AI Revolution to Green Gold Rush: The Jobs of Tomorrow – and the Ones Going Extinct

• Global Job Outlook: By 2030, technology, green transition and demographic trends are projected to create more jobs than they eliminate. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2025 report forecasts 170 million new jobs and 92 million displaced, a net gain of 78 million jobs globally www6.twstalker.com. In the nearer term, churn is high – 23% of all jobs are expected to change by 2027 (10.2% growth and 12.3% decline) as 69 million new jobs are created and 83 million eliminated weforum.org.
• Emerging vs. Declining Roles: Roles like AI/Machine Learning Specialists, Big Data Analysts, Renewable Energy Engineers, and Sustainability Experts rank among the fastest-growing jobs (roughly 30–40% growth expected over 5 years) weforum.org. In contrast, clerical jobs such as Bank Tellers, Data Entry Clerks, Cashiers, and Administrative Secretaries face steep declines of about 30–40% as automation and digitalization make these roles increasingly obsolete weforum.org. For example, bank teller positions are projected to shrink ~40% by 2030 weforum.org, while data clerks alone could see 8 million jobs lost within five years weforum.org.
• Green Economy Boom: The global shift toward green energy and sustainability is emerging as a major job creator. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates 24 million new jobs could be generated by 2030 through climate-friendly policies and a greener economy weforum.org. Similarly, the International Energy Agency projects that clean energy, efficiency and low-emissions technologies will add around 30 million jobs by 2030 weforum.org. These gains would outweigh losses in fossil fuel industries – an ILO analysis finds that limiting warming to 2°C would create enough new jobs to more than offset about 6 million job losses in high-carbon sectors, yielding a net 18 million job gain globally icbc-ltd.com.
• Tech & Automation Trends: Over 75% of companies plan to adopt Big Data, cloud computing and AI technologies by 2027 weforum.org, and most employers expect technology to be a net positive driver of job growth overall weforum.org. Even so, automation will disrupt millions of roles. Generative AI and robotics could automate tasks equivalent to 300 million full-time jobs worldwide by 2030, according to a Goldman Sachs analysis genesishumanexperience.com. McKinsey likewise estimates that up to 375 million workers (14% of the global workforce) may need to switch occupations due to automation by 2030 qz.com. Crucially, experts note that AI tends to augment many occupations rather than fully replace them: for instance, in the U.S. it’s expected to enhance the work of professionals in STEM, creative, business and legal fields rather than eliminate large numbers of those jobs outright mckinsey.com. The biggest automation impact is instead falling on routine office support, customer service, and production roles mckinsey.com.
• Demographics & Healthcare: Aging populations are driving huge growth in healthcare and “care economy” jobs. By 2030 there will be at least 300 million more people over 65 than in 2014, sharply increasing demand for healthcare services mckinsey.com. McKinsey projects that rising elderly care needs will create 50–85 million new health and social care jobs worldwide by 2030 (doctors, nurses, technicians, home health aides, etc.) mckinsey.com. Beyond elder care, the formalization of care work (such as childcare, elder support, housekeeping) is another engine of job growth – up to 50–90 million jobs globally could be created by 2030 by shifting unpaid domestic work to paid roles mckinsey.com. This surging “silver economy” contrasts with expected job losses in industries like traditional manufacturing or mid-skill office work in aging advanced nations.
• Regional Shifts: The impact of “jobs of tomorrow” varies widely by region. Advanced economies in the Global North (e.g. North America, Western Europe, Japan) face aging workforces and labor shortages, prompting heavy investments in automation, AI and robotics as well as green industries to boost productivity. Meanwhile, many emerging economies in the Global South have a young, growing labor force – a potential demographic dividend that can drive job growth if harnessed weforum.org. Nowhere is this more evident than in Africa: Sub-Saharan Africa’s working-age population is expected to rise by ~79% in the next 30 years, reaching ~2.2 billion people, even as most developed countries see their workforces shrink weforum.org. This youth boom could make Africa a global talent hotspot, especially with remote work enabling companies to tap skilled workers anywhere weforum.org. However, regions like Africa and South Asia also face steep skills gaps and education challenges – many employers report talent shortages despite the plentiful labor supply weforum.org. In contrast, East Asia and Europe must adapt to rapidly aging societies by retraining older workers and boosting productivity to sustain their economies oecd.org.
• Skills & Education: The workforce skills mix is undergoing a seismic shift. Employers predict that 44% of workers’ core skills will change by 2027, requiring many to acquire new competencies weforum.org. In fact, roughly 60% of workers will need upskilling or reskilling by 2030 to keep pace with technological and industry changes www6.twstalker.com. Analytical thinking and complex problem-solving top the list of growing skills, followed by creative thinking, adaptability, and technology literacy weforum.org. There is also rising demand for social and emotional skills that machines can’t easily replicate – leadership, communication, customer service, and global cultural awareness weforum.org. To meet this challenge, companies and governments are investing more in lifelong learning and training programs. Employers increasingly emphasize skills-based hiring (over formal credentials) and are expanding recruitment to “overlooked” talent pools, from rural workers to older workers, to fill skill gaps mckinsey.com. The education sector itself is booming as a result: jobs for vocational and university educators are expected to grow ~10%, adding over 3 million teaching jobs by 2027 weforum.org.

Key Trends Driving the Future of Jobs

Major forces are reshaping the global labor market, creating new opportunities while rendering some jobs obsolete. The most impactful trends include technological automation (especially AI), the green transition, demographic shifts, and post-pandemic changes in how we work. These drivers do not act in isolation – their interactions will define the future of work in the coming decade.

Automation and AI Revolution

Technological advancement is arguably the biggest disruptor – often described as the “Fourth Industrial Revolution.” Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digitalization are transforming tasks across virtually every industry. “Technology is shifting the way almost every job task will be performed,” observes Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera weforum.org.

AI and big data adoption: Over the next five years, an overwhelming majority of employers plan to introduce new technologies into their operations. More than three-quarters of surveyed companies worldwide are looking to adopt AI, big data, and cloud computing by 2027 weforum.org. Businesses expect these tools to boost productivity and even create new roles – in fact, 65% of employers believe Big Data analytics will create job growth, and similar optimism extends to AI and digital platforms weforum.org. Roles like Data Analysts, AI/Machine Learning Specialists, and Cybersecurity Professionals are in high demand to support this tech revolution, each projected to grow ~30% or more in the next few years weforum.org.

Job displacement vs creation: At the same time, automation inevitably threatens certain occupations. Modern AI is now capable of handling not just manual routine work but also some cognitive tasks. A recent analysis by Goldman Sachs estimated that generative AI could put 300 million full-time jobs at risk of automation globally genesishumanexperience.com. Office support roles and repetitive back-office functions are especially vulnerable – for example, data entry, bookkeeping, and payroll jobs are rapidly being automated away. However, history and research suggest that technology tends to create more jobs than it destroys in the long run genesishumanexperience.com. As the World Economic Forum notes, most technologies are expected to have a net positive impact on employment weforum.org. AI may eliminate certain tasks, but it also generates new needs – from AI ethics officers to robot maintenance technicians – and boosts productivity, which can lower costs and spur business expansion (leading to new hiring) genesishumanexperience.com. “Historically, technologies have created more jobs than they’ve destroyed… Two-thirds of today’s US jobs didn’t exist in 1940,” the WEF report observes, highlighting the job-creating power of innovation genesishumanexperience.com.

Human-machine collaboration: Rather than a pure replacement of human labor, the emerging paradigm is one of human-AI collaboration. Many experts stress that AI will augment human workers. For instance, generative AI can take over routine aspects of drafting a report or writing code, allowing professionals to focus on more creative and complex aspects of their work. “We see generative AI enhancing the way STEM, creative, and business professionals work rather than eliminating a significant number of jobs outright,” a recent McKinsey report noted mckinsey.com. In fields like law, marketing, and medicine, AI acts as a powerful tool – handling data analysis or initial drafting – but humans are still needed for judgment, client interaction, and final decision-making. This augmentation effect is evident in early case studies: for example, one large hospitality company automated 94% of its review-processing tasks with AI, freeing human staff to focus on complex customer service issues instead genesishumanexperience.com. Going forward, new roles are emerging at the intersection of humans and AI, such as “AI prompt engineers” who specialize in crafting inputs to get the best results from AI models, and “AI trainers” who help improve AI systems.

Slower automation than expected: Notably, businesses are adopting automation more gradually than many predicted a few years ago. The WEF’s 2023 Future of Jobs survey found that on average only 34% of tasks are currently performed by machines – just 1% higher than in 2020 weforum.org. Companies have also revised down their future automation targets: they now expect about 42% of tasks to be automated by 2027, compared to predictions in 2020 that foresaw nearly 47% by 2025 weforum.org. This suggests that full automation is proving technically or economically harder to implement in the short term than anticipated. However, with rapid advances in AI (especially generative AI) over the past year, certain “human” tasks like communication, basic decision-making and content generation are becoming more automatable weforum.org. In WEF’s analysis, employers actually think reasoning, coordinating, and communicating – tasks with traditionally human advantage – may see greater automation in the near future than physical work, precisely because of AI’s leaps in language and pattern recognition weforum.org. In other words, the frontier of automation is shifting from factory floors to white-collar offices and creative studios.

Implication: The AI revolution will be a significant net job churn driver. WEF estimates about 23% of jobs will change by 2027 due to a mix of new roles emerging and old roles disappearing weforum.org. The challenge for society is managing this transition – helping workers in at-risk jobs move into the jobs of tomorrow. As WEF Managing Director Saadia Zahidi puts it, “Governments and businesses must invest in supporting the shift to the jobs of the future through education, reskilling and social support… to ensure individuals are at the heart of the future of work.” weforum.org.

Green Transition and Climate Action

Another powerful engine of change is the green transition – the global shift toward renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and climate-resilient systems. As countries strive to cut carbon emissions and adapt to climate change, entire industries will be reconfigured, leading to significant job creation in green sectors (even as carbon-intensive jobs decline).

Green job surge: The renewable energy boom is already generating millions of jobs. According to the ILO, achieving the Paris Climate Agreement goals (limiting warming to 2°C) could create 24 million new jobs by 2030 in clean energy, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, and related fields weforum.org. These gains would more than offset about 6 million jobs projected to be lost in petroleum, coal and other brown industries, resulting in a substantial net increase in employment icbc-ltd.com. Regionally, the ILO expects the green transition to be especially beneficial for Asia-Pacific (net +14 million jobs by 2030), the Americas (+3 million) and Europe (+2 million) icbc-ltd.com. Africa and the Middle East could also see net growth if supported through investments and a “just transition” strategy icbc-ltd.com.

