Entry-level jobs should require 0 years of experience. NOT 1 year. Not 2 years. NOT 3-5 years!!!!
I believe whats happening to industry right now is extremely demoralizing for anyone who wants to kick start their career. I mean you spend almost 5 years of your life doing everything you are told. Get your degree, do co-ops, make connections etc.
But what no one prepares you for the countless hours that you waste to look for jobs, apply and repeat. Only to get rejected or to get a message from some bot.
And specifically right now, most of the junior and entry level jobs are taken over by AI. If you believe that current economic conditions are the only reason for lack of entry-level positions, I would say that you are mistaken.