Entry-level workers are among the fastest and most enthusiastic adopters of AI technology, according to global research.
Nearly two thirds (65 percent) already use AI at work, according to the survey of more than 5,500 entry-level workers across 17 countries, the majority of which do not have a university or college level degree.
“Most are self-taught power users,” revealed the study conducted by employment non-profit Generation with support from MetLife Foundation.
A large proportion (79 percent) engage with AI tools at least once a week, which increases to 89 percent in the tech sector. More than a third (37 percent) of respondents said they use AI every day.
By comparison, in February this year the US Federal Reserve estimated that only 20-40 percent of people in the US use AI at work.
Researchers said the study also highlights clear workplace advantages. Among those using AI, 94 percent said it had improved their ability to do their jobs, while 91 percent said the tech has made their work more enjoyable, with 59 percent reporting a significant rise in job satisfaction.
This suggests that AI is not only driving productivity but also bolstering retention and morale.
Dr Mona Mourshed, founding global CEO of Generation, said: “AI is reshaping the workplace and across our thousands of alumni, most of whom do not have a college degree, we see entry-level employees are charging ahead, using tools to learn faster, work smarter, and enjoy their jobs more. We need to ensure every worker, in every sector, has the access and support to begin harnessing the power of AI in their roles.”
Barriers and divides
Despite the enthusiasm, 35 percent of respondents said they do not yet use AI. The barriers are largely practical: lack of training (30 percent), uncertainty about applications (30 percent) and lack of time to learn more about AI themselves (12 percent).
Fear or mistrust of the technology was not cited as a major barrier, underlining the opportunity for HR to step in with targeted upskilling.
The research also revealed a gender gap: 76 percent of men versus 53 percent of women reported using AI at work, though the gap narrowed significantly in tech roles (86 percent versus 80 percent).
Sector disparities were also evident, with low adoption in the green economy (12 percent) and skilled trades (10 percent).
There are two key take aways for HR from the report, titled ‘AI at Work: A Global Entry-Level Perspective’.
First, entry-level and non-graduate employees are not lagging behind in AI adoption, in fact many are ahead of the curve and reporting meaningful benefits.
Second, organisations have a clear role in removing barriers through structured training, inclusive adoption strategies and role-specific guidance.
Tia Hodges, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation, said: “We’ve seen firsthand how AI can be a force multiplier for individuals and companies, and we are committed to making sure everyone, regardless of where they are in their career, can leverage and benefit from technology.”
