Last week we brought together Financial Services employers for a roundtable discussion exploring the real impact of AI on early careers – and what this means for the future talent pipeline. The session was hosted by BDO at their Birmingham office: A huge thank you to the BDO team for their generosity and support in convening such an important conversation.

Set against a backdrop of a 24% global decline in junior Financial Services roles and an 11 year high of NEETs in the UK, the discussion challenged the common media narrative that AI will inevitably replace early talent roles.

Employers were united in the view that human capability – collaboration, communication, curiosity and a growth mindset – will become even more critical as AI reshapes work.

A keynote and Q&A led by Phil Sartain, Early Talent Leader at Aon, gave compelling evidence that early careers hires progress faster, are more likely to be identified as high potential, and demonstrate stronger retention than comparable direct hires. Phil shared more about Aon’s AI sensitivity audit and reaffirmed their commitment to increasing early careers roles, emphasising that AI should augment human skills, not replace them.

Across open discussions, employers highlighted:

• A shared responsibility to counter negative narratives suggesting AI will eliminate early careers opportunities
• The risk of a future talent gap if firms pause investment in early careers now
• A likely shift towards more structured and classroom based learning, as AI automates parts of technical tasks
• The need to engage young people honestly and confidently on AI (where it is impactful, and where it isn’t) positioning the sector as innovative and future focused

We are grateful for the insight, challenge and openness shared by employers from across the Financial Services sector. Contributions from BDO, Aon, AXA XL, Bishop Fleming Chartered Accountants, British International Investment, Coventry Building Society, EY, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, LGPS Central, Metro Bank, NatWest, Principality Building Society, the West Midlands Pension Fund, Zurich UK, and Acrobat Talent reflected a strong sense of collective responsibility and the value of collaboration in ensuring AI reshapes early careers in a way that is inclusive, sustainable and works for young people and employers alike.

The session explored how these insights should shape work experience and early engagement design, with a strong emphasis on relationship building, confidence and helping young people find and use their voice – ensuring that AI does not become another barrier for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

To find out more about the event learnings, please reach out to Charlotte Dudley.

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