Amazon cloud chief: Replacing junior staff with AI is 'dumbest thing'
Amazon Web Services (AWS) CEO Matt Garman has made a stark declaration regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, dismissing the notion of replacing junior employees with AI as “the dumbest thing” he has ever heard. This provocative statement, reported on August 19, 2025, underscores a nuanced perspective from one of the tech industry’s most influential figures amidst widespread concerns about AI-driven job displacement.
Garman’s strong stance stems from a belief that AI is fundamentally an augmentation tool, designed to enhance human capability rather than to serve as a direct substitute. He contends that while AI will undoubtedly transform the nature of work, making employees more efficient and effective, it will not eliminate the need for human talent, especially at foundational levels. Speaking in recent interviews, Garman emphasized that the enduring value of human skills such as critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and interpersonal communication will only grow in the AI era. He even revealed that he advises his own teenage son to prioritize developing critical thinking skills in college, regardless of his chosen field, seeing it as the most important skill for future success. While acknowledging that AI could handle routine coding tasks within a couple of years, he clarified this would free developers to focus on higher-level, strategic work, not lead to job cuts.
However, Garman’s optimistic view contrasts with recent industry trends that suggest a more immediate impact on entry-level roles. Reports indicate a significant decline in job openings for new graduates at major tech companies, with some estimates showing a cut of over 50% since 2019. This shift is partly attributed to AI’s growing ability to automate tasks traditionally performed by junior staff, such as data cleaning, summarization, and basic quality assurance. Experts warn that while this might offer short-term cost savings, it risks weakening the leadership pipeline by reducing opportunities for new talent to gain essential on-the-job experience. A 2025 survey also found that 38% of U.S. tech workers fear their jobs could be replaced by AI within five years, and the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 suggests 40% of employers plan to reduce workforces where AI can automate tasks.
Despite these broader industry concerns, Amazon and AWS are actively investing in AI, viewing it as a core “building block” embedded within their services and products. The company is aggressively hiring for specialized AI roles and has shown a willingness to pay significant premiums for AI-skilled talent, with salaries potentially rising by an average of 43% in sales and marketing and 42% in finance for those with AI expertise. Furthermore, Amazon has committed to providing free AI skills training to 2 million people by 2025 through initiatives like “AI Ready,” underscoring a strategy focused on upskilling its existing workforce to adapt to the evolving technological landscape rather than simply replacing them. While AWS did confirm layoffs in July 2025, these were framed as part of a strategic review aimed at AI-driven efficiencies and role reconfiguration, rather than a wholesale replacement by automation.
Ultimately, Garman’s perspective highlights a critical point of debate: whether AI will primarily augment human work or displace it. His emphasis on the irreplaceable nature of human creativity, critical thinking, and people skills suggests a future where successful careers will be defined not by technical mastery alone, but by the uniquely human ability to learn, adapt, and innovate alongside increasingly intelligent machines. The challenge for businesses and individuals alike will be to embrace this transformation through continuous learning and strategic talent development, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is equipped to thrive in an AI-powered world.