The death of entry-level jobs: Unpacking the future of work

As the Canadian job market rapidly evolves, one question looms large: Is the entry-level job dying? This was the central theme of Lighthouse Labs’ CEO, Jeremy Shaki’s talk The Death of the Entry-Level Job at the 2024 Elevate conference in Toronto. Shaki delved into the complexities of how automation, economic pressures, and shifting skills requirements are transforming the workforce.

Watch the full The Death of the Entry-Level Job (10 mins).



Now let’s dive into the death (or transformation) of the entry-level job.

The rapid evolution of the job market

Canada's job market is undergoing significant changes, with entry-level opportunities diminishing more swiftly than many companies and job seekers can adapt. This shift is not merely a reflection of economic cycles, but a structural change driven by technological advancement and globalization.

“I think there’s a huge opportunity in what is happening around us, and I do think it can impact our jobs and what we do very differently and in a positive way”. - Jeremy Shaki, CEO of Lighthouse Labs

So how do we take advantage of this structural change and opportunity?

The impact of automation and economic pressures

Automation is often viewed as a threat to entry-level jobs, commonly associated with repetitive tasks. However, this shift also presents an opportunity to redefine what entry-level means, focusing more on roles that require analytical thinking and problem-solving skills right from the start.

“And when AI has walked in the door and it can do the job of 10 entry-level people, I want you to ask yourself what a human’s value is at an entry-level role.” - Jeremy Shaki, CEO of Lighthouse Labs

The crucial role of nurturing early talent

In response to these shifts, there's an urgent need to invest in people—nurturing early talent to ensure they are well-prepared for the complexities of modern job roles. Shaki highlights “There’s tons of people who will tell you the problem right now is I can’t get a job. But the real problem in front of us is that five years from now we are going to have a major talent gap.” The way to mitigate this involves not only teaching hard skills, but also focusing on soft skills like communication, leadership, and resilience.

When it comes to entry-level talent, Shaki says “you need people who are playing with data, AI, tooling, writing and editing skills who are coming with significant grit and resilience and an ability to learn fast.”

How Lighthouse Labs positively impacts the entry-level job market

Lighthouse Labs’ bootcamps are designed to equip new entrants to the workforce with the skills needed to thrive in high-demand areas where job growth is still robust. Through hands-on learning experiences and real-world projects, our bootcamps prepare students not just to meet the demands of today's job market but to excel in it.

Our programs focus on cultivating advanced skills that are resistant to automation while also focusing on critical soft skills needed to thrive in an evolving job market. Our approach integrates continuous learning with Career Services that help bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that graduates are not only job-ready but also equipped to advance in their careers.

Conclusion

The decline of traditional entry-level jobs should not be a cause for alarm but a call to action. It's an invitation for employers and educators to rethink how they prepare the workforce for the future. At Lighthouse Labs, we are committed to leading this transformation by providing cutting-edge education that addresses the needs of today's and tomorrow's job markets.

We encourage you to nurture entry-level talent who is eager to adapt, innovate and be your company’s future. We are at a tipping point and it is up to employers to find talent who is hungry to learn new tools and technologies and grow with your organization.

If you are looking for highly adaptable, job-ready talent with growth mindsets and are eager to problem-solve, look no further than a Lighthouse Labs graduate. We’ll play matchmaker and line up tech candidates that fit your unique needs. Our Talent Acquisition team will support you throughout the hiring process. No paperwork and no fees.

For those who are entering the job market, I leave you with this quote from Jeremy’s talk at Elevate 2024:

“For all those people looking for jobs in [this] type of environment. First of all, don’t feel gaslit. It’s real. It’s hard. It’s not you. That’s the truth. This is a tougher time than ever. We just don’t know how long it lasts.”