This International Youth Day, we’re asking a question more employers should be thinking about:
What will we lose if we continue to stop giving young people a chance?
As AI tools become more capable and widely used, it’s tempting for companies to rethink their approach to entry-level hiring. They're beginning to think "why train someone up when you can automate the task?" Or, "why hire a grad when you can just prompt ChatGPT?"
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: Replacing entry-level roles with AI isn’t innovation in any sense of the word. It’s short-sighted and won't work.
When we take away early career opportunities, we’re not just removing a position. We’re removing a pathway, a first step, one that thousands of young people rely on to build their future.
The Value of Youth in the Workplace
Young professionals bring lots of things that tech simply can’t replicate, from curiosity to fresh thinking to the courage to ask, “Why do we do it this way?”
They may not have the experience yet (and they shouldn't be expected to have it), but they bring energy, adaptability and raw potential that can reshape your business.
And that matters now more than ever, because although AI can generate picture perfect answers, it can't challenge assumptions. It can't grow into leadership. And it can't reflect the true skills of entry level talent, simply because it's not human.
What Entry-Level Hires Really Offer
Here’s what early career talent actually brings to the table:
💡 Attitude Over Experience
Gen Z may not have 3 years experience in a relevant role, but if they have the right mindset, they're a future leader in the making. You can train them to be more technically proficient, but you can't teach hunger, positivity or resilience.
🧠 Eager to Learn
Gen Z isn’t scared of change, they've grown up in a fast-moving and turbulent world. So they adapt quickly, not just to different environments, but to new technologies and trends, helping you and your company stay ahead of the curve.
🤝 Diversity of Thought
Because they're early in their careers, these hires can challenge the norms of how things are around them. They haven't been shaped by years of sameness and thus are open to bold ideas and inclusive thinking.
AI Doesn’t Replace Entry-Level Talent, It Makes Them Better
We don’t need to choose between humans and tech. Both can exist, side by side, making each other better. We need to hire people who can use AI, not be replaced by it.
Early career talent already use AI- it's helping them experiment, learn new things and become better, faster. We shouldn't see AI as a threat, we should see it as a means to multiply great work.
The Responsibility to Pay Opportunities Forward
If you had a mentor, a first job or someone who gave you a shot, you already know first-hand how powerful one opportunity can be. This International Youth Day, ask yourself: am I creating those chances for the next generation?
Because if businesses don’t open doors, who will? If we don’t give young people experience, where will it come from?
And remember, hiring early career talent isn’t just good for the individual- it’s good for business and it’s essential for society.
How Day One Helps You Find the Talent That Matters
At Day One, we help companies source and verify early career talent, so you can hire for potential, not just experience.
With Day One, you get:
✅ Skills-first candidate matching
✅ Diverse, pre-assessed talent pools
✅ Subscription-based hiring that scales as you grow
Instead of asking for what young talent should know, we help you focus on what they can become.
Ready to invest in the next generation?
Visit dayonework.com to start hiring early career talent who can grow with your business, and shape its future.
