Goodwill says it helped more than 2 million job seekers last year and is preparing for a wave of unemployed
Gen Z workers as artificial intelligence reshapes entry-level work. The nonprofit’s leader signaled a shift in demand for training and counseling, warning that younger workers could be the first to be affected as routine tasks are automated.
The charity, which operates a national network of job centers, anticipates an increase in people seeking help with skills development, resume assistance, and career transitions. The comments highlight a growing concern among workforce groups that AI will disrupt early-career roles across various industries, including offices, retail, and customer support.
Surge in Demand for Help
Goodwill’s employment programs serve individuals who are new to the job market, transitioning into a new career, or returning to work. The group reported serving over 2 million people last year, a sign of rising need during a period of rapid workplace change. That caseload includes resume
assistance, interview preparation, digital skills classes, and training aligned with local employers.
“Over 2 million job seekers used Goodwill’s employment services last year—and the charity’s CEO says it’s gearing up for an influx of unemployed Gen Z thanks to AI.”
The organization’s scale gives it a front-row view of shifts in hiring. Staff
report higher interest in tech-adjacent training and short courses that translate into stable roles. Community partners report that demand is strongest for programs that lead to careers in healthcare, skilled trades, logistics, and IT support.
Why Gen Z May Be at Risk
Gen Z workers often begin their careers in roles that involve repetitive tasks, scheduling, data entry, or handling customer queries. These tasks are
among the first targeted by AI tools. Entry-level office jobs and support functions are evolving as companies experiment with chatbots, automation platforms, and AI-assisted software.
Younger workers also have less experience to signal value in a tight hiring process. Without targeted help, they may face longer searches or accept lower-quality jobs. Youth unemployment can rise rapidly when entry-level roles decrease, even if overall unemployment remains stable.
- Early-career roles often include tasks that AI can automate.
- Limited work history can make job searches longer for recent graduates.
- Short-term training can help workers transition into new roles more quickly.
Training Plans and Services
Goodwill is expanding programs that pair digital skills with industry credentials. Coaches are preparing clients to work with AI tools rather than be displaced by them. That includes training on office software with AI features, helpdesk certifications, and data literacy basics.
The nonprofit has a proven track record of aligning training with employer needs. It partners with regional
businesses to align courses with open roles. In practice, that
means teaching the tools used on the job, offering interview practice, and guiding applicants through hiring portals.
Career coaches also stress soft skills: communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills become increasingly important when software takes over routine tasks. Workers who can effectively manage clients, adapt to change, and learn new systems tend to advance more quickly.
Mixed Signals From Employers
Many companies
claim that AI will boost productivity, rather than outright eliminate jobs. Yet hiring managers also report redesigning junior roles. Some teams are posting fewer entry-level openings while expecting existing staff to take on higher-value
work with AI support.
Workforce
experts warn that uneven impacts are likely to occur. Sectors with customer contact and regulated work, such as healthcare and public services, may continue to hire. Back-office functions are facing increased pressure to automate. That mix could push more young workers to seek help retraining.
What to Watch Next
Observers will track three
key signals: the number of entry-level postings, the proportion of listings requiring AI skills, and enrollment in short-term training programs. If entry-level roles decline while AI skills appear in more job ads, groups like Goodwill will see a rising demand for upskilling.
For now, the message is clear: younger workers need practical pathways into stable careers. Training that combines digital tools, industry credentials, and hands-on practice can be beneficial. Nonprofits and employers will have to move quickly to keep pace with changing job requirements.
Goodwill’s warning highlights a near-term test for the labor market. The group is scaling services to meet a potential surge and promoting programs that help people work with new tools, rather than replacing them. The next few hiring cycles will reveal whether these efforts can mitigate AI’s impact on entry-level jobs.
