AI shakes up skilled roles faster than expected

AI is no longer just disrupting manual or low-skilled labour—it’s now moving swiftly into the territory of highly educated professionals. Ireland’s AI Advisory Council warns that software engineers, junior lawyers, and customer service staff are among the first roles being edged out by intelligent automation.

What’s striking is the pace. Entry-level programming roles are already vanishing, with engineers shifting towards architectural roles. The same pattern is appearing in law firms. These changes signal broader implications: if such knowledge-intensive jobs can be automated, a far wider range of functions could follow.

While AI can unlock productivity and free up human potential—especially in sectors like healthcare—it also risks hollowing out junior-level career pathways. Experts say we are at a critical juncture. Without proactive oversight, including live tracking of job impacts, businesses may find themselves navigating the future blind.

Read the full story to explore how AI’s advance could reshape your talent strategy.