As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the landscape of work, a new divide is emerging in Canada—not between nations, but across generations. While seasoned professionals harness AI to enhance their productivity, younger workers find themselves increasingly sidelined, as the entry-level roles they rely on to develop essential skills are swiftly vanishing. This dichotomy poses significant challenges and opportunities for the future of work in Canada.
The Generational Impact of AI
The adage in development economics suggests that the timing of resource discovery can dictate its benefits or burdens. In Canada’s current context, the rise of AI mirrors this principle, where established workers reap the rewards of technology while newcomers struggle to find a foothold. The situation is evident in various sectors, where experienced employees leverage AI’s capabilities to enhance their output, leaving younger professionals grappling with fewer opportunities to learn and grow.
In academic settings, the contrast is stark. Students entering the workforce are witnessing AI automate tasks that once provided them with invaluable hands-on experience—such as drafting reports, performing data analysis, and basic coding. The very tools designed to boost productivity for the experienced are simultaneously erasing the foundational tasks that young workers depend on to establish their careers.
The Skill Amplifier Effect
AI functions as a skill amplifier, benefitting those with existing expertise while undermining the learning pathways for novices. For experienced workers, three distinct advantages emerge when engaging with AI. First, their ability to formulate the right questions leads to high-quality outputs, whether they are generating code or deriving insights from complex datasets. Their developed judgment allows them to steer AI towards desirable outcomes effectively.
Second, seasoned professionals possess the knowledge necessary to identify when AI outputs are flawed or misleading. Understanding the context and nuances of their fields enables them to filter out inaccuracies—an ability that young graduates may lack due to their limited experience.
Lastly, experts excel at synthesising disparate pieces of information into cohesive narratives or functional systems. While AI can produce components—such as text snippets or data tables—it often requires human insight to weave these elements into a comprehensive whole. Young workers, lacking this practice, find themselves at a disadvantage as the tasks that would have helped them develop these skills are increasingly automated.
Rethinking Early-Career Development
To address this growing disparity, it is crucial to rethink how early-career pathways are structured. Rather than resisting AI or attempting to preserve traditional entry-level roles, organisations must adapt by fostering environments that prioritise judgment, integration, and problem-solving skills—traits that AI cannot replicate.
This reimagining could involve revamping university curricula, internships, and apprenticeships to focus less on task execution and more on developing critical thinking and contextual reasoning. Employers also play a pivotal role in this transformation. By offering young workers opportunities to engage in higher-level tasks earlier in their careers—accompanied by structured feedback—companies can better prepare them for an AI-driven landscape.
An innovative approach might include adopting practices from fields like architecture, where junior team members present their work in progress and receive constructive feedback from more experienced colleagues. Additionally, some companies are encouraging early-career workers to articulate their AI usage by explaining their prompt strategies and decision-making processes. This practice not only enhances learning but also allows mentors to gain insights into how their mentees are developing critical thinking skills.
The Crucial Role of Education and Mentorship
Canada, with its high levels of post-secondary education, is uniquely positioned to transform the AI landscape into an asset for workers at all stages of their careers. The key lies in fostering a culture of continuous learning and mentorship that adapts to the evolving demands of the workforce. By integrating AI into educational frameworks and workplace practices, the nation can ensure that both experienced professionals and new entrants benefit from the advancements in technology.
Why it Matters
The challenge posed by AI is not merely about job displacement; it’s about the future of work and the equitable distribution of opportunities across generations. As Canada navigates this transformative period, the decisions made today will shape the workforce of tomorrow. By focusing on cultivating skills that AI cannot replicate, institutions and employers can build a more inclusive and resilient economy, ensuring that the benefits of AI extend beyond the established few to encompass all workers, regardless of their career stage.