Specific sectors poised for growth include:

• Renewable energy: Solar and wind power industries are labor-intensive and fast-growing. Roles like Solar Photovoltaic Installers, Wind Turbine Technicians, Renewable Energy Engineers, and Grid Modernization Specialists are in high demand. As countries accelerate renewable projects, these jobs can see explosive growth – e.g. the U.S. solar industry alone added over 150,000 jobs in the past decade and is set for more with new climate legislation. WEF notes that as nations seek more renewable sources, “roles including renewable energy engineers and solar energy installation engineers will be in high demand.” weforum.org.
• Energy efficiency & green construction: Efforts to retrofit buildings, upgrade insulation, install smart energy systems, and construct green buildings drive jobs for Energy Auditors, Sustainable Construction Managers, and HVAC technicians specializing in efficient technologies. The IEA estimates sustainable building and energy-efficiency projects could add millions of jobs, including about 6.5 million jobs in sustainable construction by 2030 zurich.com.
• Environmental management and protection: Beyond energy, the focus on sustainability creates roles like Sustainability Managers, Environmental Protection Officers, Circular Economy Designers, and Recycling and Waste Management Specialists. These “green generalist” roles are expected to grow ~33–34% in coming years weforum.org. For example, Environmental Protection Professionals (working on pollution control, conservation, etc.) are projected to see ~35% job growth according to WEF weforum.org.
• Climate adaptation: As climate impacts (heatwaves, floods, etc.) escalate, jobs in climate adaptation and resiliency are emerging. This includes Urban Resilience Planners, Disaster Risk Reduction Specialists, Water Resource Engineers, and agricultural roles focused on climate-smart farming. Many of these roles are in the public sector or NGOs, but they are vital for safeguarding communities and will see increased investment (e.g. infrastructure hardening projects, wildfire prevention efforts).

Fossil fuel phase-out: On the flip side, traditional fossil fuel industries (coal mining, oil & gas extraction, thermal power plants) will see declining employment. Already, coal mining jobs have plummeted in parts of Europe and North America due to automation and shift to cleaner energy. Oil and gas layoffs have occurred as well, though some skills are transferring to geothermal or offshore wind sectors. Oil, gas, and coal workers will need support to transition – through reskilling into renewables or other industries – to avoid structural unemployment in certain regions (for instance, coal miners retraining as solar technicians). The concept of a “Just Transition” emphasizes providing such support. “Policy changes… could offset the anticipated job losses or their negative impact,” says Catherine Saget, lead author of the ILO’s greening report, underscoring that the right policies can mitigate regional job shocks icbc-ltd.com.

Rise of ESG and sustainability in all jobs: Importantly, “green jobs” are not confined to a single sector anymore – virtually every industry is greening to some extent. Companies across finance, fashion, manufacturing, and agriculture are hiring for sustainability roles and demanding green skills from their workforce weforum.org. For example, banks and insurers are hiring climate risk analysts; the auto industry needs electric vehicle (EV) engineers and battery recyclers; even tech companies employ carbon accountants to manage their footprints. LinkedIn data shows a surge in demand for green skills across job postings globally weforum.org. As LinkedIn’s Chief Economist Karin Kimbrough notes, “candidates with green skills are being evaluated differently and setting themselves apart,” even in fields not traditionally considered green weforum.org. This means upskilling workers in sustainability practices is becoming critical across the board – from factory floor workers learning to minimize waste, to fashion designers embracing sustainable materials.

Bottom line: The push for a net-zero carbon economy is set to be one of the largest job engines of the coming decades. It is estimated to contribute an additional 9 million jobs per year globally (and a 3.5% GDP boost) if we invest in green recovery initiatives weforum.org. Yet, a gap remains: currently the supply of workers with green skills isn’t keeping up with demand weforum.org. This creates an urgent need for training programs focused on renewable energy, environmental science, and green tech. Countries that proactively develop green skills will not only create jobs domestically but can become exporters of green talent and technology. As ILO Deputy Director Deborah Greenfield remarked, “Jobs rely heavily on a healthy environment and the services it provides… the green economy can enable millions to overcome poverty and deliver improved livelihoods” icbc-ltd.com – signaling that investing in sustainability is also an investment in the workforce of tomorrow.

Demographic Shifts and Societal Change

Demographics – the age, size, and education level of populations – are a fundamental driver of labor market trends. Right now, the world is experiencing divergent demographic patterns: many advanced economies are aging and even shrinking, while some developing regions (notably Africa and South Asia) have youthful, fast-growing populations. These trends are reshaping both labor supply and demand across regions and sectors.

Aging and the care economy: In wealthier nations across Europe, East Asia, and North America, societies are graying rapidly. Birth rates are low and life expectancy is high, meaning a larger share of the population is moving into retirement ages. This creates two major labor impacts: a potential worker shortage in some countries, and an enormous spike in demand for healthcare and caregiving services. By 2030, there will be 300 million more people over 65 globally than in 2014 mckinsey.com, which implies a dramatic expansion of eldercare needs. Occupations in the care economy – nurses, doctors, personal care aides, physical therapists, nursing home staff – are among the fastest-growing in many advanced countries. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects Home Health and Personal Care Aides as the #1 growth occupation of the decade (reflecting the aging American population).

Healthcare and social assistance jobs are essentially “future-proof” in an aging world: they cannot easily be automated (due to the personal, human touch required) and demand is steadily rising. McKinsey estimates 50–85 million healthcare jobs could be added globally by 2030 to meet aging-related demand mckinsey.com. In addition, jobs related to caring for the elderly – such as Senior Fitness Instructors, Dementia Care Specialists, and End-of-life Coordinators – may emerge or expand. This is why many governments are investing in training more medical professionals and caregivers. For instance, Japan (the world’s oldest society) is incentivizing more women and retirees to work in healthcare and even experimenting with caregiver robots to support human staff. Europe is reassessing immigration policies to import healthcare workers from abroad to fill shortages.

Beyond elder care, changing family patterns are increasing demand for paid caregiving in general. As more women enter the workforce and urbanization breaks up extended families, services like childcare, early childhood education, and disability support are growing. The ILO notes that “marketization” of previously unpaid care work (like childcare and housekeeping) could create up to 90 million new paid jobs by 2030 mckinsey.com. We already see this in the proliferation of daycare centers, preschool teachers, nannies, and cleaning services in emerging middle-income countries. These jobs, often categorized under social and community services, are a significant source of new employment, especially for women.

Youth bulge and education: In contrast to aging economies, parts of the developing world have a youth bulge, meaning a large proportion of young people. Sub-Saharan Africa is the prime example: over 60% of Africa’s population is under 25, and by 2030, 42% of the world’s youth will be African prb.org. This represents a huge potential workforce – but only if jobs can be created for them. The World Bank warns that without effective policy changes, job creation in Africa is not keeping up with the expansion of the labor force worldbank.org. Educating and skilling this young cohort is a top priority. As South Africa’s Minister of Education Siviwe Gwarube put it, “Greater investment in education across the continent can drive higher innovation and productivity… better positioning the continent as an attractive investment destination.” weforum.org Education and skill development are critical so that Africa’s youth can seize opportunities in fast-growing sectors like technology, renewable energy, agribusiness, and outsourcing services.

Global talent pools and migration: One notable trend is that the geographic mismatch between where jobs are and where workers are can be partially solved by remote work and migration. Remote/flexible work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, allows companies in talent-scarce regions (say, a German IT firm) to hire skilled workers from talent-surplus regions (say, developers in Nigeria or India) without relocation. The WEF’s Future of Jobs 2025 highlights that countries with growing populations will supply nearly two-thirds of new workforce entrants in coming years, and many of these workers can contribute via remote/offshore services weforum.org. Already, a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry is booming in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and the Philippines, where young English-speaking workers do customer service, data processing, and IT support for global companies weforum.org. This trend is expected to continue, effectively redistributing some jobs from the Global North to the Global South through digital connectivity. On the other hand, critical labor shortages in fields like healthcare and construction are prompting increased migration of workers. Aging rich nations are recruiting nurses, caregivers, and skilled tradespeople from younger countries. For example, Germany has launched programs to attract nurses from countries such as the Philippines and India to staff its hospitals. Likewise, Middle Eastern countries are importing construction labor for their building booms. Migration and remote work thus serve as safety valves balancing labor demand and supply across regions.

Changing work preferences: Demographic shifts also influence job trends via cultural changes. Younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) often have different workplace expectations – valuing flexibility, purpose, and work-life balance. This is contributing to the rise of the gig economy and freelance work, as well as increased interest in mission-driven “green” or “social impact” careers. Additionally, as societies become more educated (global tertiary education enrollment keeps rising), the aspirations of workers shift; fewer young people are willing to do dangerous or physically taxing jobs, creating pressure to automate those or improve wages. These societal changes mean employers must adapt the quality of jobs (through better wages, conditions, and flexibility) to attract and retain talent.

In summary, demographic forces are creating surging demand in healthcare and education jobs, while flooding some regions with young jobseekers. Countries that face labor shortages will need to retrain older workers, boost productivity with technology, and perhaps welcome more immigrants. Countries with labor surpluses must focus on education and connecting their youth to global opportunities (digitally or through migration) to avoid unemployment crises. Bridging these demographic divides is a key challenge in the coming decade.

Policy, Globalization, and Supply Chain Trends

Finally, we consider the role of policy decisions, globalization vs. localization, and other macro forces on future jobs. These factors often determine where jobs are created and who benefits.

Supply chain localization: The past few years (with trade tensions and pandemic disruptions) have led many companies to rethink global supply chains. There is a trend toward “localization” or “regionalization” of production – often termed reshoring or near-shoring. For instance, manufacturers in Europe and the US are bringing some production back closer to home to reduce reliance on distant factories. The WEF reports that localizing supply chains is a leading driver of net job growth according to employers weforum.org. Building up domestic manufacturing and logistics creates jobs for local workers (e.g., the U.S. is seeing a boom in semiconductor fabs and electric vehicle battery plants, fueled by industrial policy and the CHIPS Act). Similarly, India’s push for self-reliance (“Make in India”) is creating manufacturing roles locally. However, increased automation in advanced factories means these new plants employ fewer people than old labor-intensive factories did. The jobs that do emerge often require higher technical skills (robotics technicians, quality control engineers, etc.). Meanwhile, in developing countries, localized supply chains can mean developing regional manufacturing hubs – for example, Vietnam and Mexico have gained jobs as companies diversify away from sole dependence on China. Overall, shifts in trade policy and geopolitics (like decoupling between major economies) could reshape the map of manufacturing and associated employment.

