an understanding of overall business processes.”

To help prepare the next generation for a career in their field/industry amid the impact of AI, hiring decision-makers commonly cite the need for training.  

  • Need for companies to provide on-the-job training specific to managing and working alongside AI – 38%
  • Dedicated training for skills that are not replaceable with AI – 38%
  • Policy changes to ensure human job security – 25%
Download the Full Canada Report

Discover more about current workforce trends, including AI concerns for the next generation and turnover’s influence on wages, in the latest Job Insights report.

For the latest commentary on the state of employment in America, visit ExpressPros.com/AmericaEmployed, and for Canada, visit ExpressPros.ca/Newsroom.

About Express Employment Professionals

Express Employment Professionals specializes in connecting companies to job seekers with the right skills and experience. Our custom staffing solutions can help overcome your recruiting challenges and hiring difficulties. Contact us today to learn how we can partner to meet your changing workforce needs.

The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States and Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express among hiring decision-makers in the U.S. (n=1,002) and Canada (n=504), Nov. 3–19, 2025. For complete survey methodology, please contact Communications@ExpressPros.com.

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