You're listening to the Bots and Bosses podcast, the only show where robots and humans attempt to work side by side. Presented by John Binks, technologist, author, and your AI wrangling tour guide. So buckle up and let's deep dive. Welcome to the Bots and Bosses podcast presented by John Binks. This is episode 28, originally aired on December 2, 2025. Today's show is sponsored by Titan Technologies (www.titantechnologies.com).

This episode is a deep dive into how AI is reshaping the tech workforce for 2026: the vanishing entry-level ladder, the loss of hands-on learning, and why that threatens future leadership and institutional knowledge.

We explore practical responses—apprenticeships, mandatory pairing with senior mentors, internal rotations, and targeted upskilling—to use AI to accelerate learning rather than replace it. The show also explains how senior engineers' roles are shifting toward architecture, code review, tool coaching, and stewardship.

Key takeaways include the risks of skill atrophy and burnout, and five strategic priorities leaders must adopt: rebuild early career pathways, make upskilling core to strategy, elevate senior engineers as educators and reviewers, protect hands-on proficiency, and reduce burnout through sustainable workloads and culture.