Goodwill is preparing for an influx of unemployed from the ZERS generation because of the AI, his CEO Steve Preston warns

The charitable organization, which has more than 650 employment centers, saw more than 2 million people using its employment services last year – and it is prepared even more.

“We are preparing for a flow of unemployed young people – as well as other people – of AI,” said the CEO exclusively FortuneAdding that automation will reach the worst roles at low salary and entry -level.

The 65 -year -old man, who was previously the 14th US secretary for housing and urban development, revealed that he was already witnessing “large organizations starting to make significant layoffs according to a passage to AI”.

Call centers and sales roles are particularly affected at the moment, he added. “I do not know that it will be catastrophic, but I think we will see a significant reduction in a certain number of jobs. I think that will hit workers with a particularly hard salary.”

Although people of all ages occupy less well -paid jobs, they are often a rite of passage for students with a fresh face who manage in the world of work.

“It is much more difficult to find a job,” adds Preston. “It really strikes students at the moment on the market. He really strikes young adults without university degrees. »»

Gen Z Non-levels find themselves the least affected by unemployment, but they will not be the only affected

Despite numerous reports warning that the higher education gain is dead – essentially, thanks to the more inclusive hiring of skills, it is more difficult to obtain a diploma and the Zers generation without the one winning the talent war – Preston sees the complete opposite.

“What I see is global unemployment, people without university degrees have no job,” he said. Research has shown that the problem is even more acute for young men.

“This is a terrible thing,” said Preston, while sympathizing with the young people about the crucial to see a world where they can grow and prosper. “For young people at this time of their lives, getting attached to something where they can see a future is so important, where they can consider their lives in the future.”

And as AI and automation become smarter, ultimately those who hold diplomas will also find the landing of this first and more impossible job – and according to Preston, this will also have a training effect on older roles.

It is not only AI could replace many of these intermediate level roles, but also that there could be a lack of appropriate talents through the pipeline.

“These entry-level roles were the places where they learned the foundations of a job-where they built basic skills, where they had the opportunity to be supervised and grew up in the organization,” he explained.

Students of generation Z already find it difficult not to be prepared for the world of work due to a lack of work experience available, such as internships, and this problem will only become more exuberant thanks to AI.

The key skills necessary for the next generation of job seekers

Instead of drowning by the technological wave, Preston advises young people to set it up. He said that goodwill often speaks to employers to find out what skills will really be necessary tomorrow.

“Digital skills are really essential,” he added. “We often think that if someone is on their phone all day and has 15 applications open at any time Has large digital skills, but it is a very different thing. »»

Although your Tiktok publishing game is strong, Preston said that young people must really master the workplaces of technological tools that work places are really used, from Microsoft Excel to Google Docs.

“We always note that if people get a certain level of realization with digital skills, the door is open – and many people we assume to have these skills, do not.” The next step is to learn how to use chatgpt and gemini tastes.

“Increasingly, no surprise, people who competent in the use of AI tools are starting to jump other people who enter the market.”

Meanwhile, for the Gen Zers who do not want to follow the career path of the company, he suggested learning skills in clean technology, such as installing the solar panel and maintenance of the EV charging station, because they are privileged areas for growth without a diploma.

And Preston has a striking warning for millennials who refuse to adapt: ​​”If you are someone looking for a job in their thirties – or even the 1940s – and you have not acquired these skills, you are almost excluded from a massive percentage of jobs available on the market”.

“When these people acquire these skills, we just see the doors open,” he added. “I can think of two women from the top of my head, who went from home to jobs in Accenture and Google, after going through large digital training camps … It is never too late.”

Global Forum fortune returns on October 26 to 27, 2025 in Riyadh. CEOs and world leaders will meet for a dynamic event only invitation that shapes the future of business. Request an invitation.