**The big picture:** AI is automating routine tasks traditionally performed by junior hires, leading some companies to reduce entry-level recruitment, particularly in the U.K. **Why it matters:** This shift risks creating a future shortage of senior leaders as the traditional training ground for judgment and experience diminishes. **Between the lines:** - 19% of U.K. businesses cut entry-level hiring, with 42% blaming AI. - U.S. employers expect a 5.6% increase in class-of-2026 hires, but 58% of U.S. HR leaders fear a senior-leader shortage. - Nearly three-quarters of U.S. HR leaders lack training programs to replace AI-absorbed learning. **Staffing & HR impact:** Staffing firms must advise clients on redesigning junior roles for exposure and judgment training, not just output, to maintain a viable talent pipeline. Recruiters will need to screen for AI fluency and adaptability, not just degrees. **The bottom line:** Companies must proactively design mentorship and rotational programs to cultivate judgment in junior hires, or face a significant leadership skills gap.