Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most talked-about topics in the tech world today. With its ability to automate tasks, analyze data, and even generate code, many people wonder if AI could eventually replace certain jobs. One idea that often comes up is whether companies should reduce or even stop hiring junior developers and let AI take over their work. However, AWS CEO Matt Garman strongly disagrees with this notion. In fact, he called the idea of replacing Junior developers with AI “the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Instead, Garman argues that it is crucial to keep hiring and training junior developers because they are not only cost-effective but also play an essential role in building the future workforce. Let’s break down why his perspective makes sense and why businesses should pay attention.
Junior Developers : Affordable and AI-Savvy
One of Garman’s key points is that junior developers are relatively inexpensive compared to senior engineers. For companies, this makes hiring juniors a practical choice when building strong teams. But beyond cost, junior developers bring something unique: adaptability.
Today’s younger workforce is growing up with AI tools. Many junior developers are already comfortable experimenting with technologies like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, or other AI coding assistants. Instead of being threatened by AI, they can use it to enhance their learning, speed up their coding, and focus on solving more interesting challenges. This makes them an asset, not a liability.
The Importance of Building Future Leaders
If companies stop hiring junior developers and Juniors, they create a dangerous gap for the future. Where will the next generation of senior engineers, team leads, and software architects come from? Every experienced professional once started as a beginner. Junior developers need opportunities to learn, make mistakes, and grow into leaders.
By cutting off this entry-level hiring pipeline, organizations risk creating a scenario where, in 10 or 15 years, there aren’t enough skilled leaders who understand the systems, culture, and evolving needs of the company. Training juniors is not just about filling current roles—it’s about investing in the future workforce.
Why Critical Thinking Matters
Another key point Garman makes is about critical thinking and problem-solving. AI is powerful at processing data, generating text, or writing code, but it lacks true creativity, judgment, and the ability to think outside the box. Junior developers learn these skills through real-world experiences—debugging tough issues, brainstorming with teams, and finding innovative solutions.
AI can provide suggestions, but it cannot replace the human ability to question assumptions, weigh trade-offs, and make decisions that consider long-term consequences. Training junior developers ensures that we continue to build a workforce that is not just technically skilled but also capable of critical thinking.
AI as a Partner, Not a Replacement
The real value of AI lies in how it can assist people, not replace them. For junior developers, AI can act as a coach or helper: suggesting improvements, checking for errors, or speeding up repetitive tasks. But it is still the human who drives creativity, collaboration, and decision-making.
Garman emphasizes that companies should see AI as a way to empower employees, not as a shortcut to avoid hiring them. The best results will come from combining the strengths of AI with the energy, curiosity, and creativity of human developers.
What This Means for the Tech Industry and Junior developers
Garman’s perspective carries an important lesson for the entire industry. As businesses adopt AI, there will be a temptation to reduce human roles. But this is short-sighted. Instead, companies that continue to hire and train junior developers will benefit in several ways:
- They will create a steady pipeline of skilled professionals who grow into leadership roles.
- They will maintain knowledge transfer across generations of developers.
- They will foster innovation, driven by both human creativity and AI efficiency.
- They will build resilient teams that can adapt to future technological changes.
Conclusion
Matt Garman’s message is clear: replacing junior developers with AI is not just unrealistic, it is a mistake that could harm the future of the tech industry. Junior developers may be at the start of their careers, but they bring affordability, adaptability, and a willingness to learn that make them invaluable. More importantly, they represent the future—future engineers, future leaders, and future innovators.
Instead of fearing AI, we should focus on teaching juniors how to use it effectively. By doing this, businesses can create a workforce that is both tech-savvy and deeply human—capable of critical thinking, collaboration, and long-term innovation. In the end, AI should not replace junior developers but should work alongside them to build a smarter, stronger future for the tech industry.
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