Institute of Student Employers

So, I'll just pull out one example.

We recently did some research with the Institute of Student Employers, And one of the findings there, which is really, really striking from the employer side of it, was that AI is not wiping out entry-level graduate

jobs.

Far from it.

And that's not always the case here.

The Institute of Student Employers actually reported that graduate recruitment increased 4% in its latest survey, admittedly, on the back of an 8% decline the previous year.

So I don't think what we got here was a pretty straightforward story of graduate employment disappearing, but the nature of those jobs is changing for sure.

And actually another piece of research from that same organization found that 87% of employers do expect AI to change graduate and apprentice roles.

I keep coming back to one number, 141.

According to the Institute of Student Employers' 2026 Student Recruitment Report, employers receive an average of 141 applications for every graduate position.

141 people knocking on the same door.

You would think employers would be thrilled.

If candidates use more AI to apply, employers will use more automation to screen them.

Candidates will then use better AI to get through those systems.

Employers will add identity checks, behavioral monitoring, and more assessments.

And then candidates will adjust for that.