Canada’s Entry-Level Job Market Shrinks as Skill Demands Rise

Event summary

  • 81% of hiring managers say entry-level jobs now require more skills than in the past.
  • 49% of hiring managers believe AI could reduce workforce size.
  • Recent university graduates faced 10.6% unemployment in 2025, the highest in 30 years outside of the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Express Employment Professionals released a white paper highlighting the narrowing path to entry-level work in Canada.

The big picture

The shrinking entry-level job market in Canada reflects broader trends of automation and rising skill demands, posing long-term risks to talent pipelines and economic stability. Express Employment Professionals' research underscores the urgent need for employers to adapt hiring practices to maintain accessible pathways for early-career professionals. The shift could have lasting economic consequences if not addressed proactively.

What we're watching

Automation Impact
How AI adoption will affect entry-level job availability and employer hiring strategies.
Talent Pipeline
Whether employers can sustain early-career learning as routine tasks are automated.
Skill Demands
The pace at which entry-level job requirements will continue to evolve.