From Crisis to Capability: Reinventing Entry-Level Work

The “entry-level jobs crisis” has dominated headlines—but now it’s time to move from alarm to action. This session challenges the assumption that early-career talent needs to arrive “ready” and instead explores how leading employers are turning real work into the primary engine for learning. Leading employers examine how embedded learning cultures and hands-on, real-world experience are closing the experience gap by rethinking how people start, grow, and thrive in their first roles. From learning in the flow of work to redefining what qualifies as “qualified,” this conversation focuses on how companies can build capability from day one while delivering real business value. This isn’t about reviving old models. It’s about redesigning entry-level roles so learning is embedded, contribution is immediate, and potential compounds over time.