Economic cycles and policy stimulus: Macroeconomic conditions also influence the job landscape. After the COVID-19 shock, many economies implemented stimulus programs, some of which directly target job creation. For example, the United States’ recent federal investments (in infrastructure, green energy, and high-tech industries) are projected to create millions of jobs in construction, clean energy, and manufacturing. McKinsey finds that the U.S. infrastructure bill and Inflation Reduction Act will significantly boost labor demand in construction and green sectors, noting that construction is already short nearly 400,000 workers in the U.S. as of 2023 mckinsey.com. Likewise, Europe’s Green Deal and NextGeneration EU funds aim to create jobs in digitalization and sustainability projects across EU member states. In emerging markets, government-led infrastructure builds (roads, ports, housing) remain a major source of employment for low-skilled workers. On the flip side, if economies slip into recession or slower growth, job creation could be stifled. WEF respondents cited slower economic growth, high inflation, and supply shocks as the greatest threats to jobs in the near term weforum.org. We see this in 2023’s economic headwinds – tech sector layoffs occurred after overzealous hiring during the pandemic, and high energy prices temporarily hurt industries in Europe. Thus, sound macroeconomic management is important to sustain job growth.

Automation policy and labor regulation: How society chooses to manage the AI revolution will also affect job outcomes. Some experts call for policies like reducing work hours or implementing universal basic income if automation dramatically boosts productivity with fewer workers – to distribute the gains and avoid unemployment. Others emphasize reskilling programs as the top priority. The OECD, for example, urges governments to prepare for the AI revolution by investing heavily in workforce training and updating labor laws wecglobal.org. There are also conversations about strengthening social safety nets (unemployment insurance, etc.) to support workers in transition. Labor regulations can influence job quality and quantity too: for instance, policies on gig workers (whether they are classified as employees or contractors) will shape the gig economy’s expansion. If policymakers encourage more flexible work arrangements (as many are, post-pandemic), that could increase labor force participation among groups like caregivers or retirees, effectively adding more workers to the economy. In short, policy choices will mediate the impact of technological and market forces – good policies can amplify job creation and ease transitions, while poor or absent policies could lead to higher inequality and displacement.

Global cooperation vs fragmentation: The degree of international cooperation will likewise influence jobs. A fragmented world (with trade wars, strict immigration limits, and zero-sum thinking) could stifle global growth and job creation. Conversely, cooperative efforts – such as global climate action (spurring green jobs everywhere) or coordinated investment in developing economies – could expand opportunities. The trajectory of globalization will affect sectors differently: export-oriented industries (manufacturing, IT services, tourism) benefit from open trade and travel, whereas localization benefits domestic-focused jobs (construction, local services). Currently, we see a bit of both happening: critical industries (like semiconductors, medical supplies) are being localized for security, but digital services continue to globalize (through online work platforms, etc.). The balance that emerges will shape the future job distribution.

In sum, macro trends like policy, economic climate, and globalization dynamics form the backdrop against which the technological, green, and demographic forces play out. They help determine whether the jobs of tomorrow reach all regions or concentrate in a few, and whether the transition is smooth or rocky for workers.

Sector Outlook: Jobs of Tomorrow Across Industries

While the above trends cut across the entire economy, their effects vary by sector. In this section, we break down the outlook for key sectors highlighted – AI/tech, green energy, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and creative industries – identifying which roles are on the rise and which are at risk in each.

AI and Technology Sector

Overview: The tech sector is at the heart of creating the jobs of the future. As companies invest in digital transformation, jobs in software, data, and AI are booming. The World Economic Forum identifies roles like AI and Machine Learning Specialists, Big Data Analysts, Information Security Analysts, and FinTech Engineers among the top emerging roles globally weforum.org. These occupations are expected to grow by roughly 30–35% in the next five years – some of the highest rates of any profession weforum.org. The demand is fueled by virtually every industry needing tech talent to implement new systems.

Key job roles growing:

• Artificial Intelligence Specialists: These include machine learning engineers, AI researchers, and AI ethicists. As organizations deploy AI, they need experts to develop algorithms, train models, and ensure ethical AI use. The hiring of AI specialists is forecast to grow ~35% by 2027 weforum.org. Notably, 40% of companies surveyed by WEF expect AI technology to lead to job expansions in their firm weforum.org.
• Data Scientists and Analysts: Data is the “new oil,” and businesses require analysts to derive insights from big data. Data science roles are projected to grow ~30% by 2027 weforum.org, with Big Data ranked as the top technology creating jobs weforum.org. Every sector – from finance to retail to healthcare – is recruiting data analysts to inform strategy.
• Cybersecurity and Network Engineers: With rising cyber threats, Information Security Analysts and network security specialists are highly sought. WEF expects a >30% growth in cybersecurity jobs in the next five years weforum.org. This includes roles in cloud security, ethical hacking, and IT risk management, critical for safeguarding digital infrastructure.
• Software Developers and Engineers: Traditional software and web development continues strong growth as well, especially in newer areas like cloud computing, IoT (Internet of Things), blockchain, and AR/VR development. The tech industry’s core coding jobs remain abundant – though developers constantly need to learn new languages and frameworks.
• FinTech and Blockchain Specialists: The intersection of finance and tech is yielding roles such as Blockchain Developers, Digital Currency Analysts, and FinTech Engineers. With banks and startups investing in crypto, digital payments, and decentralized finance, these jobs are rapidly emerging (30%+ growth expected) weforum.org.

Roles at risk in tech: It might seem paradoxical, but even within the tech sector there are roles that automation threatens. For example, basic IT support (helpdesk technicians) could decline as automated chatbots handle routine support queries. Certain programming tasks might be automated by AI code generators (e.g., GitHub’s Copilot). However, rather than broad job elimination, this will likely change the nature of tech jobs – e.g., developers will focus more on higher-level architecture and creative work, leaving code autocompletion to AI. One specific role on a downward trend is the “traditional” hardware assembly jobs in electronics manufacturing, as those factories get robotized (many electronics are assembled by machines or in low-cost locales).

Notable trend – tech in non-tech industries: A crucial point is that “AI and Tech” jobs are not confined to Silicon Valley or big IT companies. Every industry is becoming tech-driven, so banks need AI specialists, hospitals need data analysts, government agencies need cybersecurity experts, and so on. For instance, agriculture companies hire drone operators and precision agriculture data analysts; automakers hire software engineers for connected cars. This means tech talent will be distributed widely and tech skills will be a ticket into many sectors.

Expert insight: There is widespread agreement that tech roles will continue growing, but also an acknowledgment of the skills gap. Many countries face a shortage of skilled IT professionals. This has led to higher salaries and global competition for tech talent – and also efforts to broaden the talent pipeline (through coding bootcamps, STEM education initiatives, and recruiting more women into tech). A study by McKinsey found advanced IT and programming skills could grow almost 90% by 2030 in demand mckinsey.com. As Saadia Zahidi (WEF) notes, the outlook is positive for tech-driven job creation, but “for about half of companies the outlook for jobs is very positive [due to tech], but a quarter expect it to be negative”, reflecting that some firms will use technology to downsize weforum.org. This mixed sentiment underscores that the impact of tech depends on business strategy – whether tech is used to complement workers or cut costs at their expense.

In summary, the AI/tech sector will provide a large share of the jobs of tomorrow, from AI developers to data scientists. But continuous upskilling will be needed to keep up with fast-evolving technologies (today’s hot programming language or AI toolkit might be obsolete in a few years). The most resilient tech workers will be those who combine strong technical know-how with adaptability and domain-specific knowledge, enabling them to apply tech skills in any context. As technology permeates everything, digital literacy becomes a baseline skill for almost all jobs – truly, tomorrow’s jobs in every field will have a tech component.

Green Energy and Sustainability Sector

Overview: The green sector – spanning renewable energy, environmental protection, and sustainability – is on track to be one of the fastest-growing employment areas worldwide, thanks to the urgent need to combat climate change. We are seeing a “green gold rush” as countries invest in clean energy infrastructure and companies embed sustainability into their operations. The World Economic Forum notes that investments in the green transition will be the strongest net job creator among macro trends for the next decade weforum.org. This sector’s growth is not just a niche phenomenon; it has broad impacts across energy, manufacturing, construction, and more.

Key job roles growing:

• Renewable Energy Technicians and Engineers: Solar panel installers, wind turbine technicians, and renewable energy engineers are in high demand. These are among the fastest-growing occupations in many countries. For instance, “Wind Turbine Service Technician” has topped the U.S. growth occupation list in recent years. WEF highlights Renewable Energy Engineers and Solar Installation Engineers as roles that will be “in high demand” as more nations seek renewable power weforum.org. Expect continued strong growth in jobs related to solar farm construction, wind farm maintenance, battery storage deployment, and eventually hydrogen fuel projects.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Experts: The shift to electric vehicles is creating a need for EV charging infrastructure technicians, EV automotive engineers, and battery manufacturing workers. “Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Specialists” actually topped WEF’s list of most in-demand emerging jobs for 2023 with over 40% growth expected weforum.org. This category includes engineers who design EVs or self-driving tech, as well as technicians who service high-voltage electric drivetrains. As the global automotive industry pivots to electric, tens of thousands of new jobs are being created in EV production (while jobs in engine manufacturing are gradually phased out).
• Sustainability Managers and Analysts: These professionals work within organizations to develop and implement sustainability strategies (reducing energy use, cutting waste, ensuring ESG compliance). Sustainability Specialist roles are forecast to grow ~33% globally weforum.org, reflecting how companies are hiring staff to oversee carbon footprint reduction and ethical supply chains. There are also more specialized offshoots – e.g., Carbon Credit Traders, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Analysts, and Corporate ESG Reporting Managers – that have emerged as businesses commit to net-zero goals.
• Environmental Scientists and Conservation Professionals: Roles such as Environmental Scientists, Climate Analysts, Ecologists, and Forestry & Wildlife Officers are gaining importance as society tries to monitor and mitigate environmental damage. These roles often span government, academia, and nonprofit sectors. For example, Environmental Protection professionals (focused on pollution control, environmental policy enforcement, etc.) are expected to grow ~35% weforum.org. Similarly, experts in biodiversity conservation or water resource management are needed to address ecological challenges.
• Agriculture and Sustainability Services: Interestingly, WEF notes that some of the largest absolute job gains in the green transition may occur in agriculture – specifically among Agricultural Equipment Operators and Technicians who help implement sustainable farming practices (e.g., precision agriculture, organic farming, agroforestry). These roles are projected to increase 15–30%, adding about 4 million jobs by 2027 weforum.org. This is partly due to developing countries mechanizing agriculture in an eco-friendly way, and also because climate change demands new approaches in farming (drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation, etc.), which in turn requires skilled workers.

