AI adoption is strong among entry-level workers across sectors and economies - and it's making work life easier and more enjoyable, reports Generation

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 21:00:00 +0800

• Analysis finds that 65% of entry-level employees are using AI, and most are self-taught power users.
• Most users are experiencing clear benefits, with nearly all AI users reporting that it's enhancing their performance at work and increasing their job satisfaction
• Survey tracks more than 5,500 entry-level workers in 17 countries, most of whom do not have a college degree, across a range of industries

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new global survey from Generation, the employment nonprofit that trains and places people into meaningful careers, reveals how entry-level workers are rapidly adopting AI tools – while also exposing some divides between those confidently using AI and those not yet there.

The report, AI at Work: A Global Entry-Level Perspective, was developed with support from MetLife Foundation. It draws on responses from more than 5,500 Generation global alumni who graduated in 2023 and 2024. It focuses on the AI experience of entry-level workers, most without a college degree, across a range of industries and 17 diverse economies. This offers a fresh perspective since most surveys have focused on professional service workers in high-income countries.

AI is already part of daily life for many

The analysis shows that AI use is widespread among entry-level employees, with 65% reporting that they use AI at work. Half are adopting AI on their own initiative, while the rest use tools provided by their employers or a combination of the two.

Among AI users, 79% engage with AI tools at least once a week, rising to 89% in the tech sector. More than a third (37%) use AI daily. 

Men are heavier users of AI than women

AI use among women lags that among men, with 53% of women across sectors saying they use it at work versus 76% of men. This gap narrows when you look specifically at the tech sector, with 80% of women saying they are using AI and 86% of men. 

Sector differences are strong. Within tech and customer service & sales sectors, adoption across genders is high – 87% and 80% respectively. However, adoption in the green economy and skilled trades remains low, with just 12% and 10% of entry-level employees in these sectors using AI. 

AI is being used in multiple ways by employees

Entry-level employees are using AI for a broad range of tasks. In the tech sector, for example, 67% of respondents use AI for multiple functions – including learning (61%), content creation (49%), and administrative tasks (44%). In customer service and sales, content creation (43%) and learning (35%) are the top uses.

And while use is lower in green jobs and skilled trades, early adopters in these fields are using AI to primarily learn new skills and create content.

Global adoption is strong – but perceived benefits differ

Despite uneven uptake, most users are seeing clear benefits, with 94% reporting that AI has improved their ability to do their job – including 63% who say it helped a lot. Perhaps even more striking: 91% say AI has made their work more enjoyable, with 59% reporting a significant increase in job satisfaction.

However, the perceived value of AI varies across countries. In upper-middle-income countries, 70% of entry-level workers say AI has greatly improved their job performance – compared to 64% in lower-middle-income countries and 49% in high-income countries. Similar trends hold for enjoyment: employees in emerging economies are more likely to say AI has made their work more fulfilling.

Clarity around use cases would help further AI adoption

While adoption is strong overall, 35% of entry-level employees surveyed are not yet using AI at work. Among this group, 72% say they're interested – but face barriers including a lack of training (30%), uncertainty about how AI applies to their role (30%), and not having enough time to learn (12%). Only a small share cite trust issues or a lack of clear benefit.

The full report is available here. Generation will continue to survey alumni to gather their perspectives as they adopt AI, helping to shape Generation's programs and offering an ongoing window into the experience of entry-level workers in a variety of sectors around the world.

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."

Tia Hodges, President and CEO, MetLife Foundation and Head of Corporate Giving and Volunteerism, MetLife, said:

"At MetLife Foundation, we recognize the immense potential AI and other emerging technologies hold for expanding opportunities in our communities. That's why, we're proud to support Generation's efforts to help individuals build the skills they need to be competitive in today's workforce. 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."