IBM to Triple Entry-Level Hiring Despite AI Automation

At a time when artificial intelligence threatens to eliminate entry-level positions, one tech giant is betting big on young talent instead.

IBM announced plans to triple its entry-level hiring in the U.S. in 2026, a bold move that bucks industry trends. Nickle LaMoreaux, IBM's chief human resource officer, shared the news at Charter's Leading with AI Summit on Tuesday.

"And yes, it's for all these jobs that we're being told AI can do," LaMoreaux said, addressing the elephant in the room directly.

But here's the twist: these aren't your typical entry-level jobs. LaMoreaux and her team completely rewrote job descriptions to shift focus away from tasks AI handles well, like routine coding, and toward uniquely human strengths like customer engagement and relationship building.

The strategy reflects a simple truth: even if companies need fewer junior workers for certain tasks, investing in young talent today builds the skilled workforce they'll need tomorrow. By hiring entry-level employees now and training them in people-focused skills, IBM is essentially future-proofing its talent pipeline.

The announcement comes at a critical moment. An MIT study estimated that 11.7% of jobs could already be automated by AI, and multiple tech investors predict 2026 will reveal AI's true impact on employment.

The Ripple Effect

IBM's decision sends a powerful message to other employers and to young workers worried about their career prospects. When one of the world's largest tech companies doubles down on human talent during an automation wave, it validates what many experts have been saying: AI works best when it amplifies human skills rather than replaces them entirely.

The move could also encourage other major employers to rethink how they're approaching entry-level hiring. Instead of viewing junior positions as expendable in an AI-powered world, companies might start reimagining these roles around collaboration, creativity, and emotional intelligence.

For young people entering the job market, IBM's commitment offers concrete hope. It demonstrates that major employers still value fresh perspectives and are willing to invest in developing talent, even as technology transforms the workplace.

IBM hasn't disclosed exact hiring numbers, but the commitment to triple their intake represents a significant investment in the next generation of workers at a time when they need it most.