Roles at risk or transforming: On the flip side, the obvious losers in this sectoral shift are jobs in the fossil fuel industry: coal miners, oil rig workers, petroleum engineers in drilling, etc. Coal mining has already declined in many countries (e.g., the U.S. and Europe), and renewable energy now often employs more people than coal. Oil and gas extraction jobs may decline gradually over the next decade, especially if global climate policies tighten and as automation increases on oil rigs. However, it’s worth noting some skills are transferable – for instance, oil pipeline workers might find work building hydrogen or CO₂ pipelines for carbon capture, and drilling engineers might work on geothermal energy projects. Petrochemical industry jobs could also diminish unless those companies pivot to sustainable chemicals or recycling. Another area in flux is the automotive repair sector: EVs have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance than gasoline cars, so traditional auto mechanic jobs may decrease, while new electric vehicle maintenance skills are needed.

Geographical impact: Green job growth is spread worldwide but has regional variance. Countries like China, the US, and Germany, which are investing heavily in renewables, are seeing huge expansions in green tech jobs (China already employs millions in solar manufacturing). In contrast, regions reliant on fossil fuel exports (e.g., the Middle East, parts of Russia) face a challenge diversifying their economies to avoid job losses. Nonetheless, even oil-rich countries like Saudi Arabia are investing in solar and NEOM (a futuristic sustainable city project) to create green jobs for the future. Africa has significant renewable potential (solar in North and sub-Saharan Africa, geothermal in East Africa) which could create jobs, but financing and skill shortages are hurdles. A recent report predicted 3.3 million new jobs in Africa by 2030 if the continent fully pursues a green economy path, mostly in renewables and clean mobility fsdafrica.org. This highlights that emerging markets stand to gain if green investments flow their way.

Expert commentary: There is optimism that the green transition is a win-win for the economy and planet. As the IEA data cited by WEF suggests, climate action could “generate a net employment gain of 9 million new jobs each year” on average weforum.org. However, experts also warn of a skills gap – workers need training to fill these new roles. “Reskilling and upskilling towards green skills is not keeping pace,” the WEF notes weforum.org. For example, a country might have unemployed coal miners but a shortage of solar technicians because the skillsets differ. Active labor policies (like the EU’s Just Transition Mechanism or coal transition programs in South Africa) are crucial to retrain fossil fuel workers for green jobs. Another consideration is job quality: green jobs should ideally be good, secure jobs. Many renewable energy construction jobs are temporary project-based roles, which might leave workers in flux. Ensuring decent wages and conditions in new green sectors is on the agenda for labor organizations.

Outlook: The green sector’s momentum appears irreversible as governments double down on climate commitments and the economics of renewables outcompete fossil fuels in many cases. We can expect a diverse array of new occupations to arise – from carbon farm managers to electric fleet technicians to climate educators. By all indications, “green-collar jobs” will be a cornerstone of the future workforce, much like manufacturing was in the previous industrial era. Countries leading in green tech innovation and deployment will capture not only environmental benefits but a significant employment dividend.

Healthcare and the Care Economy

Overview: Healthcare has long been a stable source of employment, and looking ahead it will only grow in importance. Global healthcare demand is exploding due to aging populations, longer life expectancies, and public health challenges. This sector includes not just hospitals and clinics, but also pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical research, and the broader “care economy” (elder care, child care, rehabilitation, etc.). Health and social care occupations are projected to see some of the largest absolute job gains of any sector worldwide mckinsey.com. In many countries, one in every five new jobs created in the next decade is expected to be in healthcare or social assistance.

Key job roles growing:

• Nurses and Midwives: Nursing is a linchpin of healthcare systems and one of the fastest-growing professions globally. As the population ages, Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Nursing Assistants are in critically short supply. The International Council of Nurses has warned of a global shortfall of millions of nurses. Demand is also high for specialized nurses (e.g., geriatric nurses, ICU nurses, nurse anesthetists). Some countries are expanding the scope of nurse practitioners to alleviate doctor shortages.
• Physicians and Surgeons: There will be continued need for doctors, especially geriatricians, oncologists, and other specialists for diseases of aging. Telemedicine is extending the reach of physicians (allowing, for example, urban doctors to consult patients in remote areas), which may improve efficiency but not significantly reduce doctor demand. Also, new roles like Genetic Counselors and Telehealth Physicians are emerging as technology and personalized medicine advance.
• Healthcare Technologists: The fusion of tech and health is giving rise to roles such as Health Informatics Specialists, Telemedicine Coordinators, Medical Robotics Technicians, and AI Diagnostics Developers. For instance, managing and analyzing electronic health records requires IT professionals in healthcare settings. The WEF notes that digitization in healthcare (like telehealth platforms, AI imaging tools) will create new jobs alongside traditional roles mckinsey.com.
• Personal Care and Home Health Aides: These are among the fastest-growing job categories in many countries (often low-paid but in high demand). Home health aides, caregivers, and personal support workers assist the elderly or disabled with daily activities. The U.S. expects over a million new home health and personal care aide jobs in the decade. Similarly, countries like Japan are seeking more care aides (even looking to robotics to supplement the workforce).
• Mental Health Professionals: Societal awareness of mental health is improving, and more resources are being devoted to it. Jobs for Psychologists, Therapists, Counselors, and Psychiatric Nurses are on the rise. The pandemic also highlighted the need for mental health support, boosting demand for these roles including new ones like Online Counselor or Digital Mental Health Coach.
• Medical Researchers and Public Health Experts: The rush to develop COVID-19 vaccines exemplified the importance of biotech and research jobs. Going forward, Biotechnologists, Epidemiologists, Public Health Analysts, and Pharmacologists will continue to see growth as we combat diseases (from chronic illnesses to potential new pandemics). The pharma industry is investing in roles around gene therapy, mRNA technology, and medical AI. Public health agencies also need analysts to use health data for preventing outbreaks.

Roles under pressure: While healthcare overall is expanding, certain roles might change or face constraints. For example, medical transcriptionists (who transcribe doctor’s audio notes) are being augmented or replaced by speech-to-text software. Some administrative roles in healthcare (billing, coding) could be automated by AI. However, those workers can often be retrained for other support roles. Another pressure point is cost: in countries where healthcare is privatized, providers may try to cut costs by automating pharmacy dispensing (reducing pharmacy tech jobs) or using AI for preliminary diagnoses (affecting some diagnostic lab roles). Yet, given the complexity and human-centric nature of care, wholly eliminating jobs is unlikely; rather, healthcare workers will increasingly work with technology (e.g., a radiologist uses AI to help analyze scans faster).

An interesting dynamic is the global competition for healthcare talent. Richer countries actively recruit doctors and nurses from abroad, which can create shortages in the home countries of those workers. This has led to efforts to train more medical personnel domestically in developing countries and to improve retention (to avoid “brain drain”). Some experts suggest task-shifting – training mid-level health workers to do tasks traditionally done by doctors – to meet demand in resource-constrained areas.

Care economy: The concept of the “care economy” extends beyond healthcare to all caregiving – child care, elder care, education, etc. Jobs in this domain, such as Daycare Workers, Preschool Teachers, Elderly Companions, and Social Workers, are all set to grow. These roles are vital for societal well-being and also enable others (like working parents) to participate in the workforce. Many care jobs have historically been low-status or unpaid (done by family members), but there is a push to professionalize and better compensate care workers, as evidenced by policy proposals in various countries for subsidized childcare or improved care worker training. Investing in the care economy can have a big job multiplier: one study cited by the WEF found that investing in nursing and social care in the US could yield a “3.1 trillion GDP return” due to improved health outcomes and gender parity gains www6.twstalker.com.

Expert insight: The healthcare sector is somewhat shielded from automation compared to manufacturing or clerical work because of the irreplaceable human element – empathy, complex decision-making in unpredictable situations, and high stakes where trust in human judgment is paramount. Klaus Schwab of WEF has noted that while we can automate procedures or diagnostics, “the human touch in healthcare remains irreplaceable.” That said, there is excitement about technology’s ability to empower healthcare workers – for example, AI assisting in early cancer detection or robots handling repetitive tasks in a hospital so nurses can spend more time with patients. The key, many analysts say, is to integrate technology in a way that enhances care rather than aiming to replace caregivers.

Outlook: Healthcare and social assistance is projected to be the fastest-growing sector in employment in many economies through 2030. The pandemic also underscored the heroism and necessity of health workers, which could attract more young people to these careers (if paired with better pay). Governments face the policy question of how to fund expanding healthcare needs – whether through public healthcare, insurance reforms, or new care models – but regardless of funding mechanisms, the labor demand is unequivocal. The jobs of tomorrow in healthcare will span high-tech roles (like genetic editing specialists) to high-touch roles (like elder companions), offering opportunities at all skill levels. Training and retaining enough healthcare workers will be a critical challenge; without proactive measures, we could see severe shortages in critical roles like nursing. In essence, taking care of the aging and the sick will be one of humanity’s biggest workforce efforts in the coming decades, making the care economy a central pillar of future labor markets.

Manufacturing and Industry 4.0

Overview: Manufacturing has historically been a major employer, especially for workers without advanced degrees. However, with the advent of Industry 4.0 – integrating automation, IoT, and advanced robotics on the factory floor – manufacturing employment is evolving. While traditional assembly line jobs are declining in many countries, new high-tech manufacturing roles are emerging. There is also geographic rebalancing, as noted earlier, with some production shifting locations. WEF’s data interestingly showed that manufacturing may experience lower-than-average job churn in the next five years weforum.org, possibly because a lot of automation impact has already been absorbed in past decades, and certain manufacturing sub-sectors are stable or growing (like advanced electronics). Nonetheless, the nature of manufacturing work is changing significantly.

