LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Economists at Goldman Sachs say AI is cutting around 16,000 U.S. jobs a month, a trend that could hit people just entering the workforce.
Students at UNLV have mixed feelings about AI and the job market. Some worry companies could use AI instead of paying workers.
“I think they would prefer just to buy like an AI thing to take over and do that job for them,” young professional Alex Barker.
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Others say they’re using AI as a tool for research and efficiency.
“I think AI, it’s definitely a very helpful tool, at least for me,” Christopher Enriquez, a UNLV student said.
Job losses concentrated among young workers
A recent Stanford study reports a 16% drop in employment for workers 22-25 in jobs most exposed to AI, leaving many students with the same question: What does this mean for my future career?
“Sometimes I do think about it, especially when I’m taking certain classes, regarding like certain like coding classes or programs, where it’s like, maybe AI can take it,” said Enriquez.
“I would consider it like it could be threatening,” Barker said.
UNLV Gaming Historian David Schwartz says his biggest concern isn’t just job loss — it’s how AI can get in between human relationships.
“People will use AI to draft messages to send each other, but then AI is drafting the messages at both ends, so it’s really just AI talking to AI, and then people are just kind of caught in the middle,” said Schwartz.
Trade schools see enrollment increase
A trade school in Las Vegas says it’s seeing a big increase, believing it relates to the AI boom.
“A lot of people have been getting into the trades because it’s such a necessary job,” said Lonny Snowden the Owner and Director at Quality Learning Center. “AI has taken over so many other industries that electrical and HVAC has been important. Right now, we’re seeing such an increase in trends of enrollment just for that reason only.”
Most people interviewed don’t think AI can take everyone’s job right now, but they do agree the technology is moving fast — and the pressure to adapt is real.
“If we want to make a change with AI, we have to put our foots down,” one student said.
Experts say strengthening communication and critical thinking skills are valuable in today’s job market, paired with proof that can be built through a portfolio or personal brand.
According to studies, AI resilient jobs right now include jobs in healthcare, the trades, and security and education.
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