ISE Student Development Survey 2026 launches with new insight on how AI is impacting entry-level jobs and the skills employers need.
As AI reshapes the work that early career hires undertake on entering the workforce so the programmes that shape their development must evolve. Early career development practices could be entering one of the most significant periods of transition we have seen in a generation.
Our annual Student Development Survey seeks to help members understand how the market is shifting, providing an in‑depth picture of how employers design, deliver and evolve development programmes for graduates as well as school and college leavers.
The survey ran during January and February 2026 and received 144 responses from employers across a range of sectors and organisation types.
This year’s report places particular emphasis on the issues employers say are most pressing for the future, including the impact of AI.
Reshaped not replaced
This year’s survey found that while some entry-level roles will dramatically change in scope, the shift is less about jobs disappearing and more about tasks evolving.
Nearly nine in ten (87%) of employers expect AI adoption to reshape graduate and apprentice roles. While 58% foresee minor adjustments to tasks and responsibilities, 29% anticipate significant changes - particularly in FMCG and tourism (56%) and the legal sector (41%).
A further 43% said that their entry-level roles had already evolved in response to AI, but have not been formally redesigned.
This year’s survey also looked at whether AI may impact the number of entry-level roles available. It found that widespread job displacement is unlikely over the next three years.
Forty per cent of employers don’t expect to replace any entry-level roles by AI and 42% believe only a small number (1–10%) will be affected. Just 18% anticipate larger-scale replacement (more than 10% of jobs).
A change in skills needs
While some roles are clearly evolving, most employers don’t expect widespread change with 72% anticipating up to a quarter of jobs being affected. However, 28% foresee more than a quarter.
The type of work most likely impacted by AI is evident in changing skills needs. Our survey found that AI will take away some of the more routine admin work, but graduates and apprentices will need strong critical thinking and sound judgement.
This year’s survey is among the first pieces of major research to align with the new UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC), released by Skills England in November 2025.
Employers cited critical thinking, AI literacy, communication and adaptability as skills that would grow in importance, while routine admin, basic data and writing tasks would lessen in significance.
How young people think and apply themselves have always mattered, but they will become even more important for success in the AI age.
Preparing for change
With over half (54%) of employers concerned about the future impact of AI on new hires, they are preparing them for change. Mental health and wellbeing support is a growing priority as employers reported more issues with anxiety, career uncertainty and burnout.
Digital and AI skills are also prioritised and viewed as something to develop after hiring - employers are almost twice as likely to build digital literacy on the job than recruit for it. Practical use of AI tools as well as data and digital skills are also commonly embedded in training.
However, ISE also found growing concerns around how AI may be used by candidates during recruitment. This year two-thirds of employers believed graduates and apprentices are using AI to misrepresent skills, up from around half in 2025.
As the pace of change accelerates, new hires must be ready to adapt to evolving demands. This will require targeted development and the right support, particularly to help manage potential mental health and wellbeing challenges.
This year’s ISE Student Development Survey is now available.