Key job roles growing or changing:

• Industrial Automation Specialists: As factories adopt robotics and AI, they need Automation Engineers, Robotics Technicians, and Industrial IoT Specialists to design, program, and maintain automated systems. These roles are essentially the new face of manufacturing employment. For example, Collaborative Robot Technicians (“Cobot” techs) maintain robots that work alongside humans on production lines. Demand for automation experts is rising in automotive, electronics, logistics, and even food processing industries.
• Advanced Manufacturing Technicians: This includes CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machinists, 3D Printing Technicians, Laser Cutting Specialists, etc. Traditional machinist roles are becoming more computerized – a worker now might oversee several CNC machines rather than manually machining parts. The growth of additive manufacturing (3D printing) in aerospace, healthcare (prosthetics), and tooling is creating jobs for technicians who can operate and troubleshoot 3D printers.
• Maintenance and Machinery Repairers: While fewer workers may be needed to run automated production lines, those lines still require maintenance. In fact, WEF found Mechanics and Machinery Repairers will see job growth (around 2 million new jobs globally by 2027) weforum.org. The skill set is shifting towards more electrical and software knowledge (mechatronics). For instance, maintaining a modern car factory’s equipment involves understanding robotics, sensors, and PLC (programmable logic controller) systems.
• Quality Control and Safety Specialists: With advanced processes, ensuring quality and safety remains paramount. Jobs like Quality Assurance Analyst, Industrial Safety Engineer, and Supply Chain Traceability Specialist are important to maintain standards in high-tech manufacturing. Also, as products become more complex (e.g., an electric car battery pack), specialized inspectors and testers are needed.
• Manufacturing Design and R&D: A lot of manufacturing employment has moved upstream to R&D and design. Roles such as Product Design Engineers, Process Engineers, Materials Scientists, and Prototype Fabricators are growing as companies emphasize innovation. For example, the push for new sustainable materials (bioplastics, carbon fiber composites, etc.) creates needs for materials engineers and chemical process developers. These are typically high-skill jobs requiring STEM degrees.
• Operators in Emerging Markets: On a global scale, while advanced economies automate, some emerging economies are still growing more labor-intensive manufacturing as they industrialize. So jobs for assembly operators, textile machine workers, and basic manufacturing operatives are still being created in countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Ethiopia, even as they decline in developed countries. However, these jobs might be at risk in the longer term as robots get cheaper and more capable.

Roles declining:
Traditional low-skill manufacturing jobs – line assemblers, fabricators, packagers – continue to decline in high-cost countries due to automation and offshoring. For instance, an automobile factory today produces significantly more units per worker than 30 years ago thanks to robotic welding and painting, reducing the need for human assemblers. Even in electronics assembly (which historically relied on cheap human labor, e.g., in Asia), robots are increasingly handling delicate tasks at scale. Foxconn, the major electronics manufacturer, famously announced it had replaced 60,000 workers with robots at one factory a few years ago genesishumanexperience.com. These trends indicate that routine manufacturing jobs are not the stable option they once were.

That said, manufacturing isn’t disappearing – it’s transforming. Some countries like the US have seen a recent uptick in manufacturing job numbers, driven by domestic investment and reshoring, but those jobs often require more technical skills than past assembly line roles. Textile and apparel manufacturing jobs, in particular, have been dwindling for decades in advanced economies, and automation (like robotic sewing machines) may eventually reduce labor needs even in developing countries where much garment work is done today.

Regional perspective: Automation adoption is highest in places like Japan, South Korea, Germany – which have among the highest densities of industrial robots per worker. These countries have seen declines in manufacturing employment share, but those jobs that remain are often higher-skilled (and better paid). In emerging Asia, manufacturing employment is still climbing, but there is concern of “premature automation” – where developing nations automate before they fully reap the demographic dividend of abundant labor, potentially limiting job creation. Policies vary: China, facing rising wages, is aggressively automating (it’s the world’s largest market for industrial robots) to maintain manufacturing output with fewer workers. In contrast, countries like India still rely on more labor-intensive manufacturing in sectors like textiles but are also exploring automation in others. Government industrial policies (like subsidies, tariffs, etc.) will influence where factories – and thus factory jobs – grow.

Expert insight: Many experts see the future of manufacturing jobs requiring a different profile of worker – one who is part technician, part analyst. “The factory of the future will have only two employees: a man and a dog,” goes a tongue-in-cheek saying, “the man is there to feed the dog, and the dog is there to keep the man from touching the equipment.” This exaggeration highlights a truth: factories need people to manage and maintain automated systems, not to do all the physical work themselves. However, plenty of skeptics note that automation can hit diminishing returns and there will still be tasks where humans are flexible and cost-effective (especially in countries with lower wages).

Interestingly, WEF’s Future of Jobs 2023 indicates manufacturing might see less churn than sectors like media or finance in the short term weforum.org. This might be because the sector already underwent heavy automation in the 1990s-2000s and near-term changes are more incremental. Also, new manufacturing sub-sectors (like assembly of electric vehicle batteries, or production of wind turbines) are adding jobs. For example, battery gigafactories under construction in Europe and North America promise thousands of new positions – albeit in roles like machine operators, chemical handlers, etc., which involve overseeing automated production of battery cells.

Outlook: Manufacturing will remain a vital sector but with fewer low-skilled jobs and more high-skilled jobs. A smaller number of highly trained technicians can supervise what used to require hundreds of hands. Workers who can work with advanced machines (rather than perform as machines) will be in demand. For mid-career manufacturing workers today, the path to staying relevant is through reskilling – learning to operate CNC machines, program robots, or analyze production data. On the flip side, there may be a shortage of skilled trades in manufacturing (like millwrights, welders, industrial electricians) because younger workers have not been entering those fields in sufficient numbers; this shortage could actually create opportunities (with good salaries) for those who do pursue vocational training in these areas. Governments are also investing in apprenticeship programs to build up the next generation of manufacturing talent who are comfortable in a digitized factory setting. All told, the manufacturing of tomorrow is cleaner, more tech-heavy, and more productive – meaning more output with possibly slightly fewer workers, but those workers being more specialized. Ensuring that manufacturing remains a source of good jobs is a policy priority, since it’s historically been a pathway to the middle class for many without higher education. Industry 4.0 must be matched by “Worker 4.0” – a workforce trained for the new manufacturing paradigm.

Education and Lifelong Learning

Overview: The education sector is both a response to and a foundation for all the changes discussed. As job requirements evolve rapidly, education and training jobs are poised to grow, focusing not only on children and young adults but also on continuous upskilling of the existing workforce. The WEF reports that the education industry will see significant expansion – projecting around 10% growth in jobs by 2027, which translates to about 3 million new teaching jobs at the secondary and higher education levels alone weforum.org. Moreover, the methods of education are shifting, with technology-enabled learning (EdTech) becoming mainstream. The concept of lifelong learning is taking hold, meaning education isn’t confined to the first two decades of life but recurs throughout one’s career.

Key job roles growing:

• Teachers and Professors: There is rising demand for educators at all levels, from early childhood to university. Vocational education teachers are specifically highlighted by WEF as a high-growth role (~10% growth, adding millions of jobs) weforum.org. This is likely due to the need for more technical and trade skills training to fill skill gaps. In many countries, there are teacher shortages, especially in STEM subjects, rural areas, and fast-growing developing regions. Thus, Math, Science, Computer Science, and Engineering teachers are in great demand. Additionally, as tertiary enrollment increases globally, more university lecturers and tutors are needed.
• Corporate Trainers and Coaches: Companies are investing more in in-house training and continuous development programs for their employees. This creates roles for Corporate Trainers, Learning & Development (L&D) Specialists, and Career Coaches. According to WEF, around 42% of companies are set to prioritize training workers in areas like AI and big data by 2027 weforum.org. This implies a need for trainers who can teach tech skills as well as soft skills. The rise of jobs like “DevOps Coach” or “Agile Trainer” in tech firms is an example of niche educational roles within industries.
• Online Education Professionals: The massive shift to online learning (accelerated by the pandemic) has given rise to roles such as Instructional Designers, E-learning Content Developers, and Online Course Instructors. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and numerous university and corporate e-learning portals hire experts to create digital curricula. Even traditional teachers have had to become adept at digital delivery. There’s also growing demand for educational technologists who manage LMS (Learning Management Systems) and implement digital tools in classrooms.
• Tutors and Private Education:* In many countries, supplemental education (tutoring, test prep, enrichment classes) is a huge industry. Jobs for Tutors, Mentors, and Skill Trainers (like coding bootcamp instructors, language tutors, etc.) are multiplying. With remote work and gig platforms, a tutor in one country can now teach students globally via Zoom. For example, English language teaching online has created jobs for thousands of tutors connecting with students in East Asia and elsewhere.
• Educational Administrators and Counselors: Expanding educational programs means more roles for School Administrators, Academic Advisors, Admission Counselors, and Education Consultants. Also, as career pathways become less linear, Career Counselors and guidance advisors in both schools and universities are increasingly important to help students navigate the “jobs of tomorrow.” Even mid-career professionals seek career coaching, which has become a recognized field.

Roles evolving:
While core education jobs are growing, they are also evolving. Teachers now integrate technology into lessons (blended learning, using AI-driven personalized learning software). This means teachers need new skills themselves – professional development for educators is focusing on digital literacy and new pedagogies. There is also a trend towards teaching 21st-century skills (like critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence) rather than rote content, which changes how teachers approach their job. Standardized curricula are being rethought to include more STEM and also more interdisciplinary and soft skills content to prepare students for a changing world.

Additionally, the model of education is shifting from static degrees to continuous learning. This has led universities and training providers to offer micro-credentials, online certificates, and modular learning options. So, a university professor today might not only teach 18–22 year olds in a degree program but also teach 35-year-old professionals in a short upskilling course online. This diversification of learners changes the educator’s role as well.

Skill shift and shortages: There are notable skill shortages in the education sector itself. For example, many countries lack enough qualified STEM teachers, which can become a bottleneck in producing STEM graduates. Some regions also lack early childhood educators, even though that area yields high returns in human development. Recognizing this, some governments are aiming to hire and train thousands of new teachers (for instance, India’s initiative to improve student-teacher ratios, or African nations’ efforts to accommodate very young populations entering school). In the lifelong learning market, subject-matter experts are branching into teaching roles – e.g., experienced coders becoming coding bootcamp instructors – to help transfer knowledge.

EdTech and AI in education: The proliferation of EdTech tools (from interactive learning apps to AI tutoring bots) will create jobs for those who develop and maintain these tools, but also potentially augment or replace some teaching tasks. For example, AI-driven language learning apps can handle basic vocabulary drills, which might reduce the need for human instructors at very elementary levels – or free those instructors to concentrate on higher-value interactions. Similarly, automated grading software can take over routine grading tasks for teachers, giving them more time for student mentorship. Rather than eliminating teachers, these tools aim to enhance productivity and personalize learning. Teachers of the future might act more as facilitators and coaches, using AI insights to help each student, rather than spending as much time on lecturing or paperwork.

