AI is becoming a regular part of life for entry-level workers, according to a recent report from training and placement non-profit Generation. About 65% of entry-level employees surveyed are already using AI tools in their jobs.
Significantly, many are not waiting for guidance from their employers, and around half of these AI users have adopted the technology independently, while the remainder either rely on employer-mandated tools or a combination of both. The findings offer a new and inclusive perspective on AI integration, as most existing studies focus on professional service workers in high-income countries.
The study, titled AI at Work: A Global Entry-Level Perspective, was developed with the support of MetLife Foundation and gathered responses from over 5,500 Generation alumni, graduating in 2023 and 2024. These alumni, most of whom do not hold college degrees, represent a diverse workforce across 17 economies and a wide range of industries.
AI use shows growing trends
According to the report, the majority of AI users are engaging with the tools regularly. At least 79% of AI users report using these tools at least once a week, and over a third, or 37%, are now using AI daily.
In the tech sector specifically, this weekly usage rises to an impressive 89%, underscoring the tool's growing integration in tech-related roles. This frequency of use highlights how AI is not only being adopted but is becoming a normalised part of work routines for many entry-level employees around the world.
Gender and industry disparities in AI adoption
While AI usage is widespread, the report identifies a notable gap between men and women in its adoption. Across all sectors, 76% of men report using AI at work, compared to just 53% of women. This gender divide narrows in the tech sector, where 80% of women and 86% of men say they are using AI tools.
However, the overall discrepancy is influenced by the concentration of women in skilled trades, such as sewing machine operation — sectors where AI usage remains low.
Even when adjusting for industry, men consistently report higher AI usage across all fields, indicating an opportunity for targeted support and outreach to women workers.
The extent of AI use among entry-level employees also varies by industry. The tech sector leads in adoption, with 87% of workers using AI tools. Customer service and sales roles also show high engagement, with an adoption rate of 80%.
In contrast, the green economy and skilled trades lag far behind, with only 12% and 10% of workers in these sectors using AI, respectively.
What are people using AI for?
Within the tech industry, employees are using AI for multiple purposes, including learning new skills, creating content, and performing administrative tasks. At least 67% of tech respondents reported using AI across functions, with 61% using it for learning, 49% for content creation, and 44% for administrative work.
In customer service and sales, content creation and learning remain the top applications.
Even in sectors with lower overall adoption, such as green jobs and skilled trades, early adopters are finding value in using AI to develop skills.
How users are feeling about AI tools
Among those using AI tools, the feedback on its impact is overwhelmingly positive. Over 90% of users believe that AI has improved their ability to do jobs, with 63% stating it helped significantly.
Even more striking is the emotional impact: about 90% of respondents say that AI has made their work more enjoyable, and at least 59% report a substantial increase in job satisfaction.
These benefits are consistent across sectors and genders, indicating that AI’s value extends beyond efficiency to enhancing workers’ overall job experience.
Mona Mourshed, founding global CEO of Generation, emphasised the transformative nature of these findings by stating, “AI is reshaping the workplace — and across our thousands of alumni, most of whom don’t have a college degree, we see entry-level employees charging ahead, using tools to learn faster, work smarter, and enjoy their jobs more.”
Emerging economies see greater AI impact
While AI adoption is global, the perceived benefits vary by country income level. Workers in upper-middle-income countries report the most substantial gains, with 70% saying AI has greatly improved their job performance. This figure falls to 64% in lower-middle-income countries and 49% in high-income nations.
Similar trends appear in job enjoyment, with employees in emerging economies more likely to feel that AI has made their work more fulfilling.
These findings suggest that in developing economies, where access to training and job resources may have been more limited, AI tools are serving as a powerful enabler of growth.
What's stopping people from using AI: barriers, not disinterest
Despite widespread AI adoption, 35% of surveyed entry-level employees reported not yet using AI at work. However, the majority of this group, 72%, expressed interest in doing so, indicating that the potential for broader integration remains high.
Among those not using AI, the most common barriers were a lack of training and uncertainty about how AI applies to their role, both cited by 30% of respondents. Another 12% said they simply do not have enough time to learn.
Very few cited a lack of trust or perceived value in AI, suggesting that with better guidance and clearer application pathways, adoption could increase significantly.
The report concludes that more clarity around how AI can be used in different job functions would accelerate adoption among those who are currently unsure. In other words, the entry-level workforce needs more support to have equitable access to the technology's benefits.
Tia Hodges, president and CEO, MetLife Foundation, reinforced the importance of accessibility, stating, “We’ve seen first hand 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.”