The traditional path from university to degree to first job is becoming less common

A university degree is becoming less reliable as a ticket into the labor market. Employers increasingly want people who can take over a role immediately, making work experience gained during university one of the strongest advantages for young applicants.

The pressure is particularly visible in the United Kingdom, where the number of graduate vacancies fell by almost 50% in a year. Recruitment website Adzuna recorded 8,383 vacancies for graduates in July, down from 15,397 a year earlier. In mid-2017, the figure exceeded 55,000.

British analysts say the spread of artificial intelligence may be one reason for the decline. By using AI, employers can reduce the number of trainee positions, adding to fears that a generation of young people could enter adulthood with limited prospects. These concerns affect people who grew up online and were the first generation to embrace social media.

Rising business costs are also pushing British companies to save on new hiring wherever possible. The result is a more difficult transition from education to employment, with qualifications alone offering less security than before.