Expert insight: Jeff Maggioncalda (Coursera’s CEO) noted that “we’re all in the same boat” when it comes to adapting to rapid changes weforum.org – which is why there’s a growing consensus on the need for scalable education solutions. Organizations like the World Bank and UNESCO emphasize that upskilling a billion people in the next decade is necessary to meet global talent demands. The World Economic Forum launched initiatives to reskill workers, and numerous companies (Google, IBM, etc.) now offer certification programs to train people in tech skills without traditional degrees. This blurring of lines between corporate training and formal education is part of the new landscape. As Saadia Zahidi of WEF said, “supporting the shift to the jobs of the future through education and reskilling is the clear way forward to ensure resilience” weforum.org.

Outlook: Education is the bedrock on which all other future jobs rely. We can expect strong growth in education employment, particularly in roles that directly address the skills gap (vocational trainers, coding instructors, etc.). New kinds of educational content – such as courses on AI ethics, climate change adaptation, or cybersecurity – will become common, requiring instructors in those areas. Moreover, lifelong learning could become an industry as big as conventional schooling, with people cycling in and out of training throughout their careers. This means even someone who is an engineer or a nurse might periodically become a student again, fueling demand for adult education specialists. The challenge will be ensuring quality and accessibility: making sure all populations can benefit (not just those who can afford private courses or who live in developed regions). If done right, the expansion of education jobs and services will play a pivotal role in smoothing the labor market transitions, helping workers continuously adapt to whatever the economy throws at them next.

Creative and Digital Media Industries

Overview: The creative sector – encompassing arts, entertainment, design, media, and content creation – is facing a unique juncture. On one hand, creative jobs that rely on human ingenuity and expression are often thought to be more shielded from automation (since creativity and originality are hard for machines to replicate fully). On the other hand, new technologies (like generative AI) are now intruding into creative domains (writing, illustration, music composition), raising questions about the future of creative work. Despite these disruptions, the creative and cultural industries are growing with the digital economy; demand for content – video, audio, games, experiences – is exploding globally. Moreover, the so-called “creator economy” has opened avenues for individuals to monetize content creation through platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Patreon, etc. The result is a dynamic outlook: many new creative roles will be born, some traditional ones may decline or transform, and creativity itself will remain a prized skill even as the tools of creation evolve.

Key job roles growing:

• Digital Content Creators: This broad category includes YouTubers, Podcasters, Influencers, Bloggers, Livestreamers, and other independent creators who produce content online. A decade ago, these were not considered conventional jobs; today, top content creators reach massive audiences and sometimes earn millions. Even beyond the stars, countless people earn a living as mid-level creators or freelancers (e.g., managing a niche YouTube channel or TikTok consulting for brands). The growth of digital marketing has also fueled related roles like Social Media Manager, Content Strategist, and SEO Specialist – all part of the ecosystem of getting creative content seen online.
• UX/UI and Experience Designers: As more of life moves into digital spaces (websites, apps, AR/VR, games), User Experience (UX) Designers and User Interface (UI) Designers are in great demand. They blend creativity with psychology/tech to craft interfaces that are both beautiful and functional. Additionally, Game Designers, Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality Designers, and Multimedia Artists are emerging roles as immersive experiences and interactive media expand. WEF’s future jobs lists often include Digital Transformation Specialists and Digital Marketing & Strategy Specialists as high-growth roles, reflecting the need for creative digital thinking in businesses weforum.org.
• Creative Tech Specialists: New hybrid roles mix creativity with technical skill. For instance, Creative Coders who use programming in artistic ways (think generative art), AI Prompt Engineers who help guide AI to produce art or text, and Automation Designers who integrate tech into creative workflows. The film/TV and gaming industries increasingly need people who can handle both art and tech – e.g., CGI Artists, 3D Modelers, Animators skilled in the latest software. The global gaming industry is huge and still growing, offering roles from game story writers to level designers and e-sports content creators.
• Writers and Translators (with a twist): While AI can now draft articles or translate text, talented Writers, Editors, and Translators are still needed to create high-quality, nuanced content, especially in storytelling, complex analysis, or brand voice. Many organizations are actually hiring more writers to feed the never-ending content cycle of blogs, social media, and marketing. However, the nature of writing jobs might shift towards those who can edit and improve AI-generated drafts, curate content, or write very original pieces that stand out. Likewise, Localization Experts who adapt content to different languages/cultures remain in demand; even if AI does first-pass translation, humans polish it.
• Performers and Entertainers: Globally, entertainment sectors (film, TV, music, live streaming) are growing as access to content increases. Actors, Musicians, Voice-over Artists, Comedians, and Streaming Personalities are finding new avenues (Netflix, Spotify, Twitch, etc.) to reach audiences. While not everyone will be a superstar, the supporting jobs around them (producers, sound engineers, talent managers, etc.) also flourish. Additionally, there’s growth in niches like Fitness Instructors or Educators turning into content creators (e.g., online yoga teachers with YouTube channels). The boundaries of creative jobs are expanding as everyone from chefs to architects to academics leverage digital media to showcase creative work.

Roles at risk or changing:
Traditional media roles have been undergoing change for years: Print Journalists, Newspaper Editors, and Publishing industry roles have declined with the shift to digital media. Many print publications have downsized or shuttered, though the need for journalism persists in digital form. The music industry has fewer CD factory workers but more need for digital distribution specialists. Graphic Designers face a new challenge: generative AI tools (like DALL-E or Midjourney) can produce artwork or designs with a simple prompt, which might reduce demand for some routine graphic design tasks (like basic logos or illustrations). However, designers often now work as “AI art directors”, using these tools to generate ideas and then refining them, rather than sketching from scratch. Similarly, copywriters (who write advertising copy or product descriptions) see AI encroaching on simple copy tasks; they are shifting to roles that require higher strategy, like branding and campaign concept work, with AI as an assistant.

Another area under question is customer service in creative fields. For example, AI can now compose music or write scripts. Does that threaten composers or screenwriters? It can handle formulaic productions (like background music or simple storylines), but truly creative, breakthrough compositions still largely come from humans. We might see human creators collaborating with AI – e.g., a visual artist generating patterns with AI to incorporate into their work. There might be fewer entry-level gigs for creatives (since an AI can handle some grunt work), meaning the human creatives might need to be more skilled to compete or use AI tools themselves.

Collaborative creativity: A survey by Adobe found a majority of creative professionals believe AI will enhance creativity rather than kill jobs, freeing them from tedious tasks to focus on ideation. In fact, 69% of creatives said generative AI is enhancing their team’s creativity, and 97% were comfortable with its rise forbes.com. This suggests that within creative industries, the prevailing view is cautiously optimistic that AI is another tool – like the camera, or Photoshop – that initially sparked worry but ultimately became part of the creative process. The key is adaptability: a graphic designer who learns to effectively use AI image generators may outpace one who doesn’t, similar to how those who learned Photoshop thrived over those sticking to analog.

Monetization and market shifts: The creative field is also subject to platform dynamics. Many creatives are now essentially entrepreneurs, marketing their work on platforms or freelancing. This gig-like nature means income can be unstable and dependent on algorithms or trends. There’s also a globalization of creative work: companies can hire freelance designers or writers from anywhere in the world on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, increasing competition but also giving talented creatives in low-cost countries access to global clients. Intellectual property and ownership issues are also hot topics (e.g., if AI is trained on artists’ works, how are they compensated?; how do musicians earn in the age of streaming?). These policy and market issues will affect how sustainable creative jobs are.

Outlook: Creative industries will continue to thrive because human culture and demand for entertainment, art, and design are ever-present. The form and delivery will keep evolving – today’s trending job might be Virtual Reality Event Planner or NFT Digital Artist, tomorrow’s could be something like Metaverse Fashion Designer. Many future jobs in creativity might revolve around designing experiences that blend physical and digital (think immersive theme parks, VR concerts, interactive storytelling). Human creativity itself is a comparative advantage over machines, especially when combined with emotional intelligence and context that AI lacks. Roles that heavily rely on those human traits are safer – for instance, creative directors, strategists, innovators who can take abstract inspiration and turn it into resonant content.

At the same time, creatives will incorporate new tech – every designer might have AI assistants, every writer might work with an AI co-writer, every musician might use AI to master tracks or generate ideas. Those who master these tools can increase their productivity and output, potentially leading to more creative content than ever. This could ironically mean more jobs in managing and curating content – as the volume of content explodes, roles for Content Curators, Editors, and Moderators who help filter quality and maintain brand voice become important (already, companies hire social media content reviewers, community managers, etc., to oversee the flood of user-generated content).

In conclusion, the creative sector’s jobs of tomorrow will be a blend of art and tech. As with other fields, continuous skill development is key – the software or platform that’s hot today might be replaced in a few years. Creative workers will need to be agile, learning new media and tools (from TikTok trends to AI platforms) to stay relevant. However, the essence of creative jobs – generating new ideas, touching hearts and minds through narrative, visual, or sonic experiences – remains something uniquely human that society will always cherish.

