California Lawmakers Alarmed by AI Threat to Entry-Level Tech Jobs
California lawmakers voice concerns over AI's impact on entry-level tech jobs, urging training and policy changes.
Key Points
- • California lawmakers express concerns over AI's impact on entry-level tech jobs.
- • Rep. Sam Liccardo warns Congress is unprepared for AI-related job displacement.
- • Hiring for entry-level programming roles has stagnated amid the rise of AI tools.
- • Lawmakers advocate for training programs and partnerships to adapt to job market changes.
On July 12, 2025, concerns surrounding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on entry-level technology jobs intensified among California lawmakers. As the state emerges as a hub for advanced AI development, representatives called for strategic policy adaptations to address the risks of job displacement.
Rep. Sam Liccardo, a Bay Area Democrat, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "We’re deeply unprepared to respond to this issue." His remarks reflected wider anxieties among lawmakers who fear that the proliferation of AI tools could replace many roles traditionally filled by entry-level employees, particularly in programming and technical support roles. Despite a leap in the number of computer science graduates—rising from over 64,000 in 2015 to over 120,000 in 2024—entry-level job opportunities have stagnated, largely attributed to the rise of generative AI that companies increasingly rely on for efficiency and productivity.
Mark Muro from Brookings Metro pointed out that hiring for such roles is slowing as firms adopt AI-driven solutions. This pattern aligns with an Oxford Economics analysis that shows a concerning decline in entry-level job availability, suggesting that recent graduates may struggle to find positions that match their qualifications. Rep. Josh Harder raised alarms regarding the disconnect between what schools teach and the evolving demands of the labor market, emphasizing, "The jobs that are getting crushed by AI the fastest are often the ones that we’re pushing students toward."
Major companies are also leaning towards automation, with Duolingo’s CEO revealing plans to transition from contractors to AI technology, underscoring the threat AI poses to young workers, as noted by Steve Bannon, who pointed out a diminishing pool for administrative and managerial positions.
In response to these challenges, lawmakers, including Rep. Ami Bera, have advocated for increased funding for training programs to facilitate workforce transitions and have suggested forming public-private partnerships to realign educational frameworks with the new job landscape. Rep. George Whitesides compared the current situation to the automation wave of the 1980s, stressing the importance of looking ahead to create a sustainable economic future for California’s workers.
As discussions continue, California lawmakers are eager to define the long-term implications of AI on the workforce and explore effective strategies to prepare the next generation for an increasingly automated job market.