There's no attempt to create safety net for students facing AI threat: Big Technology's Kantrowitz

May 18, 2026 - 19:09

The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping the job market, but according to tech analyst Alex Kantrowitz, universities and policymakers are failing to prepare students for the disruption. In a recent discussion on CNBC's "Closing Bell," Kantrowitz argued that there is a glaring absence of a safety net for young people entering a workforce increasingly dominated by AI.

The conversation was sparked by the backlash against former Google CEO Eric Schmidt's commencement speech at the University of Arizona. Schmidt's remarks on AI's transformative power reportedly drew criticism, but Kantrowitz suggested the real issue is the lack of institutional response. He pointed out that while companies race to automate tasks, there is no equivalent effort to retrain or support students whose future careers are now uncertain.

Kantrowitz emphasized that the threat is not just about job loss, but about the erosion of entry-level positions that have traditionally served as stepping stones. Without a structured plan from universities or the government, students are left to navigate this shift alone. The discussion highlighted a growing concern that the education system is not adapting fast enough, leaving a generation exposed to the rapid changes brought by AI without any meaningful buffer or support system.