Global Regional Outlook: The Future of Jobs by Region

The transformation of work will play out differently across regions. Factors like economic development level, demographic profile, and policy environment lead to variations in job growth sectors and challenges between the Global North (advanced economies) and the Global South (developing/emerging economies). Below we examine some regional dynamics:

Advanced Economies (Global North):
In high-income countries (North America, Western Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, etc.), several common themes emerge:

• Aging workforce and labor shortages: Many advanced economies face stagnant or shrinking working-age populations due to low birth rates and retirement of baby boomers. The OECD warns that by 2060, old-age dependency (retirees per worker) will triple in some countries oecd.org. This leads to labor shortages in sectors from healthcare to engineering. For example, Japan already has 1.5 job openings per applicant in many fields. These countries will increasingly rely on automation and possibly immigration to fill gaps. The healthcare sector will balloon to care for the elderly (as discussed, nurses and care workers are in acute shortage), and robotics may be deployed to assist (Japan uses caretaker robots in nursing homes, for instance).
• High-tech and services-driven: Advanced economies are at the frontier of adopting AI and advanced tech, which may displace some jobs (especially mid-skill office jobs) but also create high-skill roles. The U.S. and Europe anticipate growth in digital jobs, green technology jobs, and advanced manufacturing (like semiconductor fabrication which the US/EU are incentivizing domestically). A forecast by WEF for the US sees job gains in technology, renewables, infrastructure, and healthcare, offset by losses in office support and customer service mckinsey.com. Europe’s Green Deal is expected to generate hundreds of thousands of jobs in renewable energy and energy retrofitting in the next decade. Meanwhile, finance, professional services, and creative industries remain strong employers in advanced economies, though they are being transformed by fintech and digital platforms.
• Upskilling imperative: With rapid tech integration, advanced economies have a pressing need to reskill mid-career workers whose jobs are evolving or at risk. The OECD has been urging its members to expand adult training; one OECD analysis noted as many as 27% of jobs in rich countries could be at high risk of automation and workers will need help transitioning cm.asiae.co.kr. The concept of lifelong learning is gaining policy support (e.g., Singapore’s SkillsFuture initiative, Europe’s push for individual learning accounts). High-income nations also are focusing on STEM education and digital literacy from early education onwards to prepare the future workforce.
• Policy and worker support: Advanced economies often have stronger social safety nets, which could cushion the impact of job churn (e.g., unemployment benefits, retraining programs). Some European countries are experimenting with reduced work weeks (like 4-day work week pilots) possibly to distribute work in an era of automation – a trend that could expand if productivity allows. Additionally, labor regulations and strong worker voices (unions) in Europe mean that adoption of tech may be more negotiated (like co-bots working with people rather than wholesale replacement).

Emerging Economies (Global South):
This group is diverse, including fast-growing giants like China and India, middle-income nations across Asia and Latin America, and low-income countries especially in Africa. Their outlooks have commonalities but also key differences:

• Youthful workforce and job creation needs: Many developing countries have rapidly growing labor forces. For instance, India and much of Africa have median ages under 30 and millions of new entrants to the job market each year weforum.org. The challenge is to create enough jobs to absorb this youth bulge. Traditional manufacturing was a pathway for East Asian economies (e.g., China, South Korea) to employ large numbers of young workers, but manufacturing is more automated now and global competition is fierce. Thus, countries like India, Nigeria, and others are looking to services and entrepreneurship to generate jobs. The World Bank projects that Africa will need to create on the order of million+ new jobs per month to keep up with its population growth – a daunting task worldbank.org. There’s urgency around fostering small business growth, improving ease of doing business, and investing in sectors that can scale labor-intensive hiring (like construction, agriculture value-add, textiles, tourism, and digital services).
• Leapfrogging and digital economy: Many emerging economies are trying to leapfrog directly into the digital age. Mobile technology adoption has been high (e.g., widespread mobile payments in Africa), enabling new digital services. Countries like India and the Philippines have become IT and BPO outsourcing hubs, leveraging lower labor costs and educated English-speaking youth to serve global clients. This has created millions of jobs in call centers, software development, and back-office processing in those countries. As remote work becomes normalized, more emerging economy workers might plug into overseas jobs without emigrating. The WEF notes that “countries seeing population growth are expected to supply nearly two-thirds of new workforce entrants, and remote work means some won’t have to emigrate to take up positions around the world.” weforum.org. This is a huge opportunity – for example, an African coder can work for a European tech company remotely, bringing income and skills into the region.
• Manufacturing and industrialization: China’s rise as the “world’s factory” is now leveling off as China automates and as wages rose. This opens room for other developing nations to capture manufacturing jobs (sometimes called the “China+1” strategy of companies diversifying production). Already, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia have picked up garment, footwear, and electronics assembly jobs. Mexico is seeing manufacturing growth due to US near-shoring. However, the window for labor-intensive manufacturing might close faster now due to automation and shifting trade politics. Countries in Africa (like Ethiopia or Ghana) still have potential to industrialize in light manufacturing, but need infrastructure and investment. There’s also a push for local manufacturing of value-added goods (e.g., food processing, construction materials) within developing regions to create jobs and reduce imports.
• Agriculture and urbanization: Many poorer countries still have a large share of employment in agriculture, often low-productivity subsistence farming. As they develop, typically agricultural employment share drops and service/manufacturing rises. The future of rural jobs depends on mechanization and agribusiness growth. There is potential in agritech – using drones, irrigation tech, new crop varieties – to both increase productivity and create skilled jobs in rural areas (like agronomists, farm equipment technicians). Nonetheless, a big trend is urbanization – millions moving to cities, requiring job growth in urban industries. Construction is a big employer during urbanization (building housing and infrastructure). For example, the construction sector could add many jobs in Africa and South Asia, where infrastructure deficits are high. ILO projected a possible 80 million jobs from infrastructure investment globally under an accelerated scenario mckinsey.com, much of that would be in developing countries building roads, bridges, power grids, etc.
• Education and skill gap: A major bottleneck for many emerging economies is the skill level of the workforce. Literacy and basic education have improved greatly worldwide, but there’s still a gap in higher-order skills. Many companies in developing countries report difficulty finding candidates with the right technical or soft skills. For instance, in Sub-Saharan Africa, while talent availability (number of people) is high, many businesses see a skills gap as a barrier to growth weforum.org. Countries are investing in education (e.g., expansions of university and vocational training). International organizations call for more focus on TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) in developing nations to produce electricians, plumbers, mechanics, etc., that are needed for industrial growth. Also, a focus on digital skills is emerging – for example, countries like Nigeria and Kenya have programs to teach coding to youth, aiming to become ICT hubs.
• Informal economy to formal jobs: A significant aspect of jobs in developing countries is the informal sector – street vendors, informal transport, small family enterprises – which often accounts for 50% or more of employment. The productivity and income in informal work are usually low. The goal is often to transition these into formal jobs with better pay and security. This can happen through small business growth, microfinance enabling scaling of informal businesses, or government programs that formalize and support certain sectors (like registering and supporting market traders or giving land titles to farmers to invest in their land). How successfully countries manage this transition will affect poverty reduction and living standards.
• Regional specifics:
  • East Asia & Pacific: China’s workforce is peaking and aging; it’s automating and moving into higher value tech and services, while outsourcing some manufacturing to neighbors. ASEAN countries (Southeast Asia) benefit from manufacturing shifts and have a young demographic; they’re focusing on electronics, automotive assembly, and also digital services (Malaysia, Philippines in BPO).
  • South Asia: India has a huge youth cohort and aims to be both a tech/services hub and revive manufacturing via initiatives like “Make in India”. IT services remain a strong sector (India’s tech workforce is millions strong and growing, including new fields like AI, though brain drain is a risk as many emigrate). Bangladesh has become a top garment exporter, employing millions (mostly women) in textiles – the future challenge is diversifying beyond garments and moving up the value chain.
  • Latin America: Many countries here (Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, etc.) are upper-middle income and have relatively well-educated workforces, but struggle with sluggish growth. Key sectors include natural resources (mining, agriculture) and growing tech startup scenes in some cities. Near-shoring (for US market) could boost manufacturing in Mexico and Central America. Also, the green transition is creating jobs (like Brazil’s biofuels industry). Youth unemployment and informality remain issues in parts of Latin America, requiring entrepreneurship support and integration into formal economy.
  • Middle East: Oil-rich Gulf states are trying to diversify – investing in tourism, entertainment, tech – to provide private sector jobs for citizens (currently many rely on public sector jobs). Meanwhile, countries like Egypt with large populations are focusing on manufacturing and ICT outsourcing. Political instability in some areas hurts job growth.
  • Africa: As discussed, Africa’s big opportunity is a young workforce that by 2035 will be larger than the rest of the world’s combined youth. If harnessed, this “demographic dividend” could transform the continent. Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa are spearheading tech adoption and have vibrant entrepreneurial scenes (sometimes dubbed “Silicon Savannah” for Nairobi, etc.). Green energy also holds promise – for instance, Kenya already generates most power from renewables, creating jobs in geothermal and wind farms. However, infrastructure gaps and governance issues can impede growth. The FSD Africa report anticipating 3.3 million new green jobs in Africa by 2030 shows the potential if investments align with climate action fsdafrica.org. There’s also a huge need for jobs in basic services (education, healthcare) as populations grow – making those sectors critical employers.

Inter-regional labor mobility: It’s also important to note how regions interact. Migrant workers from developing countries often fill demand in advanced ones (e.g., millions of South Asian workers in the Middle East construction, African nurses in Europe, Filipino sailors globally, etc.). Remittances from these workers are a big economic factor back home and may continue or even increase as some populations age and need foreign labor. Policies around migration (whether restrictive or facilitative) will influence how the global workforce allocates.

Global inequality concerns: One concern is that without intervention, automation could widen the gap between rich and poor regions. Advanced economies might onshore automated production (gaining high-skill jobs) while emerging economies lose the chance to develop via labor-intensive industries. This is why organizations like the UN and World Bank stress technology transfer and capacity building in developing nations, and support for “just transitions” that include poorer countries in the green and digital revolutions.

Regional bright spots: On a positive note, emerging markets are also emerging innovators. For example, India is a world leader in frugal engineering (affordable innovation), and African startups are leapfrogging in fintech (mobile banking in Kenya, Nigeria’s booming fintech scene). These homegrown innovations can create jobs and even be exported. There’s also a push for regional integration – like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – which could open up larger markets, spurring job creation across borders (e.g., a unified African market might encourage manufacturing plants to serve 1.3 billion consumers, creating jobs).

In summary, regional outlooks vary: Advanced economies focus on tech, aging, and upskilling; emerging ones focus on job quantity, youth employment, and building new industries often from scratch. But both share a need to adapt education and embrace innovation to ensure their populations can thrive in the new world of work. As WEF’s Future of Jobs survey indicates, employers in Sub-Saharan Africa are actually more optimistic about talent availability than those elsewhere, thanks to their growing youth, but they also call for more public investment in training (with 73% of Nigerian firms wanting more funding for upskilling, vs 47% globally) weforum.org. This highlights that with the right investments in people, any region can turn its demographic and technological situation into an opportunity.

Emerging Roles vs. Declining Roles: A Comparison

To crystallize the contrast between the jobs of tomorrow and those being left behind, the following table summarizes examples of fast-growing occupations and, opposite them, roles projected to decline rapidly. These trends reflect global averages, and outcomes may vary by region, but they illustrate the broad direction of change:

Sources: World Economic Forum Future of Jobs 2023 report projections weforum.org, which surveyed employers on expected growth/decline by 2027, and other analyses as cited.

