Artificial intelligence is helping companies automate more entry-level work, but new research from Deloitte suggests that efficiency gains may come with a long-term workforce problem: fewer opportunities for workers to gain the experience needed to become experts.
The report describes the phenomenon as a “broken skills ladder,” arguing that AI is increasingly handling the routine tasks that traditionally helped employees build expertise early in their careers.
AI Cuts Entry-Level Work While Demand for Experts Remains
Deloitte found that employee access to AI increased by 50% during 2025. At the same time, its analysis of U.S. job postings from 2022 to 2025 showed employers hiring fewer entry-level data scientists, software developers and similar professionals, while demand for senior talent remained relatively strong.
The concern is that AI is replacing many of the repetitive assignments that once allowed employees to learn through experience. Although organizations still need highly skilled workers, the path to reaching that level is becoming less clear.
Deloitte’s analysis of roughly 19,000 workplace tasks found AI is most likely to automate work associated with low- and mid-level skill development, while higher-level judgment and expertise remain dependent on people.
Companies Already See an Experience Gap
The research suggests the effects are already emerging. 72% of workers and 73% of executives believe organizations should create more opportunities for employees to gain practical experience. At the same time, many employers report that new hires lack the real-world experience needed for increasingly complex roles.
Software development illustrates the trend. AI coding tools can generate basic code and complete routine programming tasks, but organizations still need experienced engineers capable of designing complex systems, managing security and making technical decisions—skills that typically develop through years of hands-on work.
Deloitte argues the same challenge applies to critical thinking, problem-solving, judgment and decision-making, which rely on repetition, feedback and real-world experience.
Employers May Need New Ways to Build Skills
Rather than relying solely on traditional on-the-job learning, Deloitte says organizations may need to invest more heavily in simulation-based training, structured practice environments and apprenticeships.
The report also argues that mentorship will become increasingly valuable as experienced workers transfer practical knowledge that AI cannot easily replicate or document.
Deloitte concludes that solving the problem will require collaboration between employers, educational institutions and workforce development organizations to ensure future workers continue developing the expertise businesses will still need—even as AI takes over much of the work that once taught it.