As shown above, technology and sustainability-oriented roles dominate the emerging jobs (along with creative and digital roles not listed in the table, but discussed elsewhere). In contrast, routine clerical, support, and manual roles are most susceptible to decline. For example, the fastest-growing job category – Autonomous & Electric Vehicle Specialists – aligns with the shift to new tech in transportation weforum.org. The fastest-declining – bank tellers – reflects digitalization of banking eliminating the need for many in-person transactions weforum.org. It’s important to note that “declining” doesn’t mean these jobs vanish overnight; rather, they may stagnate or gradually reduce through attrition and lower hiring. Meanwhile, emerging roles often require new skills and training pipelines to be filled.

The largest absolute gains in jobs (not just percent growth) are sometimes in more traditional fields boosted by secular trends: WEF finds Education (teachers) and Agriculture (equipment operators) could add millions of jobs weforum.org, and roles like Heavy Truck Drivers, Vocational Teachers, and Mechanics could each see ~2 million new positions globally weforum.org – partly due to growing economies and infrastructure needs. On the flip side, the largest absolute losses are in clerical categories: data clerks (−8 million jobs), secretaries, and accounting clerks together account for over half of all job losses expected in the next five years weforum.org. This underscores how office automation is a major force of displacement.

In sum, the job landscape is polarizing: high-skill, tech-heavy or human-centric roles are rising, while mid-skill routine roles shrink. However, with proactive skilling, workers can move from declining areas into the new opportunities. The next section addresses what skills and education strategies will be crucial in enabling such transitions.

Skills Shifts and Educational Implications

The emergence of new jobs and the transformation of old ones place an urgent spotlight on skills. The ability of the workforce to meet future job requirements hinges on significant changes in education and training systems. The consensus among experts and organizations is clear: we are in a skills race, and nations, businesses, and individuals must invest in reskilling (learning new skills for a career change) and upskilling (enhancing current skills) at an unprecedented scale.

Top skills of tomorrow: According to the WEF Future of Jobs Survey, employers believe nearly half of all employees’ core skills will need updating by 2027 weforum.org. The skills with increasing importance are predominantly cognitive and socio-emotional. The WEF lists the top skills for 2025 as analytical thinking and innovation, active learning, complex problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, originality, leadership and social influence, technology use and development, resilience, stress tolerance, and flexibility weforum.org.

In simpler terms:

• Cognitive skills: such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity are crucial because automation handles routine tasks, leaving humans to do the non-routine, thought-intensive work. For example, making sense of big data requires analytical skills; brainstorming an ad campaign needs creativity.
• Digital and technical skills: including not just advanced IT skills (like programming, data analysis, AI training) but also baseline digital literacy for all workers. McKinsey estimates demand for advanced tech skills could grow 50-90% by 2030 in various economies mckinsey.com. Skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, machine operation (for manufacturing), and digital marketing are all part of this. Even roles not traditionally “tech” (like farmers or nurses) are increasingly expected to use digital tools (farm drones, electronic health records).
• Social and communication skills: As automation takes over technical tasks, human interaction becomes a larger share of many jobs (e.g., nurses focusing more on patient interaction as paperwork is digitized). Skills like communication, negotiation, customer service, and collaboration are highly valued. Leadership and people management are also key for roles that coordinate teams (especially as work becomes more interdisciplinary and project-based).
• Adaptability and learning mindset: Given how fast skills become outdated, the meta-skill of learning how to learn is essential. Employers value workers who are self-motivated to continuously pick up new tools or knowledge (often referred to as having a “growth mindset” or being an “active learner”). Flexibility and adaptability were singled out in the WEF report as rising in prominence weforum.org.
• Specialized skills in emerging fields: For those targeting high-growth sectors, very specific skills are in demand – e.g., understanding of ESG reporting standards for sustainability jobs, knowledge of genomics for biotech jobs, mastery of certain programming languages or AI frameworks for tech jobs, and so on. These are often acquired through targeted training programs or higher education in specialized fields.

The reskilling challenge: The numbers often cited are staggering – the WEF’s 2020 report estimated around 1 billion people worldwide need reskilling by 2030 to be ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The 2025 WEF findings indicate 60% of workers will require training before 2030 to keep pace www6.twstalker.com. This includes workers at all levels: from a factory worker learning to maintain robots, to a bank employee learning data analytics, to a petroleum engineer learning renewable energy tech.

Companies are increasingly aware of this need. Many large firms have launched in-house “academies” or partnered with online learning platforms to retrain staff. For example, Amazon committed to spend $700 million to upskill 100,000 of its employees by 2025 into more advanced roles (like moving a warehouse worker into an IT technician role). Likewise, PwC launched a “New World, New Skills” program to upskill all its employees in data and automation.

However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often lack the resources for extensive training, which is where government support can help. We see national programs: Singapore’s SkillsFuture credits every adult with funds for training; France created a Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF) for workers to spend on courses; some Nordic countries integrate continuous learning into their labor policies. The OECD Employment Outlook 2025 emphasizes scaling up adult learning and on-the-job training, noting it’s crucial to move workers from shrinking sectors to growing ones wecglobal.org.

Education system reforms: The pipeline of future workers (students in schools and universities now) also needs alignment with future jobs. Many countries are updating curricula to emphasize STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) because of high demand for those skills. Coding and computer science are being introduced at earlier ages. Equally, there’s recognition that soft skills and creativity should be nurtured – for instance, more project-based learning, teamwork exercises, and problem-solving activities rather than rote memorization.

Vocational and technical education is getting overdue attention. Some of the fastest job growth is in “middle-skill” jobs that require more than high school but less than a 4-year college degree (think of technicians, electricians, healthcare technicians, etc.). Strengthening vocational training, apprenticeships, and community college programs can fill this need. Germany’s apprenticeship model is often cited as gold standard, and other countries are trying to emulate aspects of it (apprentices splitting time between class and paid work, learning relevant skills). In the UK, apprenticeships have expanded into fields like digital marketing and cybersecurity, not just traditional trades.

Higher education adapting: Universities are under pressure to produce graduates who are “job-ready.” This has led to more interdisciplinary programs (e.g., combining computer science with ethics, or business with data analytics) and more practical experience (internships, co-op programs). Also, lifelong learning means universities are catering to working adults with flexible online masters, micro-credentials, or certificate courses. There’s also growth in bootcamps and private institutes for specific skills (coding bootcamps, UX design academies, etc.), which often partner with employers to place graduates quickly.

Another trend is companies themselves sometimes bypassing formal education requirements: Some big tech firms have dropped the prerequisite of a college degree for certain roles, instead focusing on skills assessments. If this trend grows, we might see a shift where portfolios and certifications matter more than diplomas in hiring. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning, offering certified courses from universities or companies (like Google Career Certificates), are providing alternative pathways to skill acquisition.

Addressing inequality in skill development: A major concern is to ensure access to skill-building for all. Historically, those with higher education and income have more opportunities to reskill (they can afford courses, or their employer invests in them). Meanwhile, lower-skilled workers who most need retraining (like a displaced factory worker) may have the least support. Policymakers are looking at ways to reach these workers – through community-based training centers, subsidies or stipends to take time for training, or integrating basic skills training (like digital literacy) into unemployment programs. There’s also focus on underrepresented groups – for example, getting more women into STEM (since women are currently underrepresented in tech jobs but overrepresented in some shrinking clerical jobs), or providing training and job placement for workers in rust-belt regions or marginalized communities.

Lifelong guidance: With careers becoming non-linear, individuals will likely navigate multiple transitions. This raises the importance of career counseling and guidance not just for youth but throughout life. Governments and companies are starting to offer career navigation services – from AI tools that suggest career moves based on one’s skills, to human career coaches. For instance, some Nordic countries have career helplines available to any citizen considering a job change or training.

Mindset and cultural shift: Culturally, there’s a shift needed to view mid-career education positively. Lifelong learning can’t be an afterthought; it must become a normal part of working life. Employers need to value continuous learning (possibly treating time spent in training as valuable as time spent working). Workers need to embrace that investing time in learning new skills is key to job security. In some sense, “the ability to learn new things” is itself the most critical skill in a future where change is the only constant.

Success stories & quotes: We see encouraging examples like AT&T’s reskilling initiative (“Future Ready”) where employees took online nanodegrees in areas like data science – those who did were often able to move into newer roles within the company, reducing layoffs. Another example is workforce programs in places like Switzerland or Singapore that proactively train workers for anticipated job openings in coming sectors (healthcare, green tech, etc.), thereby smoothing labor market shifts.

As Saadia Zahidi succinctly said, “The good news is that there is a clear way forward to ensure resilience… invest in education, reskilling and support structures so individuals are at the heart of the future of work.” weforum.org. Similarly, labor economist David Autor has noted that education is the engine of adaptability, arguing that investing in human capital is the best defense against automation fears. The ILO’s Global Commission on Future of Work advocated a universal entitlement to lifelong learning for all, to enable people to skill, reskill and upskill throughout their lives.

Implications for educational institutions: They must become more flexible and responsive. This might mean shorter courses, stackable credentials, stronger links with industry to know what skills are needed, and incorporating experiential learning. It also means focusing not just on imparting knowledge, but on teaching students how to think and learn, so they can continue learning on their own later.

Soft skills and meta-skills: An interesting insight from employers is that while technical skills often top the list for hiring, soft skills are what differentiate great employees and are harder to teach. Skills like creativity, teamwork, and communication are developed over years and through practice. Thus, education systems are looking to nurture these from early on – for instance, group projects to build teamwork, or arts to build creativity.

In conclusion, the future job market belongs to the skilled, but skill itself is a moving target. Individuals, educational systems, and policymakers must foster an environment where continuous skill development is supported and celebrated. If successful, this will not only help people fill the jobs of tomorrow, but also create the jobs of tomorrow – because an agile, skilled workforce is the foundation of innovation and economic growth. The ultimate goal is a future of work where workers are empowered with the skills and adaptability to thrive in any sector shifts, ensuring inclusive prosperity in the face of transformative change.

Sources: The insights and data in this report were drawn from a range of authoritative sources, including the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs reports weforum.org, expert commentary from industry and academia weforum.org, forecasts by international organizations like the ILOweforum.org, OECD, and McKinsey Global Institute genesishumanexperience.com, mckinsey.com, and various research studies and surveys that shed light on employment trends in different regions and sectors. These sources are cited throughout the text to substantiate facts and projections. The converging message is that while the world of work is in flux, thoughtful investment in people – through education, training, and supportive policies – can ensure that the jobs of tomorrow bring widespread opportunity and prosperity across all sectors and regions. weforum.org